usatoday--2020-03-23--Coronavirus stimulus package fails to pass initial procedural hurdle, leaving fate of bill in doubt

Coronavirus stimulus package fails to pass initial procedural hurdle, leaving fate of bill in doubt  - updates

A massive stimulus package to blunt the economic effects of the coronavirus failed to pass an initial procedural hurdle Sunday evening by a 47-47 vote .
The motion needed the votes of at least 3/5 of the full Senate .
Speaking on the Senate floor before the vote , McConnell suggested the final bill was not yet ready , saying “ discussions continue on the package.
” As of Sunday , Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , R-Ky. , called for a bill that would address the needs of individuals and families , deliver relief to small businesses , stabilize @ @ @ @ @ @ @ send resources to health care workers and providers .
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer , D-N.Y. , had asked for a bill that would boost resources for health care professionals and give more direct payments to workers than Republicans had wanted .
Schumer told reporters in the Capitol the Republican plan would assist large companies “ with no protections for workers and virtually no oversight.
” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi had objected to the first version pitched by McConnell , claiming it did n't do enough to protect workers and gave too much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Senate to pass the bill by Monday , but the chances of a Monday approval are not likely after Sunday ’ s vote .
The Majority Leader voted `` no , '' which allows filing a motion that allows him to bring up the bill again this week .
President Donald Trump told reporters that undocumented immigrants will have access to testing without fear of arrest or deportation .
`` If that 's not the policy I 'll make it the policy , '' Trump said when asked whether undocumented immigrants could be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that person . ''
More : Undocumented immigrants , fearful of Trump administration , could be hit hard by coronavirus Vice President Mike Pence also pointed out that Customs and Border Protection said in its latest guidance it would not target emergency rooms or health clinics as the nation grapples with the unfolding coronavirus crisis .
The Trump administration announced a `` public charge '' rule last month as part of its hardline immigration policy , rendering immigrants ineligible for citizenship or residency if they rely on government benefits or are considered likely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Immigration advocates are concerned that rule could leave undocumented immigrants who are trying to legalize their status hesitant to seek out medical assistance amid the deadly outbreak .
Trump told reporters Sunday it was important to test undocumented immigrants because `` we do n't want to send that person back into wherever we 're sending that person . ''
Donald Trump states the obvious : ' I 'm a little bit upset with China' President Donald Trump spoke a little more sympathetically about China on Sunday , but made clear he still blames @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus .
`` I 'm a little bit upset with China , '' Trump said at a White House briefing on coronavirus .
`` They should have told us about this . ''
China , which says it did what it could to contain coronavirus after it broke out in the city of Wuhan , is also angry at Trump for using the phrase `` China virus . ''
Some Chinese officials have promoted conspiracy theories that the virus really started in the United States .
All that said , Trump said he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the coronavirus and sympathizes with Xi 's plight .
`` Look , he does n't want this , '' Trump said .
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer , speaking on the Senate floor , slammed the Republicans ' plan as `` highly partisan . ''
The plan as written included a `` large corporate bailout with no protections for workers '' and did not provide enough funding for healthcare workers and medical funding , Schumer said .
Schumer said negotiations would continue and provisions could change , noting that Treasury Secretary Steven @ @ @ @ @ @ @ half-hour before .
The bill just failed to pass a key procedural hurdle by a 47-47 vote .
It required the votes of three-fifths of senators to pass .
Following the vote , Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said he would bring the bill up again .
The next time they voted , McConnell said , `` hopefully some adults will show up on the other side of the room and understand the gravity of the situation and the need to act before the markets go down further . ''
Stock futures tumbled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the stimulus package hit a roadblock .
Trump says he wo n't 'learn ' anything by calling predecessors for advice When asked whether he 's considered calling one of his predecessors for advice on how to handle a natural disaster , President Donald Trump said that he did n't think he needed to because he has an `` incredible team '' in place .
`` I respect everybody but I feel I have an incredible team and I think we 're doing an incredible job .
When you look at the job @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to do is look at the approval numbers on the job , '' Trump told reporters .
Trump added that if he felt he would save one life by calling he would pick up the phone , but he did n't think he would `` learn much . ''
`` So I do n't want to disturb them , '' he continued .
`` I do n't think I 'm going to learn much and you know I guess you could say that there 's probably a natural inclination not to call @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I called I 'd learned something and that would save one life , it would save one life .
Okay , I would make the call in two minutes but I do n't see that happening . ''
WASHINGTON–The Trump administration is considering the release of some federal prisoners in an attempt to reduce the risk of a larger outbreak of the coronavirus in the nation 's largest prison system .
President Donald Trump Sunday acknowledged the potential vulnerability of elderly inmates , saying that the administration is weighing the move to include @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nation 's largest detention system reported its first known case of the coronavirus involving an inmate .
The prisoner has been quarantined at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn .
Federal officials said the inmate , who was not identified , complained of chest pains March 16 , shortly after arriving at the New York facility .
He was taken to an outside hospital three days later where he was tested for the virus .
Following his March 20 discharge from the hospital , authorities said he returned to the Brooklyn detention center @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Prison officials were notified of the positive test results Saturday .
`` BOP staff will continue to monitor this inmate , '' the agency said in a statement , adding that the prisoner remains in isolation .
`` All ( Centers for Disease Control ) guidelines are being followed , including the conduct of a contact investigation and additional sanitation of affected areas . ''
President Donald Trump could n't resist taking a dig at a political rival Sunday after he was informed that Sen. Mitt Romney was going into self-isolation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in isolation ?
Gee , that 's too bad , '' Trump told reporters .
Just last month , Romney was the only Republican lawmaker to vote for the impeachment of Trump .
Asked if he exercising `` sarcasm '' at the Utah senator , Trump said : `` None whatsoever . ''
President Donald Trump offered best wishes Sunday to members of Congress who tested positive for coronavirus , but he misidentified one of them .
Trump paid tribute to Jose Diaz-Balart , but he is a former congressman and now a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not tested positive for coronavirus .
It 's his brother , Mario Diaz-Balart , who is in Congress and was one of the first lawmakers to announce he had tested positive .
`` To clarify , I do not have coronavirus , '' Jose Diaz-Balert tweeted after the president 's mistake .
`` The President has been in contact with my brother , Congressman @ mariodb who has coronavirus , not me .
I am healthy . ''
Republicans could lose their Senate majority as the novel coronavirus courses through the U.S. Capitol @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as of Sunday afternoon as lawmakers negotiated a massive economic rescue package to help laid-off workers and shuttered businesses .
Sen. Rand Paul , R-Ky. , left the Capitol on Sunday morning after learning he had tested positive for COVID-19 .
Within hours , two other GOP senators – Mike Lee and Mitt Romney , both of Utah – said they would self-quarantine because of their contacts with Paul .
Republicans hold 53 Senate seats , while Democrats hold 45 .
The Senate has two Independents , both of whom caucus with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the virus `` has arrived '' in the Senate and notes that at least 5 senators are in quarantine .
No other senator has tested positive for the virus besides Paul .
But before the Kentucky Republican ’ s disclosure on Sunday , several other GOP senators had gone into isolation because of possible exposure to the virus , including Sens .
Rick Scott of Florida and Cory Gardner of Colorado .
The lawmaker quarantines come as lawmakers debate a sweeping economic stimulus package ahead of Wall Street ’ s Monday opening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ negotiating and sparring over key details of the measure , which would provide direct assistance to individuals and billions of dollars in loans to businesses .
Sen. John Thune , R-S.D.
, said Sunday that lawmakers are speaking with a doctor to determine what steps they should take after Sen. Rand Paul , who was at the Capitol in recent days , tested positive for the coronavirus .
`` We just learned our colleague , Rand Paul , has tested positive for the coronavirus .
Our thoughts and prayers are with him for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Senate floor .
`` We will consult with the attending physician here at the Capitol about appropriate measures for those of us who have been in contact with the senator . ''
Speaking ahead of a procedural vote on a massive stimulus bill that aims to mitigate the economic impact of the outbreak , Thune said Paul 's infection `` is the kind of situation that Americans across the country are dealing with right now .
And it underscores the importance of acting immediately to deliver more relief for the American people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , confirmed he and other lawmakers attended a lunch with Paul on Friday and that they were consulting with doctors to see if they need to self-quarantine .
`` Very , very unhappy to hear that Rand Paul has been diagnosed with COVID-19 , '' Romney told reporters Sunday , adding that he wishes `` him the very best . ''
`` He 's compromised given health conditions he 's had in the past , and so we 'll be praying for him and thinking about him , '' Romney said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to seek medical advice as to what action we should take to make sure that we do n't in any way spread this virus ourselves , '' he continued .
`` We were at a lunch together with Rand and hope he 's doing very well .
But we have to determine if any of us should self-quarantine as a result of being in the same room . ''
Soon after Paul ’ s disclosure , Sen. Mike Lee , R-Utah , went into self-quarantine on the advice of Congress ’ s attending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Paul on Friday .
Lee said he has no symptoms and the physician said he did not need to be tested .
“ However , given the timing , proximity , and duration of my exposure to Sen. Paul , he directed me to self-quarantine for 14 days , ” Lee said in a statement Sunday .
“ That means no traveling or voting.
” McConnell : 'This virus is not going to wait for politics as usual' Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell urged Democrats Sunday to support a massive stimulus package to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus outbreak ahead of a procedural vote on the bill , which , if successful could lead to a final vote Monday .
