usatoday--2020-07-14--'In Fauci we trust.' Democrats pounce on Trump's rift with experts as coronavirus cases swell

WASHINGTON – Democrats are seizing on a growing rift between the White House and Dr. Anthony Fauci as aides seek to explain why President Donald Trump is battling with the nation 's top infectious disease expert during the worsening coronavirus pandemic .
As cases of the virus surge in large swaths of the country and the nation 's most populous state reversed course on reopening indoor businesses , Trump has insisted he has a `` very good relationship '' with Fauci , the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , but also says , `` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' As Trump and aides such as press secretary Kayleigh McEnany have dismissed questions about internal friction between the White House and Fauci , others within the president 's orbit began openly airing their criticism .
`` Dr. Fauci has a good bedside manner with the public but he has been wrong about everything I have interacted with him on , '' said Peter Navarro , a trade adviser who is close to the president and who claimed Fauci had downplayed the risks of the virus , `` flip-flopped '' on masks , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to worry '' this year .
More : Trump 's ex-chief of staff says U.S. has 'inexcusable ' problems with testing '' So when you ask me if I listen to Dr. Fauci 's advice , my answer is only with caution , '' Navarro added .
Fauci 's supporters said his comments were being taken out of context , and that he made many of them early this year when little was known about the virus .
Meanwhile , throughout the pandemic Trump has made a series of incorrect statements and predictions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he compared it to the flu , saying it might `` miraculously '' disappear .
More recently , Trump has incorrectly blamed the rise in COVID-19 cases solely on increased testing .
Trump claimedthis month that 99 % of coronavirus cases are `` harmless '' – an assertion at odds with a wide array of data on death rates and hospitalizations .
White House officials have increasingly cast Fauci as one of many experts in the administration and have said Trump must balance the public health advice against the economic impact of controlling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ White House director of social media , posted a cartoon on Facebook portraying Fauci as a faucet , flushing the U.S. economy down the drain .
`` Sorry , Dr .
Faucet ! ''
he posted .
`` At least you know if I ’ m going to disagree with a colleague , such as yourself , it ’ s done publicly – and not cowardly , behind journalists with leaks . ''
McEnany brushed aside a statement released by the White House over the weekend asserting that `` several White House officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dr. Fauci has been wrong on things . ''
That document , she said , was a response to specific questions from The Washington Post .
`` And to the notion that there 's opposition research and that there 's Fauci versus the president , it could n't be further from the truth , '' McEnany said Monday .
`` Dr. Fauci and the president have always had a very good working relationship . ''
Yet Trump himself has become increasingly confrontational in his remarks about Fauci as the infectious disease expert – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of reopening businesses too soon .
And the dispute is only the latest case of Trump casting doubt on public health officials charged with crafting Washington 's response to the pandemic .
`` Informed Dr. Fauci this morning that he has nothing to do with NFL Football , '' Trump tweeted last month after Fauci said a regular football season might be too risky .
In an interview last week on Fox News , Trump said Fauci had `` made a lot of mistakes '' but called him a `` nice man .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ week that he had not briefed Trump in at least two months and had not seen him in person since early June .
As he appeared to question Fauci 's judgment on public health , Trump also retweeted a post this weekfrom Chuck Woolery in which the former game show host claimed that `` everyone is lying '' about the virus , including `` the CDC , Media , Democrats , our Doctors . ''
More than two thirds of Americans said they trust Fauci on the virus , according to a New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last month .
That was vastly larger than the 26 % who said they trusted Trump on that issue .
Democrats – including Joe Biden , the party 's presumptive presidential nominee – were quick to draw the distinction .
`` Donald Trump needs to spend less time playing golf and more time listening to experts like Dr. Fauci , '' Biden posted on Twitter .
`` The truth is , this country needs Dr. Anthony Fauci , '' tweeted Sen. Mark Warner , D-Va. `` These attacks are unfair ; we should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the science . ''
Muriel Bowser , the Democratic mayor of Washington , D.C. , and a frequent critic of the president , also weighed in on the dispute .
`` In Fauci we trust , '' she posted on Twitter .
`` Mask on , DC . ''
Total confirmed cases of coronavirus surpassed 3.3 million and more than 135,000 Americans have died , according to Johns Hopkins University .
Florida reported a record 132 additional COVID-19 related deaths Tuesday , surpassing the previous high of 120 set July 9 .
California @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a list of industries that will be required to close as cases continue to increase in that state .
They included indoor operations at restaurants , wineries , tasting rooms , movie theaters , family entertainment centers , zoos , museums , card rooms and all bars .
`` This continues to be a deadly disease , '' Newsom said .
`` This continues to be a disease that puts people in our ICUs , in our hospitals and is currently putting a strain on our hospital system . ''

David Jackson and John Fritze, USA TODAY

'In Fauci we trust.' Democrats pounce on Trump's rift with experts as coronavirus cases swell
Show Caption Hide Caption McEnany says Trump, Fauci have 'good' relationship After days of White House attacks on the credibility of Dr. Anthony Fauci, press secretary Kayleigh McEnany insists President Donald Trump and the nation's top infectious disease specialist have always had a "very good working relationship." (July 13) AP
WASHINGTON – Democrats are seizing on a growing rift between the White House and Dr. Anthony Fauci as aides seek to explain why President Donald Trump is battling with the nation's top infectious disease expert during the worsening coronavirus pandemic.
As cases of the virus surge in large swaths of the country and the nation's most populous state reversed course on reopening indoor businesses, Trump has insisted he has a "very good relationship" with Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, but also says, "I don't always agree with him."
As Trump and aides such as press secretary Kayleigh McEnany have dismissed questions about internal friction between the White House and Fauci, others within the president's orbit began openly airing their criticism.
"Dr. Fauci has a good bedside manner with the public but he has been wrong about everything I have interacted with him on," said Peter Navarro, a trade adviser who is close to the president and who claimed Fauci had downplayed the risks of the virus, "flip-flopped" on masks, and "was telling the media not to worry" this year.
More: American Airlines reminds Sen. Cruz about face masks amid pandemic
More: Trump's ex-chief of staff says U.S. has 'inexcusable' problems with testing
"So when you ask me if I listen to Dr. Fauci's advice, my answer is only with caution," Navarro added.
Fauci's supporters said his comments were being taken out of context, and that he made many of them early this year when little was known about the virus.
Meanwhile, throughout the pandemic Trump has made a series of incorrect statements and predictions about the coronavirus. Early on, he compared it to the flu, saying it might "miraculously" disappear. More recently, Trump has incorrectly blamed the rise in COVID-19 cases solely on increased testing. Trump claimed this month that 99% of coronavirus cases are "harmless" – an assertion at odds with a wide array of data on death rates and hospitalizations.
White House officials have increasingly cast Fauci as one of many experts in the administration and have said Trump must balance the public health advice against the economic impact of controlling the virus.
Dan Scavino, the White House director of social media, posted a cartoon on Facebook portraying Fauci as a faucet, flushing the U.S. economy down the drain. "Sorry, Dr. Faucet!" he posted. "At least you know if I’m going to disagree with a colleague, such as yourself, it’s done publicly – and not cowardly, behind journalists with leaks."
McEnany brushed aside a statement released by the White House over the weekend asserting that "several White House officials are concerned about the number of times Dr. Fauci has been wrong on things." That document, she said, was a response to specific questions from The Washington Post.
"And to the notion that there's opposition research and that there's Fauci versus the president, it couldn't be further from the truth," McEnany said Monday. "Dr. Fauci and the president have always had a very good working relationship."
Yet Trump himself has become increasingly confrontational in his remarks about Fauci as the infectious disease expert – who has served six presidents – warns of reopening businesses too soon. And the dispute is only the latest case of Trump casting doubt on public health officials charged with crafting Washington's response to the pandemic.
"Informed Dr. Fauci this morning that he has nothing to do with NFL Football," Trump tweeted last month after Fauci said a regular football season might be too risky.
In an interview last week on Fox News, Trump said Fauci had "made a lot of mistakes" but called him a "nice man."
NFL season: Trump doesn't like Dr. Fauci's football comments
Fauci told the Financial Times last week that he had not briefed Trump in at least two months and had not seen him in person since early June.
As he appeared to question Fauci's judgment on public health, Trump also retweeted a post this week from Chuck Woolery in which the former game show host claimed that "everyone is lying" about the virus, including "the CDC, Media, Democrats, our Doctors."
More than two thirds of Americans said they trust Fauci on the virus, according to a New York Times poll conducted by Siena College last month. That was vastly larger than the 26% who said they trusted Trump on that issue. Democrats – including Joe Biden, the party's presumptive presidential nominee – were quick to draw the distinction.
"Donald Trump needs to spend less time playing golf and more time listening to experts like Dr. Fauci," Biden posted on Twitter.
"The truth is, this country needs Dr. Anthony Fauci," tweeted Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va. "These attacks are unfair; we should be listening to health experts and following the science."
Muriel Bowser, the Democratic mayor of Washington, D.C., and a frequent critic of the president, also weighed in on the dispute.
"In Fauci we trust," she posted on Twitter. "Mask on, DC."
Total confirmed cases of coronavirus surpassed 3.3 million and more than 135,000 Americans have died, according to Johns Hopkins University. Florida reported a record 132 additional COVID-19 related deaths Tuesday, surpassing the previous high of 120 set July 9.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom this week announced a list of industries that will be required to close as cases continue to increase in that state. They included indoor operations at restaurants, wineries, tasting rooms, movie theaters, family entertainment centers, zoos, museums, card rooms and all bars.
"This continues to be a deadly disease," Newsom said. "This continues to be a disease that puts people in our ICUs, in our hospitals and is currently putting a strain on our hospital system."
Contributing: John Bacon, Nicholas Wu, Palm Springs Desert Sun


usatoday--2020-07-14--American Airlines reminds Sen. Ted Cruz about face mask use amid COVID-19 pandemic

