usatoday--2020-05-08--Sen. Martha McSally: Next coronavirus relief package should not be a 'cash cow' for mismanaged citie

PHOENIX – Sen. Martha McSally won ’ t commit to backing additional financial support for state and local governments during the COVID-19 pandemic , saying taxpayers should not bail them out for years of mismanagement .
During a recent virtual town hall hosted by the mayor of Surprise , McSally , R-Ariz. , reiterated her call for increased flexibility in how funds can be used , but made clear she sees big , blue-state cities as trying to fleece red states .
“ I ’ m just going to be frank with you guys , OK , ” she said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This is not the time for states and cities — unlike Arizona , unlike Surprise — who have mismanaged their budgets over the course of many decades , for them to use this as an opportunity to see you , as a taxpayer in Arizona , as a cash cow for them in whatever city you want to talk about , whether it ’ s Chicago or New York or whatever . ''
McSally said some officials want to use the pandemic as their opportunity `` to bail out states and cities that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but are financially struggling because failed budgeting and debt .
`` This is not the time for us in Arizona and you in Surprise to be paying for mismanagement in Chicago , '' McSally said .
`` That ’ s what , actually , the left is advocating for right now .
What we ’ re advocating for is we provide specific relief.
” McSally previously had declined to respond to recent suggestions from Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , R-Ky. , that states be permitted to declare bankruptcy rather than receive more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first reported by the AZ Mirror , were not intended to be made public , said a spokeswoman for her office .
In a written statement Thursday afternoon to The Arizona Republic , McSally said she was working hard to make sure cities , towns and cities have the money and support they need during the pandemic .
She said Gov .
Doug Ducey ’ s team told her office they were working to get previously passed relief money to communities next week .
“ At the federal level , I 'm fighting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ services like first-responders are also supported , ” McSally added .
`` This is a top priority of mine , and I 'll continue to be in close communication with our mayors and local elected officials as we work to get them support during this crisis.
” States , including Arizona , and cities are reeling from the pandemic , with plunging revenues amid the public lockdown while services , from public safety to sanitation , continue .
Unlike the federal government , nearly all state governments can not by law run deficits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mass layoffs in a downturn .
During the Great Recession , that meant widespread cutbacks for teachers , police and other public employees .
McSally ’ s views suggest she is again in alignment with McConnell , whose allies were a key source of financial support during her 2018 Senate campaign and are expected to be again this year .
The $ 2 trillion CARES Act that passed earlier this year allocated about $ 150 billion to municipalities .
But only cities with populations of more than 500,000 received the money directly .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Arizona — must wait for state officials to funnel the money through its coffers .
Patrick Ptak , a spokesman for Ducey , did not return a call from The Republic inquiring about the timeline of releasing $ 2 billion of CARES Act dollars .
Before the video surfaced , McSally had asked the Treasury Department to update guidance on what it considers eligible expenses on the money already allocated to local governments through the CARES Act .
The guidance has “ unjustly narrowed ” local governments ’ ability to fully access @ @ @ @ @ @ @ letter to Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin .
She referenced the letter in the virtual event .
“ If there ’ s a way to provide more freedom for the funding that ’ s already been allocated , that ’ s point 1 , ” she said .
“ I ’ ve been engaging on that with treasury and with GOP leadership .
I had a call yesterday that McConnell was on that I made really clear that we need more flexibility that was already out there.
” McConnell came under fire for his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was open to considering new funding for local governments — among other things — as congressional leaders and the White House enter discussions on the next major phase of government assistance .
Sen. Kyrsten Sinema , D-Ariz. , said in an April 23 statement that “ partisan politics ” shouldn ’ t jeopardize the financial health of local governments .
“ Declaring bankruptcy would mean cuts to firefighters , police , health services , and job and business opportunities , ” she wrote .
Sinema was echoing the sentiments of four mayors from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Superior .
They asked McSally in an April 29 letter to “ ensure the next bill passed by the Senate includes critical funding for state and local governments like ours.
” Mark Kelly , McSally ’ s Democratic opponent in the 2020 race for the Senate seat , has talked with more than a dozen mayors to keep a tab on their needs during the pandemic , his campaign said .
“ Congress can not let Arizona cities and towns go bankrupt in their fight against COVID-19 — that would only hurt Arizonans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a statement .
“ This next relief package must include direct relief for Arizona ’ s local governments to avoid deep cuts to essential services .
”