Earlier Sunday , House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said she would not support the bill as written and indicated she plans to introduce a separate version of the legislation in the House .
McConnell said he had a `` productive meeting '' with Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer , as well as Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin , that led to the bill which he said was `` as bold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deserve '' and `` as thoroughly bipartisan as our process demands . ''
`` Now what we need to do is to move forward , '' he said .
`` This national crisis is not going to wait around if Congress slips back into conventional politics or haggles endlessly over the finer points . ''
Referring to a reported comment from Majority Whip James Clyburn , D-S.C. , that the stimulus bill presented a `` tremendous opportunity to restructure things to fit our vision , '' McConnell said , `` This is not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ national emergency . ''
`` The American people need an outcome and they need it tomorrow , '' he said .
`` What we have is a compromise product which contains ideas , contributions , and priorities on both sides , and which could become law as soon as tomorrow , '' McConnell said .
`` In other words , it 's just about time to take 'yes ' for an answer . ''
Sen. Rand Paul , R-Ky. , tested positive for the COVID-19 coronavirus and is being quarantined , his office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has tested positive for COVID-19 , ” reads a statement on his official Twitter feed .
“ He is feeling fine and is in quarantine .
He is asymptomatic and was tested out of an abundance of caution due to his extensive travel and events .
He was not aware of any direct contact with any infected person .
“ He expects to be back in the Senate after his quarantine period ends and will continue to work for the people of Kentucky at this difficult time .
Ten days ago , our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virtually no staff has had contact with Senator Rand Paul.
” Sergio Gor , Paul 's deputy chief of staff , said the senator `` decided to get tested after attending an event where two individuals subsequently tested positive for COVID-19 , even though he was n't aware of any direct contact with either one of them . ''
Gor said Paul is in a higher risk category after having part of his lung removed last year after it was damaged in a 2017 assault by his neighbor .
Last week , Reps. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McAdams , D-Utah , announced they had tested positive for the virus and dozens of other lawmakers who fear they may have been exposed have undergone self-quarantines .
Paul was on Capitol Hill several days last week .
The statement did not say when Paul tested positive , nor when he might have contracted the illness , but his infection could mean several more lawmakers were exposed .
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said he plans to move forward on a massive stimulus package Sunday , after failing to reach an agreement with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nancy Pelosi , who plans to introduce her own version of the bill .
The Kentucky Republican said the Senate still hold a cloture vote on the bill , scheduled for 3 p.m. EDT , which will limit debate to less than 30 hours before a final vote that he plans to hold on Monday .
McConnell said it “ would be best for the country ” if Pelosi and House Democrats pass the Senate measure .
“ I believe that ’ s the way it will end , and that ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go forward , ” he said .
He added that negotiations will continue during the 30 hours before the Senate votes .
“ We ’ re still talking about those issues where there ’ s still some disagreement , ” McConnell said .
“ But make no mistake about it we ’ ll be voting tomorrow .
I mean the wheel has to stop at some point.
” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Sunday there ’ s “ no deal ” yet on a massive stimulus package , as she and other congressional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 1 trillion-plus package aimed at stabilizing an economy reeling amid the coronavirus pandemic .
“ We ’ ll be introducing our own bill , ” Pelosi , D-Calif. , told reporters on the Capitol Hill .
Her remarks dimmed the prospect of speedy congressional action on legislation aimed at helping individuals who have been laid off and businesses that have shuttered amid severe travel restrictions quarantines and lockdowns .
Pelosi spoke to reporters after meeting behind closed doors with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnel , R-Ky. , and other congressional leaders .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ send $ 1,200 checks for most U.S. adults and hundreds of billions for businesses that have been hit by the pandemic .
Pelosi 's spokesman did not immediately respond to questions about what the sticking points are , but she and other Democrats are reportedly concerned that McConnell 's proposal does not offer enough protections for workers and needs tougher measures to prevent bailed-out corporations from engaging in stock buybacks that enrich executives .
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez , the youngest woman ever elected to Congress , has a message for her generational cohorts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out .
`` If you are a young person in America today , you need to stay home , '' the New York Democrat said Sunday on CNN 's `` State of the Union . ''
`` There was so much messaging about how coronavirus is only impacting older people and that younger people do n't have to worry about it for their personal health , '' she said .
`` Well , let me tell you something .
In the state of New York , about 55 % of our cases are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ocasio-Cortez , 30 , warned young Americans they risk not only exposing themselves , but their parents and grandparents `` if you continue to go out and live life as usual . ''
She also repeated Democratic lawmakers ' call for President Donald Trump to use the Defense Production Act to ramp up the production of medical supplies .
`` There are not enough face masks , gloves , ventilators , hospital beds to get us through this .
Many hospitals are already at capacity or approaching capacity , '' she said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That is great .
It is not enough , '' she said , adding that a failure to use the Defense Production Act `` is going to cost lives . ''
Illinois governor says states are competing against each other for coronavirus supplies WASHINGTON – Governors are saying their states are competing with each other to buy medical supplies needed to fight the coronavirus , driving up prices and creating a `` Wild West '' atmosphere – and drawing a rebuke from President Donald Trump .
`` We 're all competing against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been a coordinated effort by the federal government , '' Illinois Gov .
J.B. Pritzker told CNN 's State of the Union .
Trump responded by tweeting that Pritzker and other governors `` shouldn ’ t be blaming the Federal Government for their own shortcomings .
We are there to back you up should you fail , and always will be ! ''
Pritzker is not alone .
Gov .
Andrew Cuomo , D-N.Y. , made the same complaint and , like Pritzker and other governors , called on Trump to invoke @ @ @ @ @ @ @ companies to make gowns , masks and gloves . ''
Cuomo tweeted : `` Currently , states are competing against other states for supplies . ''
In his CNN interview , Pritzker said that while the Federal Emergency Management Agency has become a `` central repository , '' the federal government should do more to make sure that scarce resources get to places than need them .
States like Illinois are also competing against other countries for personal protective equipment like masks and gloves .
`` It 's a wide – Wild West @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Pritzker said .
`` And , indeed , we 're overpaying , I would say , for PPE because of that competition.
” Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin said he believes Senate Republicans and Democrats will reach a deal later Sunday on a massive stimulus package , which could approach $ 2 trillion , aimed at alleviating the devastating economic effects of the coronavirus outbreak .
`` I do think it will get done .
We 've been working around the clock in the Senate with Republicans and the Democrats , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
He said he spoke with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi .
`` And I think we have a fundamental understanding and we look forward to wrapping it up today . ''
Mnuchin said the package would include small business loans , direct payments to Americans amounting to `` approximately $ 3,000 '' for a family of four , `` enhanced unemployment insurance , '' and `` approximately '' $ 110 billion for hospitals and medical professionals .
Mnuchin said - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would free up `` $ 4 trillion of liquidity that we can use to support the economy '' through `` broad-based '' lending programs .
McConnell is scheduled to speak at 2 p.m. EDT before a procedural vote on the package at 3 p.m .
If a deal is reached , a final vote could come as soon as Monday .
President Donald Trump has written another letter to Kim Jong Un , this one offering to help his country fight the potential spread of coronavirus , North Korean officials said Sunday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ cooperation in the anti-epidemic work , saying that he was impressed by the efforts made by the Chairman to defend his people from the serious threat of the epidemic , ” said Kim Yo Jong , the North Korean leader ’ s sister and senior ruling party official , according to the Korean Central News Agency .
North Korea has said it has no cases of coronavirus , but some foreign policy analysts are skeptical of those claims .
Trump and Kim have often exchanged letters during their on-again , off-again negotiations over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nuclear weapons programs .
Those talks remained deadlocked .
The latest letter came after North Korea again tested short-range ballistic missiles over the weekend , drawing protests from South Korea .
A White House statement said Trump sent the letter `` consistent with his efforts to engage global leaders during the ongoing pandemic .
The President looks forward to continued communications with Chairman Kim . ''
WASHINGTON–The Federal Bureau of Prisons , the nation 's largest detention system , reported its first known case of the coronavirus involving an inmate , confirming that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn .
Federal officials said the inmate , who was not identified , complained of chest pains March 16 , shortly after arriving at the New York facility .
He was taken to an outside hospital three days later where he was tested for the virus .
Following his March 20 discharge from the hospital , authorities said he returned to the Brooklyn detention center and was `` immediately placed in isolation . ''
Prison officials were notified of the positive test results Saturday .
`` BOP staff will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the agency said in a statement , adding that the prisoner remains in isolation .
`` All ( Centers for Disease Control ) guidelines are being followed , including the conduct of a contact investigation and additional sanitation of affected areas . ''
WASHINGTON – Vice President Mike Pence and his wife Karen Pence have both tested negative for the coronavirus , his office announced Saturday .
`` Pleased to report that the COVID-19 test results came back negative for both Vice President @ Mike_Pence and Second Lady @ KarenPence , '' his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The vice president is 60 and his wife is 63 .
Both were tested Saturday , the day after the White House announced that an aide to Mike Pence had tested positive .
The vice president said that while the White House physician had no reason to believe that the Pences had been exposed , they were tested anyway `` given the unique position I have . ''
Pence is leading the administration ’ s coronavirus task force and has been a regular presence at President Donald Trump 's side in recent weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a week ago and it came back negative .