Add Sen. Ted Cruz to the list of airline passengers shamed for not wearing a mask on a flight .
The Texas Republican was spotted without a face covering on a flight Sunday , according to a post on Twitter .
In a photo of Cruz , holding a cup of coffee in a first-class seat on a regional jet operated by an American Airlines partner , a mask is not visible .
The photo was posted by Hosseh Enad , a marketing compliance associate at the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee .
He said in a subsequent tweet that he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He also posted photos of an unmasked Cruz sitting in the gate area before the flight .
Cruz spokesperson Lauren Aronson said the senator wears a mask when traveling and practices social distancing where possible .
`` Consistent with airline policy , he temporarily removes the mask while eating or drinking , '' she said in a statement .
`` Yesterday , during his flight he removed his mask to drink and put it back on afterward .
We should all practice common sense measures to slow the spread of the virus.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statement early Monday , “ We are committed to protecting the health and safety of all those who fly with us , and we are reviewing the details of this matter . ''
Late Monday , in the wake of calls on Twitter to # banTed and # banTedCruz from flying on American , Feinstein said , `` As we do in all instances like these , we reviewed the details of the matter , and while our policy does not apply while eating or drinking , we have reached out to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this policy as part of our commitment to protecting the health and safety of the traveling public.
” In June , American banned a passenger from future flights for refusing to wear a mask .
United said it would revoke travel privileges of maskless travelers .
All U.S. airlines require passengers to wear masks during flight except when eating or drinking , but there is no federal mandate that airline crew members can cite when trying to enforce it .
Airline executives , unions and consumer advocates urge the U.S. Department of Transportation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at airports .
Last week , the spokesman for the Allied Pilots Association , which represents American Airlines pilots , expressed concern about the `` creative ways '' passengers find to keep their masks off .
A pilot speaks : Without a federal mask mandate on planes , it 's hard for flight attendants to force compliance

American Airlines reminds Sen. Ted Cruz about face mask use amid COVID-19 pandemic
Show Caption Hide Caption Coronavirus: US airlines announce face mask requirements to travel Many U.S. airlines including American, Southwest, United, Delta, Alaska, Frontier and JetBlue have announced passengers must wear masks while flying. USA TODAY, USA TODAY
Add Sen. Ted Cruz to the list of airline passengers shamed for not wearing a mask on a flight.
The Texas Republican was spotted without a face covering on a flight Sunday, according to a post on Twitter. In a photo of Cruz, holding a cup of coffee in a first-class seat on a regional jet operated by an American Airlines partner, a mask is not visible.
The photo was posted by Hosseh Enad, a marketing compliance associate at the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. He said in a subsequent tweet that he'd gotten it from an acquaintance. He also posted photos of an unmasked Cruz sitting in the gate area before the flight.
Captured today at 10:45am — @TedCruz on a commercial flight, refusing to wear a mask. pic.twitter.com/h8DM7J4CMi — Hosseh (@hossehenad) July 13, 2020
Cruz spokesperson Lauren Aronson said the senator wears a mask when traveling and practices social distancing where possible.
"Consistent with airline policy, he temporarily removes the mask while eating or drinking,'' she said in a statement. "Yesterday, during his flight he removed his mask to drink and put it back on afterward. We should all practice common sense measures to slow the spread of the virus.”
American Airlines spokesman Ross Feinstein said in a statement early Monday, “We are committed to protecting the health and safety of all those who fly with us, and we are reviewing the details of this matter."
Late Monday, in the wake of calls on Twitter to #banTed and #banTedCruz from flying on American, Feinstein said, "As we do in all instances like these, we reviewed the details of the matter, and while our policy does not apply while eating or drinking, we have reached out to Sen. Cruz to affirm the importance of this policy as part of our commitment to protecting the health and safety of the traveling public.”
In June, American banned a passenger from future flights for refusing to wear a mask. United said it would revoke travel privileges of maskless travelers.
All U.S. airlines require passengers to wear masks during flight except when eating or drinking, but there is no federal mandate that airline crew members can cite when trying to enforce it. Airline executives, unions and consumer advocates urge the U.S. Department of Transportation to mandate mask use on planes and at airports.
Last week, the spokesman for the Allied Pilots Association, which represents American Airlines pilots, expressed concern about the "creative ways'' passengers find to keep their masks off.
A pilot speaks: Without a federal mask mandate on planes, it's hard for flight attendants to force compliance


usatoday--2020-07-15--Many Americans might not get another stimulus check. Here's where things stand on another COVID-19 b

WASHINGTON – If you were hoping for another stimulus check from the federal government , you might be in luck .
Well , some of you might be in luck .
Congressional leaders are hoping to have another coronavirus aid package ready by the end of the month , another tranche of funds to pile on to the stunning $ 3 trillion already passed to counter the pandemic and its sweeping impacts on the country .
But while both sides of the aisle agree more funds will be necessary to help families , workers , businesses and the country 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the administration still have significantly different ideas of what should be included in the next package , including the possibility of another stimulus check for some Americans .
Congress and the administration will have to work through their issues as coronavirus continues to spike in states across the U.S. and as crucial enhanced unemployment insurance benefits , which have helped millions of Americans stay afloat , are set to dry up in about two weeks .
Here 's the latest on what the next coronavirus package could look like and the issues both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Republicans may have different ideas about what should be included in the next coronavirus aid package , but on this much they seem to agree : Many Americans need another stimulus check to help them bounce back from the economic hardships caused by the pandemic .
The sticking point : Who should get those checks and how big they should be .
President Donald Trump already has signaled his support for additional cash payments as part of the next recovery package .
The House already has passed a Democratic bill calling for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to $ 1,200 for individuals and $ 2,400 for joint filers .
Senate Republicans also appear to be on board with an additional round of stimulus payments , although they want to limit who could qualify .
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , R-Ky. , has suggested distributing the money to people who earn $ 40,000 or less per year , arguing they would benefit the most from another round of stimulus payments .
Forty percent of Americans earning less than $ 40,000 a year lost their jobs in March , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has fallen most on those who are least able to bear it , Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell told lawmakers in May .
More : Are more stimulus checks coming ?
Trump signals support for another round of cash payments More : Which members of Congress have tested positive for COVID-19 ?
But House Democrats are unlikely to go along with a cap that low .
Their bill , the Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions Act , or HEROES Act , calls for the next round of $ 1,200 stimulus payments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 75,000 a year .
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. , did not dismiss McConnell 's plan outright but questioned the cap being at $ 40,000 .
`` I think there are many families depending on size of family and so many different things , that the $ 40,000 would have to be explained , justified and the rest , '' she said last week at a news conference .
`` But I think families making over $ 40,000 probably need assistance .
Again , just depending on their family situation .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , sent out earlier this year , went to individuals with an adjusted gross income of $ 75,000 ( $ 150,000 for joint filers ) .
More than 159 million checks totaling $ 267 billion were distributed , according to the Internal Revenue Service .
The number of checks to be distributed in the next round will be far lower if the $ 40,000 income threshold is applied .
For months , millions of Americans who lost their jobs due to the pandemic have been able to collect an additional $ 600 weekly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end of the month , that boost will expire .
Republicans have long argued that the $ 600 boost was too high and a disincentive for Americans to go back to work as states work to cautiously reopen .
Democrats have said the program should be renewed and pointed to the still high unemployment rate – currently 11.1 % – and the spike in cases seen across the nation .
“ We must renew unemployment insurance , ” Pelosi said last week at her weekly news conference , noting the continued high numbers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to put the money in the pockets of people.
” More:4.8M jobs added and unemployment falls to 11.1 % as more states reopen after COVID-19 shutdowns Republicans have floated a variety of options that include reforming the enhanced benefits or even replacing them with a back-to-work bonus , but are not keen to continue the $ 600 program .
“ We ’ d like to see some unemployment reforms , ” Larry Kudlow , director of the National Economic Council , told Fox News on Monday .
“ We ’ d like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We don ’ t want to give people disincentives.
” Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin , who has led coronavirus relief negotiations for the administration on the hill , echoed an openness to reforms and told CNBC that the program will not be done “ in the same way.
” Dozens of other provisions also could make their way into the stimulus package .
Republicans , Democrats and the administration have made differing proposals a priority that could pose additional hurdles as sides work to negotiate .
House Democrats already passed a $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their priorities in the next phase of emergency funding .
McConnell has said the bill is a non-starter and that Senate Republicans are drafting their own proposal to act as a starting point for negotiations , a measure that is likely to cost much less .
Both the House and the Senate are on recess this week , but McConnell said he would start discussing the draft with his members and Democrats when they return next week .
`` I think you can anticipate this coming to a head sometime within the next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Kentucky .
House Democrats have similarly stressed an urgency to get a bill to the president 's desk .
Pelosi said on CNN Tuesday that she would delay the House 's August recess to ensure enough time to work through negotiations .
`` We absolutely have to .
We also have to come to an agreement , '' she said .
`` The timetable is the timetable of the American people needing their Unemployment Insurance , their direct payments , their assistance for rent and mortgage foreclosure forbearance . ''
Other issues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Payroll tax cut : Trump has repeatedly floated the idea of a payroll tax cut , saying it would help put people back to work .
The size of the cut and other details haven ’ t been released and lawmakers on Capitol Hill , including many Republicans , have resisted the idea .
• State , local and tribal funding : Democrats have made additional funds for state , local and tribal governments as their No .
1 priority in the next package .
Under the HEROES Act , nearly $ 1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and tribal governments that need funds to pay first responders , health workers and teachers who are in danger of losing their jobs because of the coronavirus pandemic .
But Trump has said he has no interest in bailing out states that he thinks have been poorly managed .
And McConnell has called the bill a non-starter .
• Liability protections for businesses : Republicans are demanding that any new bill include protections for business from what conservatives have called frivolous and opportunistic lawsuits as states and companies begin to reopen , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ More : Trump threatens to withhold funding to schools if they do n't reopen this fall • Education and funds for schooling : Republicans have made getting children back to school a focus and have signaled they want to make additional funds for schools a central piece of the next package in hopes of making schools safer as COVID-19 continues to spike .
Democrats , while on board with more funding , have been cautious in their mandates for children to go back to school due to the pandemic .
• Funds for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers : Democrats and Republicans have highlighted the needs for more testing , and liberals are pushing for billions more to rapidly expand testing as the country attempts to reopen .
Bipartisan proposals have also been floated for increased funding for rural hospitals and hazard pay for front-line workers , something the president has embraced .
The House Democrats ’ plan establishes a $ 200 billion fund to provide hazard pay for essential workers .
More : Auto dealers , restaurants with ties to lawmakers were among the firms that got PPP loans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ small businesses : Congressional lawmakers in both parties have expressed an openness to possibly extending the Small Business Association 's Paycheck Protection Program , which expires Aug. 8 .
The program came under scrutiny earlier this month after the Treasury Department revealed businesses owned by lawmakers were among those who took loans .
• Infrastructure spending : Republicans and Democrats have repeatedly cited the need to repair the nation ’ s aging infrastructure and members of both parties have suggested a massive infrastructure could help in a recovery effort , while also creating @ @ @ @ @