Yvonne Wingett Sanchez, Arizona Republic

Sen. Martha McSally: Next coronavirus relief package should not be a 'cash cow' for mismanaged cities
Show Caption Hide Caption Coronavirus relief act signed by President Trump worth $2.2 trillion President Trump signs the CARES Act, providing $2.2 trillion in economic relief during the coronavirus pandemic. Associated Press, USA TODAY
PHOENIX – Sen. Martha McSally won’t commit to backing additional financial support for state and local governments during the COVID-19 pandemic, saying taxpayers should not bail them out for years of mismanagement.
During a recent virtual town hall hosted by the mayor of Surprise, McSally, R-Ariz., reiterated her call for increased flexibility in how funds can be used, but made clear she sees big, blue-state cities as trying to fleece red states.
“I’m just going to be frank with you guys, OK,” she said in an hourlong videotaped event. “This is not the time for states and cities — unlike Arizona, unlike Surprise — who have mismanaged their budgets over the course of many decades, for them to use this as an opportunity to see you, as a taxpayer in Arizona, as a cash cow for them in whatever city you want to talk about, whether it’s Chicago or New York or whatever."
McSally said some officials want to use the pandemic as their opportunity "to bail out states and cities that have nothing to do with coronavirus" but are financially struggling because failed budgeting and debt.
"This is not the time for us in Arizona and you in Surprise to be paying for mismanagement in Chicago," McSally said. "That’s what, actually, the left is advocating for right now. What we’re advocating for is we provide specific relief.”
McSally previously had declined to respond to recent suggestions from Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., that states be permitted to declare bankruptcy rather than receive more aid from Washington.
Her remarks, first reported by the AZ Mirror, were not intended to be made public, said a spokeswoman for her office.
In a written statement Thursday afternoon to The Arizona Republic, McSally said she was working hard to make sure cities, towns and cities have the money and support they need during the pandemic.
She said Gov. Doug Ducey’s team told her office they were working to get previously passed relief money to communities next week.
“At the federal level, I'm fighting for maximum flexibility of resources so essential services like first-responders are also supported,” McSally added. "This is a top priority of mine, and I'll continue to be in close communication with our mayors and local elected officials as we work to get them support during this crisis.”
States, including Arizona, and cities are reeling from the pandemic, with plunging revenues amid the public lockdown while services, from public safety to sanitation, continue.
Unlike the federal government, nearly all state governments cannot by law run deficits, a budget reality that can trigger mass layoffs in a downturn. During the Great Recession, that meant widespread cutbacks for teachers, police and other public employees.
McSally’s views suggest she is again in alignment with McConnell, whose allies were a key source of financial support during her 2018 Senate campaign and are expected to be again this year.
The $2 trillion CARES Act that passed earlier this year allocated about $150 billion to municipalities. But only cities with populations of more than 500,000 received the money directly. Those with smaller populations — including many in Arizona — must wait for state officials to funnel the money through its coffers.
Patrick Ptak, a spokesman for Ducey, did not return a call from The Republic inquiring about the timeline of releasing $2 billion of CARES Act dollars.
Before the video surfaced, McSally had asked the Treasury Department to update guidance on what it considers eligible expenses on the money already allocated to local governments through the CARES Act.
The guidance has “unjustly narrowed” local governments’ ability to fully access the funding, she wrote in a letter to Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin.
She referenced the letter in the virtual event.
“If there’s a way to provide more freedom for the funding that’s already been allocated, that’s point 1,” she said. “I’ve been engaging on that with treasury and with GOP leadership. I had a call yesterday that McConnell was on that I made really clear that we need more flexibility that was already out there.”
McConnell came under fire for his bankruptcy suggestion and has since said he was open to considering new funding for local governments — among other things — as congressional leaders and the White House enter discussions on the next major phase of government assistance.
Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz., said in an April 23 statement that “partisan politics” shouldn’t jeopardize the financial health of local governments.
“Declaring bankruptcy would mean cuts to firefighters, police, health services, and job and business opportunities,” she wrote.
Sinema was echoing the sentiments of four mayors from Fountain Hills, Tolleson, Tempe and Superior. They asked McSally in an April 29 letter to “ensure the next bill passed by the Senate includes critical funding for state and local governments like ours.”
Mark Kelly, McSally’s Democratic opponent in the 2020 race for the Senate seat, has talked with more than a dozen mayors to keep a tab on their needs during the pandemic, his campaign said.
“Congress cannot let Arizona cities and towns go bankrupt in their fight against COVID-19 — that would only hurt Arizonans and our economy,” Kelly said in a statement. “This next relief package must include direct relief for Arizona’s local governments to avoid deep cuts to essential services.”