William Cummings, David Jackson and Kevin Johnson, USA TODAY

Senate at odds over makeup of coronavirus stimulus package; Utah rep hospitalized - updates
Show Caption Hide Caption Coronavirus cases in Congress send lawmakers packing Coronavirus cases have showed up in Congress, and with more and more lawmakers choosing to quarantine, why can't the legislature move to remote votes? Hannah Gaber, USA TODAY
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said the Senate would vote again Monday morning to take up a stalled economic stimulus bill that Democrats blocked earlier Sunday evening, which critics said was too generous to big corporations and too stingy for working families.
The next Senate vote, a procedural roll call to take up the bill, will take place at 9:45 Monday morning, unless there’s a breakthrough before then, McConnell said.
His remarks came as Democrats negotiated late into the night with top Trump administration officials over the details of a possible deal. There are numerous sticking points, including restrictions on corporate bailouts and the scope of assistance to state and local governments.
McConnell, R-Ky., blasted Democrats for opposing a GOP-crafted coronavirus rescue package and said he hoped they would have a “change of heart” after the U.S. financial markets opened Monday morning. McConnell noted there were already signs of another bad day on Wall Street as Congress remained gridlocked over how to help laid-off workers and shuttered businesses.
“The futures market tanked in anticipation of an ugly tomorrow based upon an absence of bipartisan agreement,” McConnell said in remarks at 10:20 Sunday evening. “Even if Democrats reverse course tomorrow, the vote the cast today will almost certain cause more Americans to lose their jobs.”
Democrats say McConnell is trying to jam through a bill that would give big corporations a bailout with too few strings attached. They fear that CEOs would take taxpayer funds and then enrich themselves with stock buybacks and executive pay hikes once the panic has passed.
“The legislation had many, many problems. At the top of the list, it included a large corporate bailout provision, with no protections for workers and virtually no oversight,” Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer said earlier Sunday. “It also significantly cut back on the money our hospitals, our cities, our states, our medical workers and so many others needed during this crisis."
-Deidre Shesgreen
Congressman diagnosed with coronavirus hospitalized
Rep. Ben McAdams, D-Utah, one of two members of the House of Representatives to be diagnosed with the coronavirus, said in a statement late Sunday evening he had been admitted to the hospital after experiencing "severe shortness of breath."
McAdams said he received oxygen "as I struggled to maintain my blood oxygen at appropriate levels" but now was feeling "relatively better" and was off oxygen.
The Utah Democrat said he expected to be released "as soon as the doctors determine it is appropriate."
Two other members of Utah's delegation of Congress, Sens. Mitt Romney and Mike Lee, said they would self-quarantine after coming into contact with Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., who announced a positive coronavirus diagnosis Sunday.
-Nicholas Wu
Coronavirus live updates: Medical aid for 3 states as US death tolls hits 417; stimulus, checks hit snag; Sen. Rand Paul tests positive
Schumer, Mnuchin meeting to worth through stimulus sticking points
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin met for a fourth time on Sunday and planned to continue “working late into the night,” said Justin Goodman, Schumer’s spokesman.
He did not say if they had made any progress on resolving the disagreements on a stimulus measure.
Lawmakers are racing to get an agreement in place before the New York Stock Exchange opens Monday.
On Friday, U.S. stocks sank despite promises of congressional action on an economic stabilization package. The Dow Jones industrial average tumbled 913.21 points to close at 19,173.98, capping its worst week since the height of the financial crisis in 2008.
More: How the current stock market collapse compares with others in history
Coronavirus stimulus package fails to pass an initial procedural hurdle
A massive stimulus package to blunt the economic effects of the coronavirus failed to pass an initial procedural hurdle Sunday evening by a 47-47 vote.
The motion needed the votes of at least 3/5 of the full Senate.
Speaking on the Senate floor before the vote, McConnell suggested the final bill was not yet ready, saying “discussions continue on the package.”
As of Sunday, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., called for a bill that would address the needs of individuals and families, deliver relief to small businesses, stabilize the economy and prevent layoffs, and send resources to health care workers and providers.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., had asked for a bill that would boost resources for health care professionals and give more direct payments to workers than Republicans had wanted.
Schumer told reporters in the Capitol the Republican plan would assist large companies “with no protections for workers and virtually no oversight.”
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi had objected to the first version pitched by McConnell, claiming it didn't do enough to protect workers and gave too much to corporations.
McConnell had asked the Senate to pass the bill by Monday, but the chances of a Monday approval are not likely after Sunday’s vote.
The Majority Leader voted "no," which allows filing a motion that allows him to bring up the bill again this week.
-Nicholas Wu
Trump vows to test undocumented immigrants for coronavirus
President Donald Trump told reporters that undocumented immigrants will have access to testing without fear of arrest or deportation.
"If that's not the policy I'll make it the policy," Trump said when asked whether undocumented immigrants could be tested. "Yes we will test that person."
More: Undocumented immigrants, fearful of Trump administration, could be hit hard by coronavirus
Vice President Mike Pence also pointed out that Customs and Border Protection said in its latest guidance it would not target emergency rooms or health clinics as the nation grapples with the unfolding coronavirus crisis.
The Trump administration announced a "public charge" rule last month as part of its hardline immigration policy, rendering immigrants ineligible for citizenship or residency if they rely on government benefits or are considered likely to use them in the future. Immigration advocates are concerned that rule could leave undocumented immigrants who are trying to legalize their status hesitant to seek out medical assistance amid the deadly outbreak.
Trump told reporters Sunday it was important to test undocumented immigrants because "we don't want to send that person back into wherever we're sending that person."
- Courtney Subramanian
Donald Trump states the obvious: 'I'm a little bit upset with China'
President Donald Trump spoke a little more sympathetically about China on Sunday, but made clear he still blames it for the global outbreak of the coronavirus.
"I'm a little bit upset with China," Trump said at a White House briefing on coronavirus. "They should have told us about this."
China, which says it did what it could to contain coronavirus after it broke out in the city of Wuhan, is also angry at Trump for using the phrase "China virus." Some Chinese officials have promoted conspiracy theories that the virus really started in the United States.
All that said, Trump said he has spoken with China President Xi Jinping about the coronavirus and sympathizes with Xi's plight.
"Look, he doesn't want this," Trump said.
- David Jackson
Schumer slams McConnell's stimulus plan as 'highly partisan'
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, speaking on the Senate floor, slammed the Republicans' plan as "highly partisan." The plan as written included a "large corporate bailout with no protections for workers" and did not provide enough funding for healthcare workers and medical funding, Schumer said.
Schumer said negotiations would continue and provisions could change, noting that Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin had been in his office just half-hour before.
The bill just failed to pass a key procedural hurdle by a 47-47 vote. It required the votes of three-fifths of senators to pass. Following the vote, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said he would bring the bill up again.
The next time they voted, McConnell said, "hopefully some adults will show up on the other side of the room and understand the gravity of the situation and the need to act before the markets go down further."
Stock futures tumbled Sunday evening as investors watched the negotiations over the stimulus package hit a roadblock.
-Nicholas Wu
Trump says he won't 'learn' anything by calling predecessors for advice
When asked whether he's considered calling one of his predecessors for advice on how to handle a natural disaster, President Donald Trump said that he didn't think he needed to because he has an "incredible team" in place.
"I respect everybody but I feel I have an incredible team and I think we're doing an incredible job. When you look at the job we're doing, and all you have to do is look at the approval numbers on the job," Trump told reporters.
Trump added that if he felt he would save one life by calling he would pick up the phone, but he didn't think he would "learn much."
"So I don't want to disturb them," he continued. "I don't think I'm going to learn much and you know I guess you could say that there's probably a natural inclination not to call. Now if I felt that if I called I'd learned something and that would save one life, it would save one life. Okay, I would make the call in two minutes but I don't see that happening."
- Courtney Subramanian
Trump open to releasing certain prisoners
WASHINGTON–The Trump administration is considering the release of some federal prisoners in an attempt to reduce the risk of a larger outbreak of the coronavirus in the nation's largest prison system.
President Donald Trump Sunday acknowledged the potential vulnerability of elderly inmates, saying that the administration is weighing the move to include "totally non-violent prisoners" after the nation's largest detention system reported its first known case of the coronavirus involving an inmate. The prisoner has been quarantined at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn.
Federal officials said the inmate, who was not identified, complained of chest pains March 16, shortly after arriving at the New York facility. He was taken to an outside hospital three days later where he was tested for the virus.
Following his March 20 discharge from the hospital, authorities said he returned to the Brooklyn detention center and was "immediately placed in isolation." Prison officials were notified of the positive test results Saturday.
"BOP staff will continue to monitor this inmate," the agency said in a statement, adding that the prisoner remains in isolation. "All (Centers for Disease Control) guidelines are being followed, including the conduct of a contact investigation and additional sanitation of affected areas."
- Kevin Johnson
Donald Trump takes swipe at Mitt Romney over self-isolation
President Donald Trump couldn't resist taking a dig at a political rival Sunday after he was informed that Sen. Mitt Romney was going into self-isolation amid coronavirus concerns.
"Romney is in isolation? Gee, that's too bad," Trump told reporters.
Just last month, Romney was the only Republican lawmaker to vote for the impeachment of Trump.
Asked if he exercising "sarcasm" at the Utah senator, Trump said: "None whatsoever."
- David Jackson
Trump misidentifies Congressman who tested positive for coronavirus
President Donald Trump offered best wishes Sunday to members of Congress who tested positive for coronavirus, but he misidentified one of them.
Trump paid tribute to Jose Diaz-Balart, but he is a former congressman and now a Telemundo television anchor – and he has not tested positive for coronavirus.
It's his brother, Mario Diaz-Balart, who is in Congress and was one of the first lawmakers to announce he had tested positive.
"To clarify, I do not have coronavirus," Jose Diaz-Balert tweeted after the president's mistake. "The President has been in contact with my brother, Congressman @mariodb who has coronavirus, not me. I am healthy."
To clarify: I do not have Coronavirus. The President has been in contact with my brother, Congressman @mariodb who has coronavirus, not me. I am healthy.
Para aclarar, no tengo coronavirus. El presidente Trump por… https://t.co/8VfUlxVlUq — jose diaz-balart (@jdbalart) March 22, 2020
-- David Jackson
Republicans could lose Senate majority during coronavirus aid debate
Republicans could lose their Senate majority as the novel coronavirus courses through the U.S. Capitol – with five GOP members in self-quarantine as of Sunday afternoon as lawmakers negotiated a massive economic rescue package to help laid-off workers and shuttered businesses.
Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., left the Capitol on Sunday morning after learning he had tested positive for COVID-19. Within hours, two other GOP senators – Mike Lee and Mitt Romney, both of Utah – said they would self-quarantine because of their contacts with Paul.
Republicans hold 53 Senate seats, while Democrats hold 45. The Senate has two Independents, both of whom caucus with the Democrats.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said the virus "has arrived" in the Senate and notes that at least 5 senators are in quarantine.
No other senator has tested positive for the virus besides Paul. But before the Kentucky Republican’s disclosure on Sunday, several other GOP senators had gone into isolation because of possible exposure to the virus, including Sens. Rick Scott of Florida and Cory Gardner of Colorado.
The lawmaker quarantines come as lawmakers debate a sweeping economic stimulus package ahead of Wall Street’s Monday opening.
Republicans and Democrats spent the day negotiating and sparring over key details of the measure, which would provide direct assistance to individuals and billions of dollars in loans to businesses.
- Deirdre Shesgreen
Senators seek medical advice after Paul tests positive
Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., said Sunday that lawmakers are speaking with a doctor to determine what steps they should take after Sen. Rand Paul, who was at the Capitol in recent days, tested positive for the coronavirus.
"We just learned our colleague, Rand Paul, has tested positive for the coronavirus. Our thoughts and prayers are with him for a speedy recovery," Thune said on Senate floor. "We will consult with the attending physician here at the Capitol about appropriate measures for those of us who have been in contact with the senator."