Christal Hayes and Michael Collins, USA TODAY

Many Americans might not get another stimulus check. Here's where things stand on another COVID-19 bill
Show Caption Hide Caption Federal Reserve: How creating money could save US economy Where does the U.S. stimulus money come from? Here's how the Federal Reserve is saving the economy from the COVID-19 crisis. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – If you were hoping for another stimulus check from the federal government, you might be in luck.
Well, some of you might be in luck.
Congressional leaders are hoping to have another coronavirus aid package ready by the end of the month, another tranche of funds to pile on to the $3 trillion already passed to counter the pandemic and its sweeping impacts on the country.
But while both sides of the aisle agree more funds will be necessary to help families, workers, businesses and the national economy recover, Republicans, Democrats and the administration still have significantly different ideas of what should be included in the next package, including the possibility of another stimulus check for some Americans.
Congress and the administration will have to work through their issues as coronavirus cases continue to spike in states across the U.S. and as crucial enhanced unemployment insurance benefits, which have helped millions of Americans stay afloat, are set to dry up in about two weeks.
Here's the latest on what the next coronavirus package could look like and the issues both parties have made a priority.
Another stimulus check?
Democrats and Republicans may have different ideas about what should be included in the next coronavirus aid package, but on this much they seem to agree: Many Americans need another stimulus check to help them bounce back from the economic hardships caused by the pandemic.
The sticking point: Who should get those checks and how big they should be.
President Donald Trump already has signaled his support for additional cash payments as part of the next recovery package. The House already has passed a Democratic bill calling for a second round of direct payments of up to $1,200 for individuals and $2,400 for joint filers. Senate Republicans also appear to be on board with an additional round of stimulus payments, although they want to limit who would qualify.
House passes yet another stimulus package but may not go far See what the controversial package includes for essential workers and every American household. USA TODAY, Wochit
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., has suggested distributing the money to people who earn $40,000 or less per year, arguing they would benefit the most from another round of stimulus payments. Forty percent of Americans earning less than $40,000 a year lost their jobs in March, which means the economic burden of the coronavirus has fallen hardest on those least able to bear it, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell told lawmakers in May.
More: Are more stimulus checks coming? Trump signals support for another round of cash payments
More: Which members of Congress have tested positive for COVID-19?
But House Democrats are unlikely to go along with a cap that low. Their bill, the Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions Act, or HEROES Act, calls for the next round of $1,200 stimulus payments to go to Americans earning less than $75,000 a year.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., did not dismiss McConnell's plan outright but questioned the cap being at $40,000.
"I think there are many families depending on size of family and so many different things, that the $40,000 would have to be explained, justified and the rest," she said last week at a news conference. "But I think families making over $40,000 probably need assistance. Again, just depending on their family situation."
The first round of stimulus payments, sent out earlier this year, went to individuals with an adjusted gross income of $75,000 ($150,000 for joint filers). More than 159 million checks totaling $267 billion were distributed, according to the Internal Revenue Service.
The number of checks to be distributed in the next round will be far lower if the $40,000 income threshold is applied.
Sparring on future of unemployment
For months, millions of Americans who lost their jobs due to the pandemic have been able to collect an additional $600 weekly in unemployment insurance. But at the end of the month, that boost will expire.
Republicans have long argued that the $600 boost was too high and a disincentive for Americans to go back to work as states try to cautiously reopen. Democrats have said the program should be renewed and pointed to the still high unemployment rate – currently 11.1% – and the spike in cases seen across the nation.
“We must renew unemployment insurance,” Pelosi said last week at her weekly news conference, noting the continued high numbers of Americans on unemployment. “We have to put the money in the pockets of people.”
Analyst: Jobless claims "historically elevated" More than 1.3 million Americans applied for unemployment benefits last week, a historically high pace that shows that many employers are still laying people off in the face of a resurgent coronavirus. (July 9) AP
More: 4.8M jobs added and unemployment falls to 11.1% as more states reopen after COVID-19 shutdowns
More: House passes $3 trillion coronavirus stimulus plan, faces pushback in Republican-led Senate
Republicans have floated a variety of options that include reforming the enhanced benefits or even replacing them with a back-to-work bonus, but they are not keen to continue the $600 program.
“We’d like to see some unemployment reforms,” Larry Kudlow, director of the National Economic Council, told Fox News on Monday. “We’d like a return-to-work-type bonus of a modest nature. We don’t want to give people disincentives.”
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, who has led coronavirus relief negotiations for the administration on Capitol Hill, echoed an openness to reforms and told CNBC that the program will not be done “in the same way.”
Timing and red lines for GOP, Dems
Dozens of other provisions also could make their way into the stimulus package. Republicans, Democrats and the administration have made differing proposals a priority that could pose additional hurdles as sides work to negotiate.
House Democrats passed a $3 trillion measure in May that outlines their priorities in the next phase of emergency funding. McConnell has said the bill is a non-starter and that Senate Republicans are drafting their own proposal to act as a starting point for negotiations, a measure that is likely to cost much less.
Both the House and the Senate are on recess this week, but McConnell said he would start discussing the draft with his members and Democrats when they return next week.
"I think you can anticipate this coming to a head sometime within the next three weeks," he said Monday in Kentucky.
House Democrats have similarly stressed an urgency to get a bill to the president's desk. Pelosi said on CNN Tuesday that she would delay the House's August recess to ensure enough time to work through negotiations.
"We absolutely have to. We also have to come to an agreement," she said. "The timetable is the timetable of the American people needing their unemployment insurance, their direct payments, their assistance for rent and mortgage foreclosure forbearance."
Other issues on the negotiating table include:
Payroll tax cut : Trump has repeatedly floated the idea of a payroll tax cut, saying it would help put people back to work. The size of the cut and other details haven’t been released, and lawmakers on Capitol Hill, including many Republicans, have resisted the idea.
: Trump has repeatedly floated the idea of a payroll tax cut, saying it would help put people back to work. The size of the cut and other details haven’t been released, and lawmakers on Capitol Hill, including many Republicans, have resisted the idea. State, local and tribal funding : Democrats have made additional funds for state, local and tribal governments their No. 1 priority in the next package. Under the HEROES Act, nearly $1 trillion would go to state, local and tribal governments that need funds to pay first responders, health workers and teachers who are in danger of losing their jobs because of the coronavirus pandemic. But Trump has said he has no interest in bailing out states that he thinks have been poorly managed. McConnell has called the bill a non-starter.
: Democrats have made additional funds for state, local and tribal governments their No. 1 priority in the next package. Under the HEROES Act, nearly $1 trillion would go to state, local and tribal governments that need funds to pay first responders, health workers and teachers who are in danger of losing their jobs because of the coronavirus pandemic. But Trump has said he has no interest in bailing out states that he thinks have been poorly managed. McConnell has called the bill a non-starter. Liability protections for businesses: Republicans are demanding that any new bill include protections for business from what conservatives have called frivolous and opportunistic lawsuits as states and companies begin to reopen. It is a proposition Democrats oppose.
More: Trump threatens to withhold funding to schools if they don't reopen this fall
Education and funds for schooling: Republicans have made getting children back to school a focus and have signaled they want to make additional funds for schools a central piece of the next package in hopes of making schools safer as COVID-19 cases continue to spike. Democrats, while on board with more funding, have been cautious in their mandates for children to go back to school due to the pandemic.
Republicans have made getting children back to school a focus and have signaled they want to make additional funds for schools a central piece of the next package in hopes of making schools safer as COVID-19 cases continue to spike. Democrats, while on board with more funding, have been cautious in their mandates for children to go back to school due to the pandemic. Funds for hospitals, testing and hazard pay for workers: Democrats and Republicans have highlighted the needs for more testing, and liberals are pushing for billions more to rapidly expand testing as the country attempts to reopen. Bipartisan proposals have also been floated for increased funding for rural hospitals and hazard pay for front-line workers, something the president has embraced. The House Democrats’ plan establishes a $200 billion fund to provide hazard pay for essential workers.
More: Auto dealers, restaurants with ties to lawmakers were among the firms that got PPP loans: Treasury/SBA data


usatoday--2020-07-15--Tuberville tops Sessions, Hegar leads in race to face Cornyn and other takeaways from Tuesday's elec