usatoday--2020-05-09--Locked-down California to send mail-in ballots to every voter

Setting up a potential legal showdown over California 's presidential election , Gov .
Gavin Newsom on Friday announced the state will send every voter a mail-in ballot for the November contest , a move criticized by national Republicans as a pathway to possible large-scale abuse .
With the state still under stay-at-home orders and facing a future of unknowns from the coronavirus outbreak , the Democratic governor said sending postage-paid ballots to every registered voter was the best solution to addressing the anxiety felt by many people about gathering in large groups that are breeding grounds for the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for those who might need them .
But it wasn ’ t immediately clear how many would be available or where they would be located , Newsom 's decision was praised by Democratic Secretary of State Alex Padilla , who said there is “ no safer ... way to exercise your right to vote than from the safety and convenience of your own home.
” But the prospect of mailing more than 20 million ballots to voters was already raising the possibility of a courtroom fight : The Republican National Committee said its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the integrity of the election.
” President Donald Trump has been among the skeptics and has said that “ a lot of people cheat with mail-in voting.
” Jessica Millan Patterson , who heads the California Republican Party , pointed to problems with voting rolls and the so-called “ motor voter ” program to register new voters .
A state audit last year identified technical difficulties that led to hundreds of thousands of discrepancies in voter registrations sent to the Secretary of State .
None of the discrepancies in roughly 3 million voter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voter registration errors , such as allowing someone to vote who should not have been allowed to cast a ballot .
But the audit only examined a set of registrations between April and September 2018 and did not rule out the possibility of major errors in other registrations .
“ To mail out millions of ballots to voter rolls have proven to contain alarming errors throughout the state is not a task that these Democrats can adequately manage or safely execute , '' she said in a statement .
Historically , there is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mail-in voting .
In the state 's March primary , more than 75 % of California voters received a vote-by-mail ballot .
With the move to statewide mail-in ballots , California hopes to avoid the problems that plagued last month ’ s Wisconsin presidential primary , where thousands of voters without protective gear were forced to wait for hours in long lines , while thousands more stayed home to avoid the potential health risks .
Newsom said in a statement that mail-in ballots “ aren ’ t a perfect solution for every person @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health experts would continue to `` create safer in-person opportunities for Californians who aren ’ t able to vote by mail .
”

Associated Press, Palm Springs Desert Sun

Locked-down California to send mail-in ballots to every voter
Setting up a potential legal showdown over California's presidential election, Gov. Gavin Newsom on Friday announced the state will send every voter a mail-in ballot for the November contest, a move criticized by national Republicans as a pathway to possible large-scale abuse.
With the state still under stay-at-home orders and facing a future of unknowns from the coronavirus outbreak, the Democratic governor said sending postage-paid ballots to every registered voter was the best solution to addressing the anxiety felt by many people about gathering in large groups that are breeding grounds for the virus.
In-person voting places will remain available for those who might need them. But it wasn’t immediately clear how many would be available or where they would be located,
Newsom's decision was praised by Democratic Secretary of State Alex Padilla, who said there is “no safer ... way to exercise your right to vote than from the safety and convenience of your own home.”
But the prospect of mailing more than 20 million ballots to voters was already raising the possibility of a courtroom fight: The Republican National Committee said its reviewing its “legal options to ensure the integrity of the election.”
President Donald Trump has been among the skeptics and has said that “a lot of people cheat with mail-in voting.”
Jessica Millan Patterson, who heads the California Republican Party, pointed to problems with voting rolls and the so-called “motor voter” program to register new voters.
A state audit last year identified technical difficulties that led to hundreds of thousands of discrepancies in voter registrations sent to the Secretary of State. None of the discrepancies in roughly 3 million voter records reviewed by auditors resulted in major voter registration errors, such as allowing someone to vote who should not have been allowed to cast a ballot. But the audit only examined a set of registrations between April and September 2018 and did not rule out the possibility of major errors in other registrations.
“To mail out millions of ballots to voter rolls have proven to contain alarming errors throughout the state is not a task that these Democrats can adequately manage or safely execute," she said in a statement.
'Warning sign': Wisconsin's messy primary shows struggles states could face in November election
Historically, there is no evidence of widespread voter fraud through mail-in voting. In the state's March primary, more than 75% of California voters received a vote-by-mail ballot.
With the move to statewide mail-in ballots, California hopes to avoid the problems that plagued last month’s Wisconsin presidential primary, where thousands of voters without protective gear were forced to wait for hours in long lines, while thousands more stayed home to avoid the potential health risks.
Newsom said in a statement that mail-in ballots “aren’t a perfect solution for every person” and he hoped election officials and health experts would continue to "create safer in-person opportunities for Californians who aren’t able to vote by mail.”