Speaking ahead of a procedural vote on a massive stimulus bill that aims to mitigate the economic impact of the outbreak, Thune said Paul's infection "is the kind of situation that Americans across the country are dealing with right now. And it underscores the importance of acting immediately to deliver more relief for the American people."
Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah., confirmed he and other lawmakers attended a lunch with Paul on Friday and that they were consulting with doctors to see if they need to self-quarantine.
"Very, very unhappy to hear that Rand Paul has been diagnosed with COVID-19," Romney told reporters Sunday, adding that he wishes "him the very best."
"He's compromised given health conditions he's had in the past, and so we'll be praying for him and thinking about him," Romney said."Of course all the senators are going to seek medical advice as to what action we should take to make sure that we don't in any way spread this virus ourselves," he continued. "We were at a lunch together with Rand and hope he's doing very well. But we have to determine if any of us should self-quarantine as a result of being in the same room."
Soon after Paul’s disclosure, Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, went into self-quarantine on the advice of Congress’s attending physician. Lee reportedly had lunch with Paul on Friday. Lee said he has no symptoms and the physician said he did not need to be tested.
“However, given the timing, proximity, and duration of my exposure to Sen. Paul, he directed me to self-quarantine for 14 days,” Lee said in a statement Sunday. “That means no traveling or voting.”
- William Cummings
McConnell: 'This virus is not going to wait for politics as usual'
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell urged Democrats Sunday to support a massive stimulus package to help address the economic costs of the coronavirus outbreak ahead of a procedural vote on the bill, which, if successful could lead to a final vote Monday.
Earlier Sunday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said she would not support the bill as written and indicated she plans to introduce a separate version of the legislation in the House. McConnell said he had a "productive meeting" with Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, as well as Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin, that led to the bill which he said was "as bold and as big as the American people deserve" and "as thoroughly bipartisan as our process demands."
"Now what we need to do is to move forward," he said. "This national crisis is not going to wait around if Congress slips back into conventional politics or haggles endlessly over the finer points."
Referring to a reported comment from Majority Whip James Clyburn, D-S.C., that the stimulus bill presented a "tremendous opportunity to restructure things to fit our vision," McConnell said, "This is not a political opportunity. It's a national emergency."
"The American people need an outcome and they need it tomorrow," he said.
"What we have is a compromise product which contains ideas, contributions, and priorities on both sides, and which could become law as soon as tomorrow," McConnell said. "In other words, it's just about time to take 'yes' for an answer."
- William Cummings
Sen. Rand Paul tests positive for COVID-19
Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., tested positive for the COVID-19 coronavirus and is being quarantined, his office announced Sunday.
“Senator Rand Paul has tested positive for COVID-19,” reads a statement on his official Twitter feed. “He is feeling fine and is in quarantine. He is asymptomatic and was tested out of an abundance of caution due to his extensive travel and events. He was not aware of any direct contact with any infected person.
“He expects to be back in the Senate after his quarantine period ends and will continue to work for the people of Kentucky at this difficult time. Ten days ago, our D.C. office began operating remotely, hence virtually no staff has had contact with Senator Rand Paul.”
Sergio Gor, Paul's deputy chief of staff, said the senator "decided to get tested after attending an event where two individuals subsequently tested positive for COVID-19, even though he wasn't aware of any direct contact with either one of them."
Gor said Paul is in a higher risk category after having part of his lung removed last year after it was damaged in a 2017 assault by his neighbor.
Last week, Reps. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Fla., and Ben McAdams, D-Utah, announced they had tested positive for the virus and dozens of other lawmakers who fear they may have been exposed have undergone self-quarantines.
Paul was on Capitol Hill several days last week. The statement did not say when Paul tested positive, nor when he might have contracted the illness, but his infection could mean several more lawmakers were exposed.
- William Cummings
McConnell to move forward with Senate stimulus bill
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said he plans to move forward on a massive stimulus package Sunday, after failing to reach an agreement with Minority Leader Charles Schumer and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who plans to introduce her own version of the bill.
The Kentucky Republican said the Senate still hold a cloture vote on the bill, scheduled for 3 p.m. EDT, which will limit debate to less than 30 hours before a final vote that he plans to hold on Monday. McConnell said it “would be best for the country” if Pelosi and House Democrats pass the Senate measure.
“I believe that’s the way it will end, and that’s the way we’re going to go forward,” he said. He added that negotiations will continue during the 30 hours before the Senate votes.
“We’re still talking about those issues where there’s still some disagreement,” McConnell said. “But make no mistake about it we’ll be voting tomorrow. I mean the wheel has to stop at some point.”
- William Cummings
Pelosi: 'No deal' on stimulus package
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Sunday there’s “no deal” yet on a massive stimulus package, as she and other congressional leaders tangled over the details of a $1 trillion-plus package aimed at stabilizing an economy reeling amid the coronavirus pandemic.
“We’ll be introducing our own bill,” Pelosi, D-Calif., told reporters on the Capitol Hill.
Her remarks dimmed the prospect of speedy congressional action on legislation aimed at helping individuals who have been laid off and businesses that have shuttered amid severe travel restrictions quarantines and lockdowns.
Pelosi spoke to reporters after meeting behind closed doors with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnel, R-Ky., and other congressional leaders.
McConnell is pushing a bill that would send $1,200 checks for most U.S. adults and hundreds of billions for businesses that have been hit by the pandemic.
Pelosi's spokesman did not immediately respond to questions about what the sticking points are, but she and other Democrats are reportedly concerned that McConnell's proposal does not offer enough protections for workers and needs tougher measures to prevent bailed-out corporations from engaging in stock buybacks that enrich executives.
- Deirdre Shesgreen
AOC tells young Americans to stay home
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the youngest woman ever elected to Congress, has a message for her generational cohorts amid the coronavirus outbreak: stop going out.
"If you are a young person in America today, you need to stay home," the New York Democrat said Sunday on CNN's "State of the Union."
"There was so much messaging about how coronavirus is only impacting older people and that younger people don't have to worry about it for their personal health," she said. "Well, let me tell you something. In the state of New York, about 55% of our cases are with folks 18 to 49."
Ocasio-Cortez, 30, warned young Americans they risk not only exposing themselves, but their parents and grandparents "if you continue to go out and live life as usual."
She also repeated Democratic lawmakers' call for President Donald Trump to use the Defense Production Act to ramp up the production of medical supplies.
"There are not enough face masks, gloves, ventilators, hospital beds to get us through this. Many hospitals are already at capacity or approaching capacity," she said.
"Companies are donating what they can. That is great. It is not enough," she said, adding that a failure to use the Defense Production Act "is going to cost lives."
- William Cummings
Illinois governor says states are competing against each other for coronavirus supplies
WASHINGTON – Governors are saying their states are competing with each other to buy medical supplies needed to fight the coronavirus, driving up prices and creating a "Wild West" atmosphere – and drawing a rebuke from President Donald Trump.
"We're all competing against each other" and "this should have been a coordinated effort by the federal government," Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker told CNN's State of the Union.
Trump responded by tweeting that Pritzker and other governors "shouldn’t be blaming the Federal Government for their own shortcomings. We are there to back you up should you fail, and always will be!"
Illinois Gov. Pritzker says despite FEMA streamlining critical supply requests, the state is still only getting a fraction of what it needs and is competing against other states on the open market for supplies. “It’s a wild west... indeed we are overpaying" for PPE. #CNNSOTU pic.twitter.com/3MLLFir83V — State of the Union (@CNNSotu) March 22, 2020
Pritzker is not alone.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo, D-N.Y., made the same complaint and, like Pritzker and other governors, called on Trump to invoke the Defense Production Act and "order companies to make gowns, masks and gloves."
Cuomo tweeted: "Currently, states are competing against other states for supplies."
I’m calling on the Federal Government to nationalize the medical supply chain.
The Federal Government should immediately use the Defense Production Act to order companies to make gowns, masks and gloves.
Currently, states are competing against other states for supplies. — Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) March 22, 2020
In his CNN interview, Pritzker said that while the Federal Emergency Management Agency has become a "central repository," the federal government should do more to make sure that scarce resources get to places than need them.
States like Illinois are also competing against other countries for personal protective equipment like masks and gloves.
"It's a wide – Wild West, I would say, out there," Pritzker said. "And, indeed, we're overpaying, I would say, for PPE because of that competition.”
- David Jackson
Mnuchin expects deal on $2 trillion stimulus package Sunday
Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin said he believes Senate Republicans and Democrats will reach a deal later Sunday on a massive stimulus package, which could approach $2 trillion, aimed at alleviating the devastating economic effects of the coronavirus outbreak.
"I do think it will get done. We've been working around the clock in the Senate with Republicans and the Democrats," Mnuchin said on "Fox News Sunday." He said he spoke with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
"And I think we have a fundamental understanding and we look forward to wrapping it up today."
Mnuchin said the package would include small business loans, direct payments to Americans amounting to "approximately $3,000" for a family of four, "enhanced unemployment insurance," and "approximately" $110 billion for hospitals and medical professionals. Mnuchin said - working with the Federal Reserve - it would free up "$4 trillion of liquidity that we can use to support the economy" through "broad-based" lending programs.
McConnell is scheduled to speak at 2 p.m. EDT before a procedural vote on the package at 3 p.m. If a deal is reached, a final vote could come as soon as Monday.
- William Cummings
North Korea: Trump offered Kim Jong Un help in fighting coronavirus
President Donald Trump has written another letter to Kim Jong Un, this one offering to help his country fight the potential spread of coronavirus, North Korean officials said Sunday.
Trump “expressed his intent to render cooperation in the anti-epidemic work, saying that he was impressed by the efforts made by the Chairman to defend his people from the serious threat of the epidemic,” said Kim Yo Jong, the North Korean leader’s sister and senior ruling party official, according to the Korean Central News Agency.
North Korea has said it has no cases of coronavirus, but some foreign policy analysts are skeptical of those claims.
Trump and Kim have often exchanged letters during their on-again, off-again negotiations over U.S. demands that North Korea end its nuclear weapons programs. Those talks remained deadlocked.
The latest letter came after North Korea again tested short-range ballistic missiles over the weekend, drawing protests from South Korea.
A White House statement said Trump sent the letter "consistent with his efforts to engage global leaders during the ongoing pandemic. The President looks forward to continued communications with Chairman Kim."
- David Jackson
First federal inmate tests positive
WASHINGTON–The Federal Bureau of Prisons, the nation's largest detention system, reported its first known case of the coronavirus involving an inmate, confirming that the prisoner has been quarantined at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn.
Federal officials said the inmate, who was not identified, complained of chest pains March 16, shortly after arriving at the New York facility. He was taken to an outside hospital three days later where he was tested for the virus.
Following his March 20 discharge from the hospital, authorities said he returned to the Brooklyn detention center and was "immediately placed in isolation." Prison officials were notified of the positive test results Saturday.
"BOP staff will continue to monitor this inmate," the agency said in a statement, adding that the prisoner remains in isolation. "All (Centers for Disease Control) guidelines are being followed, including the conduct of a contact investigation and additional sanitation of affected areas."
- Kevin Johnson
Pence tests negative, White House says
WASHINGTON – Vice President Mike Pence and his wife Karen Pence have both tested negative for the coronavirus, his office announced Saturday.
"Pleased to report that the COVID-19 test results came back negative for both Vice President @Mike_Pence and Second Lady @KarenPence," his spokeswoman, Katie Miller, tweeted.
The vice president is 60 and his wife is 63.
Both were tested Saturday, the day after the White House announced that an aide to Mike Pence had tested positive.
The vice president said that while the White House physician had no reason to believe that the Pences had been exposed, they were tested anyway "given the unique position I have."
Pence is leading the administration’s coronavirus task force and has been a regular presence at President Donald Trump's side in recent weeks.
Trump was tested for the virus a week ago and it came back negative.
- Maureen Groppe