WASHINGTON – On a night of elections across several states , it was a runoff election that took center stage .
Political newcomer and former Auburn football coach Tommy Tuberville beat out Jeff Sessions in the Alabama Senate Republican primary runoff Tuesday for Sessions old Senate seat .
Tuberville ’ s win showcases President Donald Trump ’ s influence on down ballot races for Republicans .
Ahead of the primary , Trump endorsed Tuberville and repeatedly bashed Sessions , calling him a “ disaster ” and saying he “ made a mistake ” by appointing Sessions as attorney general .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in spring 2017 after Sessions recused himself from overseeing the Justice Department 's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election .
His recusal led to Robert Mueller being appointed special counsel and a nearly two-year probe that clouded Trump 's first years in office .
Tuberville barely topped Sessions in the primary in March , 33.4 % to 31.6 % .
A candidate would have needed 50 % of the primary vote to avoid a runoff .
Shortly after Tuberville was named the projected winner Tuesday night , Trump tweeted his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against Jeff Sessions , ” Trump wrote in a tweet .
“ Will be a GREAT Senator for the incredible people of Alabama.
” Here are other takeaways from Tuesday ’ s primary : MJ Hegar leading in race to take on Sen. John Cornyn in November M.J. Hegar , an Air Force veteran who earned a Purple Heart , is leading state lawmaker Royce West in the Texas Democratic Senate runoff .
The winner will go on to face Republican Sen. John Cornyn .
Hegar was the favorite for Tuesday ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ March with 22 % of the vote while West earned about 15 % of the vote .
Partial early voting and mail ballot results showed Hegar with a slight lead over West before in-person results began coming in Tuesday evening .
In the weeks leading up to the runoff , the campaign got contentious between the two Democratic candidates .
Hegar argued some of West ’ s attacks were linked to sexism while West accused Washington insiders of pouring money into Hegar ’ s campaign to oppose what could be the first African @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Senate .
During the 2018 midterms , Hegar drew national attention after releasing a buzzy ad during her unsuccessful bid to challenge Republican Rep. John Carter in Texas ' 31st Congressional District .
The ad , titled `` Doors , '' traced the Air Force veteran 's path from a little girl at her mother 's side fleeing domestic abuse to helping save her team from Taliban capture after their medevac helicopter was shot down in Afghanistan .
Democrats are fighting hard to win a Senate seat in Texas , where both senators @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
However , Cornyn 's seat is still listed as by the Cook Political Report as “ likely Republican.
” Go big or play it safe ?
: Electoral map widens for Joe Biden and Democrats , but with risk Maine Speaker of the House Sara Gideon will face off against Republican Sen. Susan Collins , considered by many to be one of the most endangered senators , in November .
Gideon was seen as the front-runner headed into Tuesday ’ s primary , as she outraised other challengers and has led in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Gideon defeated two more liberal candidates , lawyer Bre Kidman and activist Betsy Sweet .
Collins ’ seat is considered a toss-up , according to the Cook Political Report .
Former White House doctor Ronny Jackson wins runoff , and other House race results Ronny Jackson , a former Navy admiral and Trump 's onetime nominee to head the Department of Veterans Affairs , won the Republican primary runoff against lobbyist Josh Winegarner for the seat belonging to Rep. Mac Thornberry , who is retiring .
Jackson was endorsed by Trump and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was Thornberry 's hand-picked candidate to succeed him .
Jackson will go up against Democrat Gus Trujillo in the traditionally Republican 13th Congressional District race in November .
Former Rep. Pete Sessions will likely get another chance to return to Congress after he won the Republican primary runoff for the 17th Congressional District against Republican businesswoman Renee Swann .
Sessions is seeking to replace Republican Rep. Bill Flores , who is retiring from Congress .
Flores endorsed Swann for the election .
Sessions lost his seat during the 2018 midterms against Democrat Colin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Congressional District to run there .
Sessions became a fixture in Trump 's impeachment probe for his relationship with two associates of the president 's attorney , Rudy Giuliani , and his role in the removal of the U.S. ambassador to Ukraine .
Sessions will face Democrat Rick Kennedy in November .
In Maine , Dale Crafts , a former state representative , is leading the race to face off against Democratic freshmen Rep. Jared Golden , who flipped a long-held Republican seat in 2018 .
The 2nd Congressional District Republican primary was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a former press secretary for the former governor ; and Eric Brakey , a former state senator .

Tuberville tops Sessions, Hegar leads in race to face Cornyn and other takeaways from Tuesday's elections
Show Caption Hide Caption Tuberville wins primary; will face Jones in Alabama Senate race Former college football coach Tommy Tuberville defeated former Senator and Attorney General Jeff Sessions in the Alabama Republican Senate primary. Tuberville goes on to challenge Democratic Senator Doug Jones. (July 15) AP
WASHINGTON – On a night of elections across several states, it was a runoff election that took center stage.
Political newcomer and former Auburn football coach Tommy Tuberville beat out Jeff Sessions in the Alabama Senate Republican primary runoff Tuesday for Sessions old Senate seat. Tuberville’s win showcases President Donald Trump’s influence on down ballot races for Republicans.
Ahead of the primary, Trump endorsed Tuberville and repeatedly bashed Sessions, calling him a “disaster” and saying he “made a mistake” by appointing Sessions as attorney general.
The feud between Sessions and Trump began in spring 2017 after Sessions recused himself from overseeing the Justice Department's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. His recusal led to Robert Mueller being appointed special counsel and a nearly two-year probe that clouded Trump's first years in office.
More: Tommy Tuberville defeats Jeff Sessions in Alabama Republican Senate runoff
Tuberville barely topped Sessions in the primary in March, 33.4% to 31.6%. A candidate would have needed 50% of the primary vote to avoid a runoff.
Shortly after Tuberville was named the projected winner Tuesday night, Trump tweeted his praise.
“Tommy Tuberville WON big against Jeff Sessions,” Trump wrote in a tweet. “Will be a GREAT Senator for the incredible people of Alabama.”
Tuberville will face Democratic Sen. Doug Jones in November.
Wow, just called! @TTuberville - Tommy Tuberville WON big against Jeff Sessions. Will be a GREAT Senator for the incredible people of Alabama. @DougJones is a terrible Senator who is just a Super Liberal puppet for Schumer & Pelosi. Represents Alabama poorly. On to November 3rd. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 15, 2020
Here are other takeaways from Tuesday’s primaries:
MJ Hegar leading in race to take on Sen. John Cornyn in November
M.J. Hegar, an Air Force veteran who earned a Purple Heart, is leading state lawmaker Royce West in the Texas Democratic Senate runoff. The winner will go on to face Republican Sen. John Cornyn.
Hegar was the favorite for Tuesday’s runoff after she led the primary in March with 22% of the vote while West earned about 15% of the vote. Partial early voting and mail ballot results showed Hegar with a slight lead over West before in-person results began coming in Tuesday evening.
In the weeks leading up to the runoff, the campaign got contentious between the two Democratic candidates. Hegar argued that some of West’s attacks were linked to sexism, while West accused Washington insiders of pouring money into Hegar’s campaign to oppose what could be the first African American to represent Texas in the U.S. Senate.
During the 2018 midterms, Hegar drew national attention after releasing a buzzy ad during her unsuccessful bid to challenge Republican Rep. John Carter in Texas' 31st Congressional District. The ad, titled "Doors," traced the Air Force veteran's path from a little girl at her mother's side fleeing domestic abuse to helping save her team from Taliban capture after their medevac helicopter was shot down in Afghanistan.
Democrats are fighting hard to win a Senate seat in Texas, where both senators are Republican, during this presidential year. However, Cornyn's seat is still listed as by the Cook Political Report as “likely Republican.”
Go big or play it safe?: Electoral map widens for Joe Biden and Democrats, but with risk
How a contentious election affects a peaceful transition of power What history has shown us about contested elections and peaceful transitions of power. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
Sara Gideon to face Sen. Susan Collins
Maine Speaker of the House Sara Gideon will face off against Republican Sen. Susan Collins, considered by many to be one of the most endangered senators, in November.
Gideon was seen as the front-runner headed into Tuesday’s primary, as she outraised other challengers and has led in polling against Collins in a head-to-head matchup. Gideon defeated two more liberal candidates, lawyer Bre Kidman and activist Betsy Sweet. Collins’ seat is considered a toss-up, according to the Cook Political Report.
Electoral College vs. the popular vote, explained President Trump and President George W. Bush won the electoral vote during the election, but not the popular vote. How does the electoral college work? Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
Former White House doctor Ronny Jackson wins runoff, and other House race results
Ronny Jackson, a former Navy admiral and Trump's onetime nominee to head the Department of Veterans Affairs, won the Republican primary runoff against lobbyist Josh Winegarner for the seat belonging to Rep. Mac Thornberry, who is retiring.
Jackson was endorsed by Trump and led in fundraising over Winegarner, who was Thornberry's hand-picked candidate to succeed him.
Jackson will go up against Democrat Gus Trujillo in the traditionally Republican 13th Congressional District race in November.
Former Rep. Pete Sessions will likely get another chance to return to Congress after he won the Republican primary runoff for the 17th Congressional District against Republican businesswoman Renee Swann.
Sessions is seeking to replace Republican Rep. Bill Flores, who is retiring from Congress. Flores endorsed Swann for the election. Sessions lost his seat during the 2018 midterms against Democrat Colin Allred, and moved to the 17th Congressional District to run there.
Sessions became a fixture in Trump's impeachment probe for his relationship with two associates of the president's attorney, Rudy Giuliani, and his role in the removal of the U.S. ambassador to Ukraine. Sessions will face Democrat Rick Kennedy in November.
In Maine, Dale Crafts, a former state representative, is leading the race to face off against Democratic freshmen Rep. Jared Golden, who flipped a Republican seat in 2018.
The 2nd Congressional District Republican primary was a toss-up between Crafts; Adrienne Bennett, a former press secretary for the former governor; and Eric Brakey, a former state senator.
Contributing: Christal Hayes; Brian Lyman, Montgomery Advertiser