usatoday--2020-05-08--White House addresses coronavirus cases among West Wing staff

White House has confirmed a second coronavirus case among West Wing staff , this time in VP Mike Pence 's @ @ @ @ @ concerns .

White House addresses coronavirus cases among West Wing staff
White House has confirmed a second coronavirus case among West Wing staff, this time in VP Mike Pence's office. President Trump addresses concerns.
USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-05-08--Joe Biden's sexual assault allegation puts Senate candidate Amy McGrath in a tough spot

LOUISVILLE , Ky. — When former Vice President Joe Biden traveled to Kentucky in 2018 to stump for fellow Democrat Amy McGrath , he challenged voters to look in the mirror .
`` The question isn ’ t who Donald Trump is , '' Biden told the crowd .
`` We know who he is .
The question is : Who are we ? ''
Now , Democrats – including McGrath as a would-be challenger to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell – are being forced to gaze at their own reflection as Biden , the party 's presumptive 2020 presidential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of sexual assault by a former Senate staffer .
Tara Reade , who once worked in the Delaware Democrat 's office , is alleging that in 1993 the then-senator pinned her against a wall , groped her and digitally penetrated her without consent .
Biden has denied the accusation , but it has ignited a firestorm for his 2020 presidential bid .
The McGrath campaign did not respond to multiple requests for comment on Thursday or Friday about Biden 's troubles .
She did , however , make clear during her 2018 race @ @ @ @ @ @ @ harassment was n't a partisan issue .
`` We have to resist the natural impulse to give the benefit of the doubt for those we tend to like , but not those on the other side , '' McGrath said on her 2018 campaign page .
`` Bad behavior by Democrats should not be viewed as less detrimental to us than by those we disagree with politically . ''
Tara Reade : Ex-husband of Biden accuser said she told him of being sexual harassed : report McGrath stood by Biden in the past @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was criticized for the way he touched women in public .
Biden took to Twitter on April 3 , 2019 , to acknowledge how `` social norms '' were changing .
He said he would be `` more mindful about respecting personal space in the future . ''
McGrath , in response , said she felt Biden `` was enormously sincere , but also professional '' during their interactions .
`` He looks you in the eye and makes a real connection with people , '' McGrath said in an April 3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I believe he is honest , humble , and cares deeply about our country . ''
In January , McGrath endorsed Biden for president long before he took hold as the presumptive Democratic nominee .
She said the former vice president was a candidate `` respected and beloved '' across party lines , who could `` return honor and integrity to the Oval Office . ''
Throughout the 2020 campaign , McGrath , a retired Marine fighter pilot , has touted how she stands with women whether it is about equal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accessible health care .
But Democratic women are having an open conversation as Reade is receiving more of a spotlight after going one-on-one in an interview with former Fox News and NBC television host Megyn Kelly .
Some have argued , such as author Linda Hirshman , that they believe Reade 's account but plan to support Biden , anyway .
`` Suck it up and make the utilitarian bargain , '' she said in a recent New York Times op-ed .
Kentucky political activist Honi Goldman took a bigger-picture view , saying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ polarization , both Republicans and Democrats have created a double standard for their candidates .
`` Whether it 's ignoring President ( Donald ) Trump 's continual harassment of women versus whoever the Democratic candidate is , we 're going to believe whichever candidate we want to support , and that 's a problem we 're going to have to get over , '' she said .
Political experts have opined that the allegation could complicate Biden 's candidacy , which is still seeking to gel among progressives who backed U.S. Sen. Bernie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thinking is Biden will need to put this controversy to rest soon given the need for strong support among suburban white women to beat Trump in November .
A USA TODAY/Suffolk University poll last week found Biden ahead of Trump 50 % to 40 % in a head-to-head race .
But the same poll found 22 % of Democrats who supported Sanders in the Democratic primary do n't necessarily plan to support Biden in November .
Democrat Virginia Woodward is a former director of Kentucky 's commission on women and briefly served in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claims against Biden are troubling , but that she does n't believe this will railroad the former vice president among Democratic or independent women .