usatoday--2020-03-22--Rand Paul's coronavirus infection sends shockwaves through Senate during major stimulus debate

Sen. Rand Paul , R-Ky. , tested positive for the COVID-19 coronavirus and is being quarantined , his office announced Sunday .
The diagnosis comes as the Senate prepares to move forward on a massive coronavirus stimulus aid package aimed at alleviating the economic impact of the outbreak .
Several Republican lawmakers announced on Sunday they would self-quarantine as a result of Paul 's diagnosis .
Sergio Gor , Paul 's deputy chief of staff , said the senator `` decided to get tested after attending an event where two individuals subsequently tested positive for COVID-19 , even though he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with either one of them . ''
Gor said Paul is in a higher risk category after having part of his lung removed last year after it was damaged in a 2017 assault by his neighbor .
Paul 's diagnosis also raised questions about his behavior after he continued to attend events and use shared facilities as he awaited the test results .
Several news outlets reported , for example , that Paul was using the Senategym and pool as recently as Sunday morning , the same day he announced he had tested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lunch recently with Paul .
Those actions drew sharp criticism from at least one fellow senator .
More : Trump uses China as a foil when talking coronavirus , distancing himself from criticism '' This , America , is absolutely irresponsible , '' tweeted Sen. Kristen Synema , D-Ariz. `` You can not be near other people while waiting for coronavirus test results .
It endangers others & likely increases the spread of the virus . ''
The news of Paul 's diagnosis came as Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , R-Ky. , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which is expected to approach $ 2 trillion .
Earlier Sunday , House Speaker Nancy Pelosi declared she would not support the bill as written , and vowed House Democrats would move forward with their own legislation .
But McConnell said he would still hold a cloture vote on Sunday .
If approved , that vote would limit debate on the measure to 30 hours ahead of a final vote , which McConnell hopes will take place Monday .
In response to Paul 's diagnosis , Republican Sens .
Mike Lee and Mitt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ self-quarantines .
The loss of their votes – in addition to those of Republicans Sens .
Rick Scott and Cory Garner , who were already under self-quarantine – could threaten the measure 's passage .
Paul was not the first member of Congress to test positive for the virus .
Last week , Reps. Mario Diaz-Balart , R-Fla. , and Ben McAdams , D-Utah , announced they had tested positive .
Paul was on Capitol Hill several days last week .
The statement from his office did not say when Paul tested positive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the illness .
Sen. John Thune , R-S.D.
, said Sunday that lawmakers are speaking with a doctor to determine what steps they should take after Paul 's diagnosis .
`` We just learned our colleague , Rand Paul , has tested positive for the coronavirus .
Our thoughts and prayers are with him for a speedy recovery , '' Thune said on the Senate floor .
`` We will consult with the attending physician here at the Capitol about appropriate measures for those of us who have been in contact with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infection `` is the kind of situation that Americans across the country are dealing with right now .
And it underscores the importance of acting immediately to deliver more relief for the American people . ''
Romney , R-Utah.
, confirmed he and other lawmakers attended a lunch with Paul on Friday and that they were consulting with doctors before he announced later Sunday that he would self-quarantine .
`` He 's compromised given health conditions he 's had in the past , and so we 'll be praying for him and thinking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regarding Paul 's positive test result .
`` Of course , all the senators are going to seek medical advice as to what action we should take to make sure that we do n't in any way spread this virus ourselves . ''
Soon after Romney announced his decision to isolate himself .
`` Since Senator Romney sat next to Senator Paul for extended periods in recent days and consistent with CDC guidance , the attending physician has ordered him to immediately self-quarantine and not to vote on the Senate floor , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It said that Romney would undergo a test himself , although he currently has no symptoms .
Lee went into self-quarantine soon after Paul ’ s disclosure , on the advice of Congress ’ attending physician .
Lee reportedly also had lunch with Paul on Friday .
Lee said he has no symptoms and the physician said he did not need to be tested .
`` However , given the timing , proximity , and duration of my exposure to Sen. Paul , he directed me to self-quarantine for 14 days , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` That means no traveling or voting . ''