usatoday--2020-07-15--Even Senate races have caught COVID-19, boosting Democrats' chances of winning control of the chambe

Now even Senate races have caught COVID-19 .
Side effects of the deadly pandemic , especially the damage it has done to President Donald Trump 's political standing , have contributed to a tectonic shift in the landscape for Senate contests this fall .
That has boosted once-distant Democratic prospects to claim a majority after six years of Republican control .
The gain of three or four seats that Democrats need is a target that analysts in both parties say is in reach , at least at the moment .
Since January , when the novel coronavirus was first seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political outlooks for eight Republican senators running for re-election have worsened , according to rankings by the nonpartisan `` Cook Political Report . ''
Now nine GOP-held seats are rated as competitive or tossup , compared with two Democratic-held seats .
‘ Grim resolve ’ : Biden is up big and the Senate is in sight , but Democrats still haunted by fear of letdown In some states , the pandemic has also had particular effects .
In North Carolina , Republican Sen. Thom Tillis faces criticism from Democrats about the repercussions during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Medicaid expansion when he was speaker of the state House of Representatives .
In Montana , Democratic Senate challenger Steve Bullock has been strengthened in a close contest thanks to the media attention and generally good marks he 's gotten for handling the coronavirus in his present job as governor .
`` The current political environment is definitely challenging for Republican chances of holding a Senate majority , '' said Tim Cameron , the chief digital strategist at the GOP Senate campaign arm in 2014 and 2016 , when Republicans gained and then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Masto , chair of the Democratic Senate campaign arm , said , `` I will say , we are on a pathway to hold the Senate , there 's no doubt about it . ''
She said the coronavirus crisis has intensified voters ' concerns about the availability and cost of health care , something many Democratic candidates already were emphasizing .
Go big or play it safe ?
: Electoral map widens for Biden and Democrats , but with risk COVID-19 does n't have a partisan predisposition , but it has hurt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the job he has done in responding to it , according to an ABC-Ipsos Poll released Friday .
What 's more , the disease 's devastating impact on jobs and growth has cost the president and other GOP candidates their biggest political selling point , a booming economy .
`` Trump is driving the narrative , '' Jessica Taylor , Senate editor at `` The Cook Political Report , '' said in an interview .
`` We see voters have really soured on President Trump and his performance , and Senate Republicans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ party 's congressional candidates often find their fortunes tied to the presidential nominee at the top of the ticket , and those ties have been hardened this year as Trump 's control of the GOP is largely unchallenged .
He has reshaped the Republican Party in his image on such defining issues as trade , immigration and race , and he has n't hesitated to punish fellow Republicans who criticize him .
This year , eight of the 11 competitive Senate races are in states that are seen as at least potential battlegrounds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Colorado , Georgia , Iowa , Maine , Michigan and North Carolina .
( History says that matters .
In 2016 , every Senate race in the country was won by the party that carried the state in the presidential race . )
What 's more , several of the Senate battlegrounds are in states that have been particularly hard-hit by the pandemic , including Arizona and Georgia .
Coronavirus updates : Almost half of all states are spiking at a faster rate than in the spring , USA TODAY study finds The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Senate would be enormous , especially as optimism about the party 's chances of winning the White House grow .
A Democratic Senate would be much more likely to enact the sweeping initiatives that the party 's presumptive presidential nominee , Joe Biden , is now preparing to submit if he wins .
It would improve prospects for progressive legislation has passed the Democratic-controlled House only to be stalled in the Senate .
`` A legislative graveyard , '' Cortez Masto said .
The Senate also has final say over the confirmation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the federal judiciary , including Supreme Court justices .
Kansas ?
Really ?
It 's been 88 years A political landscape that has been reshaped in the past six months could change again in the next 3½ months .
To claim a majority , Democrats need to score a net gain of three seats if the party wins the White House , because the vice president can break ties in the Senate .
If Trump wins re-election , Democrats need a net gain of four seats .
• Among Democratic incumbents , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fight in solidly red Alabama .
In the Tuesday primary , former Auburn football coach Tommy Tuberville defeated former Trump attorney general Jeff Sessions for the Republican nomination against Jones .
• Among Republican incumbents , five senators are now given no better than even chances of holding their seats , according to statewide polls and independent analysts .
They are Susan Collins of Maine , Steve Daines of Montana , Cory Gardner of Colorado , Martha McSally of Arizona , and Tillis .
• In another four GOP-held seats , Republican candidates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They include senators Joni Ernst of Iowa , David Perdue of Georgia and Kelly Loeffler , running in a Georgia special election .
Most surprising of all , the open Senate race in Kansas is only rated as `` leaning '' to the GOP .
The last Democrat to win a Senate election in Kansas ?
That would be George McGill , in 1932 .
The Republicans ' unbroken hold on Kansas ' Senate seats is the longest for either party in any state .
The odds of a Democratic victory in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ candidate wins the Republican nomination in the Aug. 4 primary .
Former Kansas secretary of State Kris Kobach , a firebrand conservative who lost the governor 's race in 2018 , is seen as a more vulnerable standard bearer than rival Roger Marshall , now a member of the U.S. House .
The Democratic nominee is expected to be state senator Barbara Bollier , who switched her party registration from the GOP in 2018 .
November elections : As Trump , Biden battle , officials are running out of time , money More @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prevailed in this year 's primaries over more progressive alternatives , including in Kentucky ( Amy McGrath ) , Colorado ( John Hickenlooper ) and Iowa ( Theresa Greenfield ) .
That happened again in Tuesday 's primary in Texas , where Air Force veteran M.J. Hegar defeated Royce West for the nomination to challenge Sen. John Cornyn .
Democrats have touted the possibility of upset victories in some high-profile Senate races , especially against Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell in Kentucky .
In South Carolina , Democrat Jaime Harrison , challenging Republican @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 13.9 million over the past three months .
.
Those expanding ambitions may prove to be a mistake by Democrats , Cameron cautioned .
`` Democrats do risk getting spread thin , with potentially a dozen races being contested at the multi-million dollar level , '' he said .
If the political environment improves for Republicans , `` they 'll regret not having that money '' to use in the tightest contests .
One more effect of COVID-19 : Money matters even more than usual .
Traditional campaign rallies have become all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risk that crowded venues become `` super spreader '' events for the coronavirus .
Even door-to-door campaigning by candidates and field workers is problematic at a time millions of Americans are leery of contact with anyone outside their households .
That has made TV and online advertising , and the funds to pay for them , more crucial than ever .
Democratic Senate challengers in competitive races have shown more strength than their Republican opponents in cultivating small donors on digital platforms , a significant asset .
More : Facebook clashes with election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ misinformation That may be demonstrated by midnight Wednesday , when fundraising reports for the second quarter of the year are due to the Federal Election Commission .
Already , Democratic candidates in five of the 11 competitive Senate races have reported raising more money than their Republican opponents , in some cases even against incumbents .
In Arizona , Democratic challenger Mark Kelly has out-raised McSally by more than $ 12 million .
In Maine , Democratic challenger Sara Gideon , who formally won the nomination in Tuesday 's primary , has out-raised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` It 's a very unique and challenging environment , given that we 've all been faced with a once-in-a-lifetime global pandemic that has caused a significant health crisis and economic turmoil . ''
Jesse Hunt , a spokesman for the National Republican Senatorial Committee , acknowledged .
But he added , `` Republican senators are in a great position to draw contrasts with their Democratic opponents and close strong over these next three-and-a-half months . ''
`` I think it 's pretty even at this point , '' Taylor said , `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Republican RSVPs : Several senators say they will not attend GOP convention as COVID-19 cases in Florida spike