`` It 's a concern , but I do n't know that it 's deeply concerning when I take into account his lifetime of public service and responsibility , '' Woodward said .
`` Women are not one-issue people , '' she added .
`` I believe even independent women will take it as a piece of information given the totality of any candidate , and I do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an impact . ''
Marcia Roth , a former executive director of The Mary Byron Project , an anti-domestic violence group , said it 's unfair to throw Biden into the same camp as others .
She said the former vice president , unlike Trump or Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh , has been at the forefront of crafting legislation that has protected women .
`` From what I 've read , I do n't believe ( Reade 's ) accusation is credible , '' Roth said .
`` I have no issues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on making laws and encouraging regulations that protect women , and that is Joe Biden , so I have no moral conundrum at all . ''
Biden has been a champion who for years has spoken out against sexual harassment and assault .
He was among those who defended Christine Blasey Ford when she accused Kavanaugh of sexually assaulting her when the two were in high school .
Other women , however , point out Biden 's record with women is n't mixed and the new allegation merits a further investigation .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an investigation to make sure this woman 's claim is taken serious and then investigate whether Biden did this , '' University of Louisville Pan-African Studies professor Kaila Story told The Courier Journal .
`` I do n't think his record with feminism or women 's rights should somehow dissuade folks from investigating .
...
It does not give him a pass . ''
Story mentioned how one of the first issues Biden faced when he entered the 2020 presidential campaign was his handling of Anita Hill ’ s testimony during the 1991 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Many African American women , even those who backed Biden 's campaign in the primary , resent how Hill , who is black , was given little support when she alleged harassment by Thomas , who went on to become the second African American justice on the high court .
`` It was a disgrace , and black women view ( Biden ) with anger and suspicion , '' Story said .
`` Just because black women resurrected his campaign , that has more to do with getting 45 out of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a righteous or above-the-board guy . ''
Trump is usually quick to attack adversaries at a moment of weakness , but he has largely refrained from going on the attack himself , telling reporters on Thursday that Reade 's accusation could be untrue .
`` I know about false accusations , '' the president said .
`` I ’ ve been falsely charged numerous times – and there is such a thing . ''
The president 's allies , such as McConnell , have not avoided the issue , which could be part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up over the summer .
One of Biden 's strengths is trust , with 47 % of voters saying they look at him as trustworthy and honest compared with 31 % who view Trump that way , according to a USA TODAY/Suffolk poll .
McConnell has eagerly jabbed at Democrats over the issue in the past several weeks .
He called it `` jaw-dropping hypocrisy '' how Democrats have responded to Biden compared with the explosive sexual assault allegations during Kavanaugh 's confirmation hearings in 2018 .
`` McGrath owes everybody a detailed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ matter , '' McConnell campaign spokeswoman Katharine Cooksey said Friday .
McGrath , for instance , said during an appearance on MSNBC in July 2019 how a deeper investigation into Kavanaugh should have been conducted by the Senate .
She compared it to her sitting on Marine Corp. promotion or disciplinary board .
`` Whenever there ’ s a serious allegation the way that there was in this case , you stop the board , '' McGrath said in July 2019 .
`` You have an investigation , you look at all the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republicans also run a risk by going after Biden on this issue , because it can bring up the president 's own past controversies .
Such a dig will likely renew scrutiny among Democrats of the numerous allegations leveled against Trump , as well conjure up the “ Access Hollywood ” tape that emerged in 2016 in which he bragged about groping women .
The McConnell campaign , for instance , avoided questions Friday when asked how the GOP leader makes any distinction with what Biden is being accused of now versus the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Kentucky political activist , said female voters will have to individually weigh Biden and Trump 's alleged transgressions separately .
She said women must be open and honest when speaking up against this sort of behavior .
`` On the other hand it is not a political issue , '' she said .
`` If you 're going to make it one , then it has to be treated the same across the board for all candidates . ''