Rand Paul's coronavirus infection sends shockwaves through Senate during major stimulus debate
Show Caption Hide Caption President Trump says coronavirus stimulus legislation is 'very close' President Donald Trump says everyone is working hard to pass additional legislation for economic relief during the coronavirus pandemic. Associated Press, USA TODAY
Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., tested positive for the COVID-19 coronavirus and is being quarantined, his office announced Sunday.
The diagnosis comes as the Senate prepares to move forward on a massive coronavirus stimulus aid package aimed at alleviating the economic effects of the outbreak. Several Republican lawmakers announced Sunday they would self-quarantine as a result of Paul's diagnosis.
Sergio Gor, Paul's deputy chief of staff, said the senator "decided to get tested after attending an event where two individuals subsequently tested positive for COVID-19, even though he wasn't aware of any direct contact with either one of them."
Gor said Paul is in a higher-risk category after having part of his lung removed last year after it was damaged in a 2017 assault by his neighbor.
Paul's diagnosis also raised questions about his behavior after he continued to attend events and use shared facilities as he awaited the test results.
Several news outlets reported, for example, that Paul was using the Senate gym and pool as recently as Sunday morning, the same day he announced he had tested positive. Several lawmakers also reported having lunch recently with Paul.
Those actions drew sharp criticism from at least one fellow senator.
More: New ad from conservative group targets Trump on coronavirus messaging
More: Trump uses China as a foil when talking coronavirus, distancing himself from criticism
"This, America, is absolutely irresponsible," tweeted Sen. Kristen Synema, D-Ariz. "You cannot be near other people while waiting for coronavirus test results. It endangers others & likely increases the spread of the virus."
Paul's staff pushed back, writing in a tweet that it was "irresponsible" to allege the senator went to the gym after learning of the results though they did not deny he was at the gym Sunday morning before he learned of the results.
"We want to be clear, Senator Paul left the Senate IMMEDIATELY upon learning of his diagnosis," the tweet said. "He had zero contact with anyone & went into quarantine. Insinuations such as those below that he went to the gym after learning of his results are just completely false & irresponsible!"
But he reports did not say Paul knew he was positive when he went to the gym, and Sinema's criticism was clearly aimed at him using the gym while he was waiting for the results, not after he learned he had the virus.
We want to be clear, Senator Paul left the Senate IMMEDIATELY upon learning of his diagnosis. He had zero contact with anyone & went into quarantine. Insinuations such as those below that he went to the gym after learning of his results are just completely false & irresponsible! https://t.co/yqfxydsXBG — Senator Rand Paul (@RandPaul) March 22, 2020
In response to Paul's diagnosis, Republican Sens. Mike Lee and Mitt Romney of Utah announced they would undergo self-quarantines.
The news of Paul's diagnosis came as Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., moved forward with the stimulus package, with a price tag approaching $2 trillion. Earlier Sunday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi declared she would not support the bill as written, and vowed House Democrats would move forward with their own legislation.
But McConnell went ahead with a cloture vote on Sunday, which failed to secure the needed 60 votes. Though the vote was doomed to fail without Democratic support, McConnell's effort was also hindered by the absence of Paul, Lee and Romney – in addition to Republicans Sens. Rick Scott of Florida and Cory Garner of Colorado, who were already under self-quarantine.
McConnell may attempt to put the bill forward again as soon as Monday.
Paul was not the first member of Congress to test positive for the virus. Last week, Reps. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Fla., and Ben McAdams, D-Utah, announced they had tested positive.
Paul was on Capitol Hill several days last week. The statement from his office did not say when Paul tested positive, nor when he might have contracted the illness.
Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., said Sunday that lawmakers are speaking with a doctor to determine what steps they should take after Paul's diagnosis.
"We just learned our colleague, Rand Paul, has tested positive for the coronavirus. Our thoughts and prayers are with him for a speedy recovery," Thune said on the Senate floor. "We will consult with the attending physician here at the Capitol about appropriate measures for those of us who have been in contact with the senator."
Thune said Paul's infection "is the kind of situation that Americans across the country are dealing with right now. And it underscores the importance of acting immediately to deliver more relief for the American people."
More: Coronavirus relief deal agreed by Pelosi, Trump overwhelmingly passes House as president declares national emergency
What is a national emergency? President Donald Trump declared a national emergency to fight the coronavirus pandemic. Here's what that actually means. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
Romney, R-Utah., confirmed he and other lawmakers attended a lunch with Paul on Friday and that they were consulting with doctors before he announced later Sunday that he would self-quarantine.
"He's compromised given health conditions he's had in the past, and so we'll be praying for him and thinking about him," Romney told reporters regarding Paul's positive test result. "Of course, all the senators are going to seek medical advice as to what action we should take to make sure that we don't in any way spread this virus ourselves."
Soon after, Romney announced his decision to isolate himself.
"Since Sen. Romney sat next to Sen. Paul for extended periods in recent days and consistent with CDC guidance, the attending physician has ordered him to immediately self-quarantine and not to vote on the Senate floor," Romney's office said in a statement.
It said that Romney would undergo a test himself, although he has no symptoms.
Lee went into self-quarantine soon after Paul’s disclosure, on the advice of Congress’ attending physician. Lee reportedly also had lunch with Paul on Friday.
Lee said he has no symptoms, and the physician said he did not need to be tested.
"However, given the timing, proximity and duration of my exposure to Sen. Paul, he directed me to self-quarantine for 14 days," Lee said in a statement Sunday. "That means no traveling or voting."
Contributing: Christal Hayes


usatoday--2020-03-23--Coronavirus: Why lawmakers can't agree on an economic rescue package amid pandemic

WASHINGTON – Congressional negotiations over a massive economic rescue package hit a snag on Sunday , as Republicans and Democrats sparred over how best to help laid-off workers and shuttered businesses reeling amid the coronavirus pandemic .
“ No deal , ” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. , told reporters after meeting with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , R-Ky. , and others on Capitol Hill .
“ It ’ s just about time to take 'yes ' for an answer , ” McConnell shot back .
“ The American people need an outcome and they need it tomorrow.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ financial markets open on Monday morning , Wall Street traders will be looking to Washington for signs of bipartisanship and comity as the country hurtles toward a possible recession .
They may also be worried about their ability to stay in session as the pandemic coursed through the U.S. Capitol , causing five senators to self-isolate .
Sen. Rand Paul , R-Ky. , left the Capitol on Sunday morning after learning he had tested positive for COVID-19 .
Within hours , two other GOP senators – Mike Lee and Mitt Romney , both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because of their contacts with Paul .
Two other GOP senators had previously gone into quarantine because of possible exposure to the virus : Sens .
Rick Scott of Florida and Cory Gardner of Colorado .
The developments threatened the GOP 's Senate majority , in a chamber divided 53-to-47 .
`` The coronavirus has arrived here in the Senate , '' McConnell said from the Senate floor Sunday .
Still , the GOP leader pressed ahead with a procedural vote Sunday evening ona $ 1 trillion-plus GOP bill that would provide direct @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and billions of dollars in aid to small and big businesses that have suffered amid the COVID-19 pandemic .
It failed to advance by a vote of 47-to-47 , short of the 60 `` yes '' votes needed .
Meanwhile , Pelosi and House Democrats are planning to introduce a competing proposal that would address what they say are serious shortcomings with the GOP plan .
`` There is at this time a big difference between '' the bill House Democrats are crafting and what Senate Republicans have proposed , Pelosi said on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in private Sunday afternoon , after the public finger-pointing .
Here 's what we know about the main sticking points : Both sides seem to agree that small and big businesses need a lifeline .
Democrats want tough provisions to prevent corporations that receive federal bailouts from later engaging in stock buybacks that enrich their executives .
President Donald Trump has expressed support for that approach , and McConnell said his bill already includes Democrats ' demands for conditions on loans and other aide to major businesses .
But Democrats say the GOP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be waived by Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin .
They also want limits on executive compensation and assurances that any bailouts will help workers , according to a senior Democratic aide who briefed reporters on the condition of anonymity .
Democrats have called for provisions that would temporarily block evictions and foreclosures .
They also want additional funding for food stamps and an expansion of unemployment benefits .
The GOP proposal currently allows for a three-month expansion of unemployment benefits , and McConnell said the measure provides adequate help for families facing financial distress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the hands of American workers and families , '' McConnell said Sunday of his proposal .
Help for states and hospitals McConnell said the GOP bill includes $ 75 billion in a new fund for hospitals and health providers .
In all , he said , nearly $ 200 billion will go to help state and local governments deal with the crisis .
Democrats dispute that , saying the legislation does n't include any new money for states and local governments .