Even Senate races have caught COVID-19, boosting Democrats' chances of winning control of the chamber
Show Caption Hide Caption How a contentious election affects a peaceful transition of power What history has shown us about contested elections and peaceful transitions of power. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
Now, even Senate races have caught COVID-19.
Side effects of the pandemic, especially the damage it has done to President Donald Trump's political standing, have contributed to a tectonic shift in the landscape for Senate contests this fall. That has boosted once-distant Democratic prospects to claim a majority after six years of Republican control.
The gain of three or four seats that Democrats need is a target that analysts in both parties now say is in reach, at least at the moment.
Since January, when the novel coronavirus was first seen as a global health threat, the political outlooks for eight Republican senators running for re-election have worsened, according to rankings by the nonpartisan "Cook Political Report." Now, nine GOP-held seats are rated as competitive or tossup, compared with two Democratic-held seats.
‘Grim resolve’: Biden is up big and the Senate is in sight, but Democrats still haunted by fear of letdown
In some states, the pandemic has had particular effects. In North Carolina, Republican Sen. Thom Tillis faces criticism from Democrats about the repercussions amid the crisis of his role in blocking Medicaid expansion when he was speaker of the state House of Representatives. In Montana, Democratic Senate challenger Steve Bullock has been strengthened in a close contest thanks to media attention on the generally good marks he's gotten for handling the coronavirus in his present job as governor.
Bullock's first TV commercial featured him wearing a protective face mask.
"The current political environment is definitely challenging for Republican chances of holding a Senate majority," said Tim Cameron, the chief digital strategist at the GOP Senate campaign arm in 2014 and 2016, when Republicans gained and then held control. Nevada Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, chair of the Democratic Senate campaign arm, said, "I will say, we are on a pathway to hold the Senate, there's no doubt about it."
She said the coronavirus crisis has intensified voters' concerns about the availability and cost of health care, something many Democratic candidates already were emphasizing.
Go big or play it safe?: Electoral map widens for Biden and Democrats, but with risk
Key Senate battlegrounds in swing presidential states
COVID-19 doesn't have a partisan predisposition, but it has hurt Trump, as two-thirds of Americans now disapprove of the job he has done in responding to the crisis, according to an ABC-Ipsos Poll released Friday. What's more, the disease's devastating impact on jobs and growth has cost the president and other GOP candidates their biggest political selling point: a booming economy.
"Trump is driving the narrative," Jessica Taylor, Senate editor at The Cook Political Report, said in an interview. "We see voters have really soured on President Trump and his performance, and Senate Republicans are feeling that down-ballot."
A party's congressional candidates often find their fortunes tied to the presidential nominee, and those ties have been hardened this year as Trump's control of the GOP is largely unchallenged. He has reshaped the Republican Party in his image on such defining issues as trade, immigration and race, and he hasn't hesitated to punish fellow Republicans who criticize him.
This year, eight of the 11 competitive Senate races are in states that are seen as at least potential battlegrounds in the presidential race: Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Iowa, Maine, Michigan and North Carolina. (History says that matters. In 2016, every Senate race in the country was won by the party that carried the state in the presidential race.)
What's more, several of the Senate battlegrounds are in states that have been particularly hard-hit by the pandemic, including Arizona and Georgia.
Coronavirus updates: Almost half of all states are spiking at a faster rate than in the spring, USA TODAY study finds
The repercussions of a Democratic takeover of the Senate would be enormous, especially as optimism about the party's chances of winning the White House grows. A Democratic Senate would be much more likely to enact the sweeping initiatives that the party's presumptive presidential nominee, Joe Biden, is now preparing to submit if he wins. It would improve prospects for progressive legislation that has passed the Democratic-controlled House only to be stalled in the Senate.
"A legislative graveyard," Cortez Masto said.
The Senate also has final say over the confirmation of senior officials in federal agencies and members of the federal judiciary, including Supreme Court justices.
Kansas? Really? It's been 88 years
A political landscape that has been reshaped in the past six months could change again in the next 3½ months. To claim a majority, Democrats need to score a net gain of three seats if the party wins the White House, because the vice president can break ties in the Senate. If Trump wins re-election, Democrats need a net gain of four seats.
Here's where things stand now:
Among Democratic incumbents, Sen. Doug Jones faces an uphill re-election fight in solidly red Alabama. In the Tuesday primary, former Auburn football coach Tommy Tuberville defeated former Trump Attorney General Jeff Sessions for the Republican nomination against Jones.
Among Republican incumbents, five senators are now given no better than even chances of holding their seats, according to statewide polls and independent analysts. They are Susan Collins of Maine, Steve Daines of Montana, Cory Gardner of Colorado, Martha McSally of Arizona, and Tillis.
In another four GOP-held seats, Republican candidates are favored, but not by much. They include Sens. Joni Ernst of Iowa, David Perdue of Georgia and Kelly Loeffler, running in a Georgia special election. Most surprising of all, the open Senate race in Kansas is rated as only "leaning" to the GOP.
The last Democrat to win a Senate election in Kansas? That would be George McGill, in 1932. The Republicans' unbroken hold on Kansas' Senate seats is the longest for either party in any state.
The odds of a Democratic victory in the Sunflower State will depend on which candidate wins the Republican nomination in the Aug. 4 primary. Former Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, a firebrand conservative who lost the governor's race in 2018, is seen as a more vulnerable standard bearer than rival Roger Marshall, now a member of the U.S. House. The Democratic nominee is expected to be state Sen. Barbara Bollier, who switched her party registration from the GOP in 2018.
November elections: As Trump, Biden battle, officials are running out of time, money
More moderate and establishment Democratic contenders have generally prevailed in this year's primaries over more progressive alternatives, including in Kentucky (Amy McGrath), Colorado (John Hickenlooper) and Iowa (Theresa Greenfield). That happened again in Tuesday's primary in Texas, where Air Force veteran M.J. Hegar defeated Royce West for the nomination to challenge Sen. John Cornyn.
Democrats have touted the possibility of upset victories in some high-profile Senate races, especially against Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell in Kentucky. In South Carolina, Democrat Jaime Harrison, challenging Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham, raised an impressive $13.9 million over the past three months. .
Those expanding ambitions may prove to be a mistake by Democrats, Cameron cautioned.
"Democrats do risk getting spread thin, with potentially a dozen races being contested at the multi-million dollar level," he said. If the political environment improves for Republicans, "they'll regret not having that money" to use in the tightest contests.
Money matters more with COVID-19
One more effect of COVID-19: Money matters even more than usual.
Traditional campaign rallies have become all but impossible to stage because of the risk that crowded venues become "super spreader" events for the coronavirus. Even door-to-door campaigning by candidates and field workers is problematic at a time millions of Americans are leery of contact with anyone outside their households.
That has made TV and online advertising, and the funds to pay for them, more crucial than ever. Democratic Senate challengers in competitive races have shown more strength than their Republican opponents in cultivating small donors on digital platforms, a significant asset.
More: Facebook election advertising blackout? Company weighs political ads ban in final days before election
More: Facebook clashes with election officials behind the scenes over policies, misinformation
That may be demonstrated by midnight Wednesday, when fundraising reports for the second quarter of the year are due to the Federal Election Commission.
Already, Democratic candidates in five of the 11 competitive Senate races have reported raising more money than their Republican opponents, in some cases even against incumbents. In Arizona, Democratic challenger Mark Kelly has outraised McSally by more than $12 million. In Maine, Democratic challenger Sara Gideon, who formally won the nomination in Tuesday's primary, has outraised Collins by nearly $7 million.
"It's a very unique and challenging environment, given that we've all been faced with a once-in-a-lifetime global pandemic that has caused a significant health crisis and economic turmoil." acknowledged Jesse Hunt, a spokesman for the National Republican Senatorial Committee. But he added, "Republican senators are in a great position to draw contrasts with their Democratic opponents and close strong over these next three-and-a-half months."
"I think it's pretty even at this point," Taylor said, "but it's tilting toward Democrats."
Republican RSVPs: Several senators say they will not attend GOP convention as COVID-19 cases in Florida spike


usatoday--2020-07-15--Wearing a mask doesn't just protect others from COVID, it protects you from infection, perhaps serio