Coronavirus: Why lawmakers can't agree on an economic rescue package amid pandemic
Show Caption Hide Caption Coronavirus: What to expect in a recession, depression The coronavirus (COVID-19) is impacting the global economy and raising fears of a recession. What causes a recession and what are the signs? Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – Congressional negotiations over a massive economic rescue package hit a snag on Sunday, as Republicans and Democrats sparred over how best to help laid-off workers and shuttered businesses reeling amid the coronavirus pandemic.
“No deal,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., told reporters after meeting with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and others on Capitol Hill.
“It’s just about time to take 'yes' for an answer,” McConnell shot back. “The American people need an outcome and they need it tomorrow.”
Lawmakers are acutely aware that when financial markets open on Monday morning, Wall Street traders will be looking to Washington for signs of bipartisanship and comity as the country hurtles toward a possible recession.
They may also be worried about their ability to stay in session as the pandemic coursed through the U.S. Capitol, causing five senators to self-isolate.
President Trump says coronavirus stimulus legislation is 'very close' President Donald Trump says everyone is working hard to pass additional legislation for economic relief during the coronavirus pandemic. Associated Press, USA TODAY
Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., left the Capitol on Sunday morning after learning he had tested positive for COVID-19. Within hours, two other GOP senators – Mike Lee and Mitt Romney, both of Utah – said they would self-quarantine because of their contacts with Paul. Two other GOP senators had previously gone into quarantine because of possible exposure to the virus: Sens. Rick Scott of Florida and Cory Gardner of Colorado.
The developments threatened the GOP's Senate majority, in a chamber divided 53-to-47.
"The coronavirus has arrived here in the Senate," McConnell said from the Senate floor Sunday.
Still, the GOP leader pressed ahead with a procedural vote Sunday evening on a $1 trillion-plus GOP bill that would provide direct payments of $1,200 to most individuals and billions of dollars in aid to small and big businesses that have suffered amid the COVID-19 pandemic. It failed to advance by a vote of 47-to-47, short of the 60 "yes" votes needed.
McConnell said he would force a second vote on the same bill Monday morning in the hopes that Democrats would have a “change of heart” after the U.S. financial markets opened Monday morning. The vote will occur at 9:45 am unless there's a breakthrough overnight, McConnell said.
Meanwhile, Pelosi and House Democrats are planning to introduce a competing proposal that would address what they say are serious shortcomings with the GOP plan.
"There is at this time a big difference between" the bill House Democrats are crafting and what Senate Republicans have proposed, Pelosi said on Sunday.
The two sides continued haggling in private Sunday afternoon, after the public finger-pointing.
Here's what we know about the main sticking points:
Bailouts for businesses
Both sides seem to agree that small and big businesses need a lifeline. Democrats want tough provisions to prevent corporations that receive federal bailouts from later engaging in stock buybacks that enrich their executives.
President Donald Trump has expressed support for that approach, and McConnell said his bill already includes Democrats' demands for conditions on loans and other aide to major businesses.
But Democrats say the GOP measures are "weak" and could be waived by Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin. They also want limits on executive compensation and assurances that any bailouts will help workers, according to a senior Democratic aide who briefed reporters on the condition of anonymity.
Assistance for individuals and families
Democrats have called for provisions that would temporarily block evictions and foreclosures. They also want additional funding for food stamps and an expansion of unemployment benefits.
The GOP proposal currently allows for a three-month expansion of unemployment benefits, and McConnell said the measure provides adequate help for families facing financial distress.
"It puts urgently needed cash in the hands of American workers and families," McConnell said Sunday of his proposal.
Help for states and hospitals
McConnell said the GOP bill includes $75 billion in a new fund for hospitals and health providers. In all, he said, nearly $200 billion will go to help state and local governments deal with the crisis.
Democrats dispute that, saying the legislation doesn't include any new money for states and local governments.


usatoday--2020-03-22--When nothing else matters: Coronavirus fuels a thirst for answers, an effort to spin blame

There is no other topic in the nation , even the world .
In the blink of an eye , the coronavirus pandemic has overwhelmed everything in Washington as it has everyplace else – propelling Congress toward the biggest economic rescue package in history , putting President Donald Trump on a defensive high alert , sidelining the 2020 campaign , disrupting nearly every American 's life .
Where are the protective masks for hospital workers ?
When can everyone who needs a test get one ?
Can enough ventilators and respirators be produced in time ?
Is help on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and buy food ?
What will happen next ?
On the Sunday TV shows , every guest on every show was focused on the pandemic , but there were more questions than answers .
The head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency , the agency recently tasked with coordinating the federal response , said he could n't say how much equipment governors have requested or how many masks had been shipped , not even a rough number .
`` It is a dynamic and fluid operation , '' director Peter Gaynor said on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dr. Anthony Fauci , the top expert on infectious diseases at the National Institutes of Health , said on CBS ' Face the Nation that it was too early to know if Italy 's pattern of soaring deaths would be replicated here .
`` I mean , obviously , things are unpredictable , '' he said .
Coronavirus live updates : Stimulus , $ 1,200 checks hit snag ; NYC mayor says worst is yet to come ; Trump offers N. Korea help Meanwhile , state and local officials in the places most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and getting worse .
New York Mayor Bill de Blasio estimated that hospitals in the nation 's biggest city were about 10 days away from widespread shortages of fundamental equipment .
So far , more than 8,000 city residents have been diagnosed with the virus .
`` April is going to be a lot worse than March , and I fear May could be worse than April , '' he warned on NBC 's Meet the Press .
`` We are desperate for more PPE equipment , personal protective equipment , '' New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ABC 's This Week .
Illinois Gov .
J.B. Pritzker complained that states now found themselves bidding against one another for limited supplies , driving up prices .
`` It 's a wild , wild West out there , '' he said .
`` JBPritzker , Governor of Illinois , and a very small group of certain other Governors , together with Fake News @ CNN & Concast ( MSDNC ) , shouldn ’ t be blaming the Federal Government for their own shortcomings , '' the president said in one of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in kind , and on the same platform .
`` You wasted precious months when you could 've taken action to protect Americans & Illinoisans , '' he said in a retweet .
`` You should be leading a national response instead of throwing tantrums from the back seat .
Where were the tests when we needed them ?
Where 's the PPE ?
Get off Twitter & do your job . ''
That contentious exchange made it clear that one more question was being raised : Who 's to blame ?
Not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ criticism that the response in the United States has been too little and too late .
Trump has described his administration 's response as `` incredible '' and predicted the economy will bounce back quickly once `` this invisible enemy '' has been vanquished .
But critics say he lost valuable time by failing to take action as soon as intelligence agencies reported the pandemic in China .
Instead , he initially downplayed the threat to the U.S. , saying it was under control and that warm weather in April might make it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Gaynor also acknowledged that the president had n't yet exercised his authority under the Defense Production Act to order the private sector to produce scarce supplies , although Trump on Saturday had indicated to reporters he had .
The FEMA chief said instead that the president was using the threat of the act as `` leverage . ''
The coronavirus is a test for Trump , a defining moment that may well determine whether he wins his bid for a second term in November .
After initially letting Vice President Mike Pence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is now convening daily briefings at the White House , surrounded by top doctors and agency heads .
His approval rating in handling the crisis jumped by 12 percentage points in a week in an ABC News/Ipsos Poll released Friday , to 55 % .
It was less than a week ago that former vice president Joe Biden effectively sealed the Democratic nomination against Trump , the sort of development that ordinarily would have gotten attention on the Sunday shows .
Last Tuesday , Biden decisively swept the primaries in Arizona , Florida @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders could amass enough convention delegations to challenge him .
Since then , though , eight states have delayed their primaries because of the difficulties and risks of voting during the heart of the pandemic , and Biden 's campaign has been trying to figure out how to command public attention .
On Sunday , it released a digital ad to run in battleground states that contrasted clips of Trump 's heated response to a question by NBC News reporter Peter Alexander – denouncing him as `` a bad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' – with Biden 's more measured comments when he was asked a similar question at the last Democratic debate .
`` This moment calls for a President , '' the closing caption read .
`` In November , you can elect one . ''
The pandemic is also a test for a divided Congress .
On Fox News Sunday , Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin said he had reached a `` fundamental understanding '' with congressional leaders for a massive economic package of direct aid to taxpayers and assistance for businesses .
Senate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Republican , was on board , but House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California , a Democrat , raised concerns about several provisions and said Democrats would be presenting their own proposal .
At least for now , there is no other topic in the nation , even the world .