A new report from a hair salon in Springfield , Missouri , shows wearing a face mask is n't just altruistic – it also helps keep the person wearing it from getting COVID-19 .
And some infectious disease experts increasingly think wearing a mask could mean even if a person is infected they are more likely to get a milder or even asymptomatic form of the disease .
The Missouri hair salon case was published in this week 's Morbidity and Mortality Report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
It 's an example of the power of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SARS-CoV-2 , the virus that causes COVID-19 .
On May 12 , a hair stylist at Springfield Great Clips salon developed respiratory symptoms but kept working for eight days until a COVID-19 test came back positive .
Another stylist started getting sick three days later and worked for another seven days before testing positive and staying home .
Both colleagues only wore masks when customers were present .
Six close contacts of the first stylist ended up coming down with COVID-19 .
But in the salon , where 98 % of clients wore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Of the 67 clients exposed to one or both of the stylists and tested for COVID-19 , not one tested positive .
While cloth face coverings are n't 100 % effective , `` wearing them means you 're exposed to less virus .
Less is coming in from other people and you 're inhaling less .
It 's a win-win , '' said Dr. John Brooks , a medical epidemiologist and the CDC 's chief medical officer for the agency ’ s COVID-19 response .
If the American public were to embrace masking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the pandemic could be brought to heel in less than two months .
`` If we could get everybody to wear a mask right now I really do think over the next 4-6-8 weeks , I really think we can bring this under control , '' he said in an interview Tuesday with the editor in chief of the Journal of the American Medical Association .
Masks could mean getting less sick And it might do more than quell the outbreak .
A hypothesis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those infected while wearing masks breath in a lower dose of the virus and as a result often have less severe illness .
A forthcoming article in the Journal of General Internal Medicine lays out the theory .
It makes a lot of sense , said Dr. Joshua Sharfstein , an expert in health policy at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health .
“ Wearing a mask may protect the mask wearer more than we realize , '' he said .
`` This paper provides a new explanation for lower rates of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ common , as well as an even stronger rationale for all of us to wear masks when around others . ''
The rationale is based on the medical concept of `` viral inoculum , '' or how much virus someone is exposed to .
The evidence about viral , bacterial or fungal exposure affecting how sick someone gets goes back to the 1930s .
“ We know this for gastrointestinal viruses , sexually transmitted diseases and respiratory infections .
The bigger the load the more you get in your system the more severe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gandhi , a professor of medicine and infectious disease expert at the University of California , San Francisco and co-author on the paper .
'No one is safe until everyone is safe ' : Vaccine nationalism threatens global coronavirus effort Vaccine horizon : We 're one-third of the way to a widely available coronavirus vaccine , experts say Wearing a cloth face covering is estimated to screen out between 65 % and 85 % of viral particles , said Dr. Chris Beyrer , an epidemiologist at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ robust the person ’ s immune system is , a smaller exposure seems to correlate with milder cases of COVID-19 .
It 's probably because with a smaller amount of virus to deal with , the body ’ s immune system has a better chance of mounting a defense , the paper 's authors suggest .
It ’ s seen in many other diseases , said Otto Yang , a professor of medicine and chief of infectious diseases at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA “ When somebody ’ s infected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ immediately a race between the virus replicating itself and the immune system .
The bigger the inoculum a person gets , the bigger head start the virus has , ” he said .
It also appears people who wear masks but contract the diseaseare much more likely to be asymptomatic , meaning theyhave COVID-19 but no symptoms .
`` If you ’ re going to get this virus , you want to have an asymptomatic infection .
As so many people who ’ ve survived it have said , it ’ s not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sick , even those who do n't require hospitalization , '' said Beyrer .
The idea remains a hypothesis because the scientists do n't have specific data as it 's impossible to do studies in humans .
“ We can ’ t spray SARS-CoV-2 virus in people ’ s faces at lower and higher doses and see who gets sicker , ” said Gandhi .
But there is animal data .
A study in hamsters found if masks were used to filter the air into their cages , they were less likely to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they did get infected , they had milder disease .
There ’ s also ecological evidence from the pandemic that seems to bear this out .
Take the case of two cruise ships that both had COVID-19 onboard .
`` Cruise ships in some ways are like a natural experiment .
Things were done differently on different ships and the outcomes were different , '' said Beyrer .
The first was the Diamond Princess , where 18 % of those who got infected with COVID-19 were asymptomatic .
Very few passengers wore masks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cruise ship called the Shackleton .
When the first case appeared , all passengers were issued surgical masks and all staff wore N-95 masks .
While 58 % of passengers and crew ended up becoming infected with COVID-19 , a full 81 % of them were asymptomatic .
Another example comes from Oregon , where everyone in a fish processing plant was issued masks each day at work .
While 33 % of workers tested ended up being positive for COVID-19 , 95 % of them were asymptomatic .
In countries where a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the number of cases may rise but the number of deaths falls .
Some models show that if 80 % of people wear masks , death rates from COVID-19 stay very low .
In the United States , San Francisco has a very high level of mask wearing , and while cases have been going up , the death rate has remained flat .
In fact , there have been no new deaths since June 27 .
The city also is showing a high level of asymptomatic cases .
A high level @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are actually getting sick from COVID-19 and those that are are less likely to spread the disease .
Face masks could be key to getting back to as normal as possible before a vaccine is available .
It will still require social distancing and hand washing , but maskingcould allow things to open up , said the CDC 's Brooks .
`` What we ’ re saying is , if everybody will adopt cloth face coverings we can begin to socializing again without shutting down the economy , '' he said .

Wearing a mask doesn't just protect others from COVID, it protects you from infection, perhaps serious illness, too
Show Caption Hide Caption COVID: Wearing cloth face mask can protect you from serious infection A new report suggests that wearing a cloth mask doesn't just protect others from COVID-19, it can protect you as well. USA TODAY
A new report from a hair salon in Springfield, Missouri, shows wearing a face mask isn't just altruistic – it also helps keep the person wearing it from getting COVID-19.
And some infectious disease experts increasingly think wearing a mask could mean that even if a person is infected, they are more likely to get a milder or even asymptomatic form of the disease.
The Missouri hair salon case was published in this week's Morbidity and Mortality Report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It's an example of the power of face masks to stop the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
On May 12, a hair stylist at a Springfield Great Clips salon developed respiratory symptoms, but kept working for eight days until a COVID-19 test came back positive.
Another stylist started getting sick three days later and worked for another seven days before testing positive and staying home. Both colleagues wore masks only when customers were present.
Six close contacts of the first stylist ended up coming down with COVID-19. But in the salon, where 98% of clients wore masks, things played out differently. Of the 67 clients exposed to one or both of the stylists and tested for COVID-19, not one tested positive.
While cloth face coverings aren't 100% effective, "wearing them means you're exposed to less virus. Less is coming in from other people and you're inhaling less. It's a win-win," said Dr. John Brooks, a medical epidemiologist and the CDC's chief medical officer for the agency’s COVID-19 response.
If the American public were to embrace masking now, Dr. Robert Redfield, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said the pandemic could be brought to heel in less than two months.
"If we could get everybody to wear a mask right now, I really do think over the next 4-6-8 weeks, I really think we can bring this under control," he said in an interview Tuesday with the editor in chief of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Face mask care: Use your washer and dryer to clean your mask This is how often you should wash your cloth face mask. ProblemSolved, USA TODAY
Masks could mean getting less sick
And it might do more than quell the outbreak. A hypothesis among some infectious disease experts is that those infected while wearing masks breathe in a lower dose of the virus, and as a result often have less severe illness.
A forthcoming article in the Journal of General Internal Medicine lays out the theory.
It makes a lot of sense, said Dr. Joshua Sharfstein, an expert in health policy at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
“Wearing a mask may protect the mask wearer more than we realize," he said. "This paper provides a new explanation for lower rates of death in areas where mask wearing is common, as well as an even stronger rationale for all of us to wear masks when around others."
The rationale is based on the medical concept of "viral inoculum," or how much virus someone is exposed to. The evidence about viral, bacterial or fungal exposure affecting how sick someone gets goes back to the 1930s.
“We know this for gastrointestinal viruses, sexually transmitted diseases and respiratory infections. The bigger the load the more you get in your system, the more severe the disease,” said Dr. Monica Gandhi, a professor of medicine and infectious disease expert at the University of California, San Francisco and co-author on the paper.
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Wearing a cloth face covering is estimated to screen out between 65% and 85% of viral particles, said Dr. Chris Beyrer, an epidemiologist at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and another author.
Depending on how robust the person’s immune system is, a smaller exposure seems to correlate with milder cases of COVID-19. It's probably because with a smaller amount of virus to deal with, the body’s immune system has a better chance of mounting a defense, the paper's authors suggest.
It’s seen in many other diseases, said Otto Yang, a professor of medicine and chief of infectious diseases at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA
“When somebody’s infected with a virus, there’s immediately a race between the virus replicating itself and the immune system. The bigger the inoculum a person gets, the bigger head start the virus has,” he said.
It also appears people who wear masks but contract the disease are much more likely to be asymptomatic, meaning they have COVID-19 but no symptoms.
"If you’re going to get this virus, you want to have an asymptomatic infection. As so many people who’ve survived it have said, it’s not an ordinary flu. People are very sick, even those who don't require hospitalization," Beyrer said.
The idea remains a hypothesis because the scientists don't have specific data, as it's impossible to do studies in humans.
“We can’t spray SARS-CoV-2 virus in people’s faces at lower and higher doses and see who gets sicker,” Gandhi said.
But there is animal data. A study in hamsters found that if masks were used to filter the air into their cages, the hamsters were less likely to become infected with COVID-19, and if they did get infected, they had milder disease.
There’s also ecological evidence from the pandemic that seems to bear this out. Take the case of two cruise ships that both had COVID-19 onboard.
"Cruise ships in some ways are like a natural experiment," Beyrer said. "Things were done differently on different ships and the outcomes were different.
The first was the Diamond Princess, where 18% of those who got infected with COVID-19 were asymptomatic. Very few passengers wore masks.
A later infection hit the another cruise ship, the Shackleton. When the first case appeared, all passengers were issued surgical masks and all staff wore N-95 masks. While 58% of passengers and crew ended up becoming infected with COVID-19, a full 81% of them were asymptomatic.
Another example comes from Oregon, where everyone in a fish processing plant was issued masks each day at work. While 33% of workers tested ended up being positive for COVID-19, 95% of them were asymptomatic.
In countries where a high percentage of the population wears masks, the number of cases may rise, but the number of deaths falls. Some models show that if 80% of people wear masks, death rates from COVID-19 stay very low.
In the United States, San Francisco has a very high level of mask wearing, and while cases have been going up, the death rate has remained flat. In fact, there have been no new deaths since June 27. The city also is showing a high level of asymptomatic cases.
A high level of asymptomatic cases means that fewer people are actually getting sick from COVID-19, and those that are are less likely to spread the disease.
Face masks could be key to getting back to as normal as possible before a vaccine is available. It will still require social distancing and handwashing, but masking could allow things to open up, said the CDC's Brooks.
"What we’re saying is, if everybody will adopt cloth face coverings, we can begin socializing again without shutting down the economy," he said.


usatoday--2020-07-15--Tyra Banks is new host of 'Dancing With the Stars,' replacing Tom Bergeron and Erin Andrews

Supermodel and businesswoman Tyra Banks will be the new host of `` Dancing With the Stars , '' the ABC reality dance competition revealed Tuesday , one day after announcing it was parting ways with current hosts Tom Bergeron and Erin Andrews .
`` Please join us in welcoming @ tyrabanks as # DWTS host , '' the show 's official Twitter account announced .
`` I ’ ve been a fan of ‘ DWTS ’ since its beginning , '' Banks 46 , said in a statement released by ABC and production group BBC Studios Tuesday .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ celebrities push past their comfort zones , the sizzling dance performances .
It ’ s always transported me to my days of turning it up 10 notches on the catwalk . ''
Banks will also serve as show executive producer when it starts its 29th season , currently scheduled for this fall .
She paid respect to the beloved , departing veteran Bergeron , who has been with `` DWTS '' for all 28 seasons , earning 11 Emmy nominations , winning one .
`` Tom has set a powerful stage , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legacy , '' said Banks .
Hosts Tom Bergeron , Erin Andrews : Will be replaced on 'Dancing With the Stars' Bergeron tweeted Monday that he had been informed the dance show would be `` continuing without me . ''
`` It 's been an incredible 15 year run and the most unexpected gift of my career , '' Bergeron wrote .
`` I 'm grateful for that and for the lifelong friendships made .
That said , now what am I supposed to do with all of these glitter masks ? ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ co-hosted since 2014 , tweeted her farewell Tuesday , saying , `` I will always cherish my days on the set , even if I was n't the best at walking in heels . ''
`` DWTS '' executives cited a `` creative new direction '' as reasoning for the cha on Monday .
On Tuesday , they honored the passing of the host torch .
`` Tom has been an integral part of the ABC family for nearly two decades , '' said Karey Burke , president of ABC Entertainment in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all he and Erin have done to make 'Dancing ' a success . ''
Banks hosted and executive produced `` America ’ s Next Top Model '' and `` The Tyra Banks Show '' and held a two-year stint hosting NBC 's talent competition `` America ’ s Got Talent . ''
As executive producer Banks will work with `` DWTS ' executive producer and showrunner Andrew Llinares to spark a “ creative refresh ” planned for the 29th season `` while honoring the show , '' according to the release .

Tyra Banks is new host of 'Dancing With the Stars,' replacing Tom Bergeron and Erin Andrews
Show Caption Hide Caption ShowBiz Minute: Cannon, Markle, Banks ViacomCBS drops Nick Cannon, cites "anti-Semitic" comments; The Duchess of Sussex urges young women to "own the conversation" on issues such as racial and gender equality; Tyra Banks waltzing in as new "Dancing With the Stars" host. (July 15) AP
Supermodel and businesswoman Tyra Banks will be the new host of "Dancing With the Stars," the ABC reality dance competition revealed Tuesday, one day after announcing it was parting ways with current hosts Tom Bergeron and Erin Andrews.
Banks, 46, chatted about her new gig with Amy Robach on "Good Morning America" Wednesday.
"I am excited about hosting and executive producing," she shared on the morning program. "Getting in there, live TV. You never know what happens on live TV."
She also reflected on being a part of the show's milestones. She will be the program's first Black female host and the first person to host the program solo.
“I like breaking those doors down so that we don’t have any more firsts, but it’s nice to be first, right?" she said. "So that you can open that door and let so many other people in after you. So, I’m excited, yeah."
She promised the show's 29th season, currently scheduled for this fall, would be "so next level."
“It’s nice to be first so you can open that door and let so many people in after you.”@tyrabanks says she’s excited to be the new host of @dancingABC!
Banks will be the show's first solo host and the show's first African-American female host. https://t.co/ZGK6MpSV6Z pic.twitter.com/O7fz8BeAAs — Good Morning America (@GMA) July 15, 2020
Banks paid respect to the beloved, departing veteran Bergeron, who has been with "DWTS" for all 28 seasons, earning 11 Emmy nominations, winning one, in a statement released by ABC and production group BBC Studios Tuesday.
"Tom has set a powerful stage, and I’m excited to continue the legacy," said Banks.
Hosts Tom Bergeron, Erin Andrews: Will be replaced on 'Dancing With the Stars'
Bergeron tweeted Monday that he had been informed the dance show would be "continuing without me."
"It's been an incredible 15 year run and the most unexpected gift of my career," Bergeron wrote. "I'm grateful for that and for the lifelong friendships made. That said, now what am I supposed to do with all of these glitter masks?"
Andrews, the one-time contestant who has co-hosted since 2014, tweeted her farewell Tuesday, saying, "I will always cherish my days on the set, even if I wasn't the best at walking in heels."
"DWTS" executives cited a "creative new direction" as reasoning for the cha on Monday. On Tuesday, they honored the passing of the host torch.
"Tom has been an integral part of the ABC family for nearly two decades," said Karey Burke, president of ABC Entertainment in the statement. "We are grateful for all he and Erin have done to make 'Dancing' a success."
Banks hosted and executive produced "America’s Next Top Model" and "The Tyra Banks Show" and held a two-year stint hosting NBC's talent competition "America’s Got Talent." As executive producer Banks will work with "DWTS' executive producer and showrunner Andrew Llinares to spark a “creative refresh” planned for the 29th season "while honoring the show," according to the release.
Contributing: Erin Jensen


usatoday--2020-07-15--Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg hospitalized with infection

WASHINGTON – Supreme Court Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was admitted to a hospital Tuesday for treatment of a possible infection , marking the latest medical issue for the four-time cancer survivor .
Ginsburg , 87 , the court 's oldest justice , experienced fever and chills Monday night and was treated at Sibley Memorial Hospital in the nation 's capital .
On Tuesday , she underwent an endoscopic procedure at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore to clean out a bile duct stent that was inserted last August , the court announced .
The announcement said Ginsburg would remain at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intravenous antibiotic treatment but was `` resting comfortably . ''
Ginsburg 's health has been the subject of consternation among court-watchers for years , and more so as President Donald Trump 's first term draws to a close .
If she was forced to leave the court during his administration , the Republican-controlled Senate could try to replace her quickly and solidify the court 's conservative majority , perhaps for decades to come .
At a late afternoon press conference , Trump said , `` I wish her the best .
She ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Ginsburg has had several health scares dating back to 1999 , including colorectal , pancreatic and lung cancer .
Her lung cancer was diagnosed in December 2018 , and she had a second bout of pancreatic cancer last August .
Hitting the road : After cancer , Supreme Court 's Ruth Bader Ginsburg hits the road to prove her vitality -- and longevity Still , she has kept up with the court 's work , including during May 's telephonic oral arguments held remotely because of the coronavirus pandemic .
She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hospital , where she was recovering from acute cholecystitis , a benign gallbladder condition .
After that hospitalization , the court announced that she would return for follow-up outpatient visits and eventually have the gallstone removed .
Ginsburg was nominated to the bench by President Bill Clinton in 1993 and is now second in length of service among the current justices , behind Associate Justice Clarence Thomas .
The court has a 5-4 conservative majority that could be expanded if she were to be replaced by a Republican president and Senate .
If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Senate in November , that would change the equation .

Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg hospitalized with infection
Show Caption Hide Caption Ruth Bader Ginsburg is tougher than she looks Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg hasn't let anything stop her while serving, including several bouts with cancer. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – Supreme Court Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was admitted to a hospital Tuesday for treatment of a possible infection, marking the latest medical issue for the four-time cancer survivor.
Ginsburg, 87, the court's oldest justice, experienced fever and chills Monday night and was treated at Sibley Memorial Hospital in the nation's capital. On Tuesday, she underwent an endoscopic procedure at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore to clean out a bile duct stent that was inserted last August, the court announced.
The announcement said Ginsburg would remain at Johns Hopkins for a few days for intravenous antibiotic treatment but was "resting comfortably."
Ginsburg's health has been the subject of consternation among court-watchers for years, and more so as President Donald Trump's first term draws to a close. If she was forced to leave the court during his administration, the Republican-controlled Senate could try to replace her quickly and solidify the court's conservative majority, perhaps for decades to come.
At a late afternoon press conference, Trump said, "I wish her the best. She’s actually giving me some good rulings."
More: Year of surprise Supreme Court rulings shows influence of Chief Justice John Roberts
Ginsburg has had several health scares dating back to 1999, including colorectal, pancreatic and lung cancer. Her lung cancer was diagnosed in December 2018, and she had a second bout of pancreatic cancer last August.
Hitting the road: After cancer, Supreme Court's Ruth Bader Ginsburg hits the road to prove her vitality -- and longevity
Still, she has kept up with the court's work, including during May's telephonic oral arguments held remotely because of the coronavirus pandemic. She joined one such debate from Johns Hopkins Hospital, where she was recovering from acute cholecystitis, a benign gallbladder condition.
After that hospitalization, the court announced that she would return for follow-up outpatient visits and eventually have the gallstone removed.
Ginsburg was nominated to the bench by President Bill Clinton in 1993 and is now second in length of service among the current justices, behind Associate Justice Clarence Thomas.
The court has a 5-4 conservative majority that could be expanded if she were to be replaced by a Republican president and Senate. If Democrats win the White House or the Senate in November, that would change the equation.