When nothing else matters: Coronavirus fuels a thirst for answers, an effort to spin blame
Show Caption Hide Caption Coronavirus cases in Congress send lawmakers packing Coronavirus cases have showed up in Congress, and with more and more lawmakers choosing to quarantine, why can't the legislature move to remote votes? Hannah Gaber, USA TODAY
There is no other topic in the nation, even the world.
In the blink of an eye, the coronavirus pandemic has overwhelmed everything in Washington as it has everyplace else – propelling Congress toward the biggest economic rescue package in history, putting President Donald Trump on a defensive high alert, sidelining the 2020 campaign, disrupting nearly every American's life.
And fueling a thirst for basic information.
Where are the protective masks for hospital workers? When can everyone who needs a test get one? Can enough ventilators and respirators be produced in time? Is help on the way for displaced workers to pay rent and buy food? What will happen next?
On the Sunday TV shows, every guest on every show was focused on the pandemic, but there were more questions than answers. The head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the agency recently tasked with coordinating the federal response, said he couldn't say how much equipment governors have requested or how many masks had been shipped, not even a rough number. "It is a dynamic and fluid operation," director Peter Gaynor said on CNN's State of the Union.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top expert on infectious diseases at the National Institutes of Health, said on CBS' Face the Nation that it was too early to know if Italy's pattern of soaring deaths would be replicated here. "I mean, obviously, things are unpredictable," he said.
Coronavirus live updates: Stimulus, $1,200 checks hit snag; NYC mayor says worst is yet to come; Trump offers N. Korea help
Meanwhile, state and local officials in the places most affected described their situations as dire, and getting worse.
New York Mayor Bill de Blasio estimated that hospitals in the nation's biggest city were about 10 days away from widespread shortages of fundamental equipment. So far, more than 8,000 city residents have been diagnosed with the virus.
"April is going to be a lot worse than March, and I fear May could be worse than April," he warned on NBC's Meet the Press.
"We are desperate for more PPE equipment, personal protective equipment," New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy pleaded on ABC's This Week. Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker complained that states now found themselves bidding against one another for limited supplies, driving up prices. "It's a wild, wild West out there," he said.
That got President Trump's attention.
"JBPritzker, Governor of Illinois, and a very small group of certain other Governors, together with Fake News @CNN & Concast (MSDNC), shouldn’t be blaming the Federal Government for their own shortcomings," the president said in one of a series of Sunday tweets.
Pritzker responded in kind, and on the same platform. "You wasted precious months when you could've taken action to protect Americans & Illinoisans," he said in a retweet. "You should be leading a national response instead of throwing tantrums from the back seat. Where were the tests when we needed them? Where's the PPE? Get off Twitter & do your job."
That contentious exchange made it clear that one more question was being raised: Who's to blame? Not for the pandemic itself, but for criticism that the response in the United States has been too little and too late.
More: Fact check: Did CNN's Dana Bash praise Trump about coronavirus?
Trump has described his administration's response as "incredible" and predicted the economy will bounce back quickly once "this invisible enemy" has been vanquished. But critics say he lost valuable time by failing to take action as soon as intelligence agencies reported the pandemic in China. Instead, he initially downplayed the threat to the U.S., saying it was under control and that warm weather in April might make it "miraculously" disappear.
On Sunday, Gaynor also acknowledged that the president hadn't yet exercised his authority under the Defense Production Act to order the private sector to produce scarce supplies, although Trump on Saturday had indicated to reporters he had. The FEMA chief said instead that the president was using the threat of the act as "leverage."
The coronavirus is a test for Trump, a defining moment that may well determine whether he wins his bid for a second term in November. After initially letting Vice President Mike Pence take the lead in public, Trump is now convening daily briefings at the White House, surrounded by top doctors and agency heads. His approval rating in handling the crisis jumped by 12 percentage points in a week in an ABC News/Ipsos Poll released Friday, to 55%.
It was less than a week ago that former vice president Joe Biden effectively sealed the Democratic nomination against Trump, the sort of development that ordinarily would have gotten attention on the Sunday shows. Last Tuesday, Biden decisively swept the primaries in Arizona, Florida and Illinois, making it mathematically unlikely that Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders could amass enough convention delegations to challenge him.
Since then, though, eight states have delayed their primaries because of the difficulties and risks of voting during the heart of the pandemic, and Biden's campaign has been trying to figure out how to command public attention. On Sunday, it released a digital ad to run in battleground states that contrasted clips of Trump's heated response to a question by NBC News reporter Peter Alexander – denouncing him as "a bad reporter" who worked for "Concast" – with Biden's more measured comments when he was asked a similar question at the last Democratic debate.
"This moment calls for a President," the closing caption read. "In November, you can elect one."
The pandemic is also a test for a divided Congress. On Fox News Sunday, Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin said he had reached a "fundamental understanding" with congressional leaders for a massive economic package of direct aid to taxpayers and assistance for businesses. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, a Republican, was on board, but House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California, a Democrat, raised concerns about several provisions and said Democrats would be presenting their own proposal.
At least for now, there is no other topic in the nation, even the world.


usatoday--2020-03-22--Illinois governor to Donald Trump: 'Get off Twitter and Do Your Job'

WASHINGTON – As the nation grappled with coronavirus , President Donald Trump and Illinois Gov .
J.B. Pritzker engaged in a nasty Twitter fight Sunday over federal help with needed medical supplies .
`` You wasted precious months when you could 've taken action to protect Americans & Illinoisans , '' Pritzker , a Democrat , tweeted at Trump .
`` You should be leading a national response instead of throwing tantrums from the back seat . ''
Pritzker was responding to a tweet from Trump , who said he and other governors `` shouldn ’ t be blaming the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We are there to back you up should you fail , and always will be ! ''
Trump 's comment came in response to a Pritzker interview on CNN , where he said states are competing with each other – and with other countries – for necessary medical supplies like masks and gloves .
`` This should have been a coordinated effort by the federal government , '' Pritzker said on CNN 's `` State of the Union . ''
Trump 's attack on Pritzker came less than 90 minutes after he tweeted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with States and our Nation ’ s Governors .
# TEAMWORK '' In his response to Trump , Pritzker referred to the paucity of coronavirus tests as well as personal protective equipment like gloves .
`` Where were the tests when we needed them ? ''
Pritzker said to Trump .
`` Where 's the PPE ?
Get off Twitter & do your job . ''
Pritzker is not alone .
Gov .
Andrew Cuomo , D-N.Y. , made the same complaint and , like Pritzker and other governors , called on Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` order companies to make gowns , masks and gloves . ''
Cuomo tweeted : `` Currently , states are competing against other states for supplies . ''

Illinois governor to Donald Trump: 'Get off Twitter and Do Your Job'
Show Caption Hide Caption President Trump says coronavirus stimulus legislation is 'very close' President Donald Trump says everyone is working hard to pass additional legislation for economic relief during the coronavirus pandemic. Associated Press, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – As the nation grappled with coronavirus, President Donald Trump and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker engaged in a nasty Twitter fight Sunday over federal help with needed medical supplies.
"You wasted precious months when you could've taken action to protect Americans & Illinoisans," Pritzker, a Democrat, tweeted at Trump. "You should be leading a national response instead of throwing tantrums from the back seat."
Pritzker was responding to a tweet from Trump, who said he and other governors "shouldn’t be blaming the Federal Government for their own shortcomings. We are there to back you up should you fail, and always will be!"
More: New ad from conservative group targets Trump on coronavirus messaging
Trump's comment came in response to a Pritzker interview on CNN, where he said states are competing with each other – and with other countries – for necessary medical supplies like masks and gloves. "This should have been a coordinated effort by the federal government," Pritzker said on CNN's "State of the Union."
Trump's attack on Pritzker came less than 90 minutes after he tweeted that he was "working very well with States and our Nation’s Governors. #TEAMWORK"
In his response to Trump, Pritzker referred to the paucity of coronavirus tests as well as personal protective equipment like gloves.
"Where were the tests when we needed them?" Pritzker said to Trump. "Where's the PPE? Get off Twitter & do your job."
Pritzker is not alone.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo, D-N.Y., made the same complaint and, like Pritzker and other governors, called on Trump to invoke the Defense Production Act and "order companies to make gowns, masks and gloves."
Cuomo tweeted: "Currently, states are competing against other states for supplies."