Phillip M. Bailey, Louisville Courier Journal

Joe Biden's sexual assault allegation puts Senate candidate Amy McGrath in a tough spot
Show Caption Hide Caption Joe Biden denies Tara Reade sexual assault allegation Former vice president and Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden addressed the sexual assault allegation made against him for the first time on MSNBC. USA TODAY
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — When former Vice President Joe Biden traveled to Kentucky in 2018 to stump for fellow Democrat Amy McGrath, he challenged voters to look in the mirror.
"The question isn’t who Donald Trump is," Biden told the crowd. "We know who he is. The question is: Who are we?"
Now, Democrats – including McGrath as a would-be challenger to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell – are being forced to gaze at their own reflection as Biden, the party's presumptive 2020 presidential nominee, is being hit with allegations of sexual assault by a former Senate staffer.
Tara Reade, who once worked in the Delaware Democrat's office, is alleging that in 1993 the then-senator pinned her against a wall, groped her and digitally penetrated her without consent. Biden has denied the accusation, but it has ignited a firestorm for his 2020 presidential bid.
The McGrath campaign did not respond to multiple requests for comment on Thursday or Friday about Biden's troubles. She did, however, make clear during her 2018 race that the "affliction" of sexual harassment wasn't a partisan issue.
"We have to resist the natural impulse to give the benefit of the doubt for those we tend to like, but not those on the other side," McGrath said on her 2018 campaign page.
"Bad behavior by Democrats should not be viewed as less detrimental to us than by those we disagree with politically."
Tara Reade: Ex-husband of Biden accuser said she told him of being sexual harassed: report
McGrath stood by Biden in the past during similar scandals, such as when he was criticized for the way he touched women in public.
Biden took to Twitter on April 3, 2019, to acknowledge how "social norms" were changing. He said he would be "more mindful about respecting personal space in the future."
McGrath, in response, said she felt Biden "was enormously sincere, but also professional" during their interactions.
"He looks you in the eye and makes a real connection with people," McGrath said in an April 3, 2019, tweet of her own. "I believe he is honest, humble, and cares deeply about our country."
When I met @JoeBiden , I felt he was enormously sincere, but also professional. He looks you in the eye and makes a real connection with people. I believe he is honest, humble, and cares deeply about our country. #Leadership https://t.co/yVugqPrv30 — Amy McGrath (@AmyMcGrathKY) April 3, 2019
In January, McGrath endorsed Biden for president long before he took hold as the presumptive Democratic nominee. She said the former vice president was a candidate "respected and beloved" across party lines, who could "return honor and integrity to the Oval Office."
Throughout the 2020 campaign, McGrath, a retired Marine fighter pilot, has touted how she stands with women whether it is about equal pay, stronger domestic violence protections or accessible health care.
But Democratic women are having an open conversation as Reade is receiving more of a spotlight after going one-on-one in an interview with former Fox News and NBC television host Megyn Kelly.
Megyn Kelly interviews Biden accuser Tara Reade Tara Reade, the former aide who has accused Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden of sexual assault has been interviewed by Megyn Kelly. (May 8) AP
Some have argued, such as author Linda Hirshman, that they believe Reade's account but plan to support Biden, anyway. "Suck it up and make the utilitarian bargain," she said in a recent New York Times op-ed.
Kentucky political activist Honi Goldman took a bigger-picture view, saying because of the country’s political polarization, both Republicans and Democrats have created a double standard for their candidates.
"Whether it's ignoring President (Donald) Trump's continual harassment of women versus whoever the Democratic candidate is, we're going to believe whichever candidate we want to support, and that's a problem we're going to have to get over," she said.
Political experts have opined that the allegation could complicate Biden's candidacy, which is still seeking to gel among progressives who backed U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders in the Democratic primary.
The thinking is Biden will need to put this controversy to rest soon given the need for strong support among suburban white women to beat Trump in November.
A USA TODAY/Suffolk University poll last week found Biden ahead of Trump 50% to 40% in a head-to-head race. But the same poll found 22% of Democrats who supported Sanders in the Democratic primary don't necessarily plan to support Biden in November.
Democrat Virginia Woodward is a former director of Kentucky's commission on women and briefly served in the state Legislature. She said the claims against Biden are troubling, but that she doesn't believe this will railroad the former vice president among Democratic or independent women.
"It's a concern, but I don't know that it's deeply concerning when I take into account his lifetime of public service and responsibility," Woodward said.
"Women are not one-issue people," she added. "I believe even independent women will take it as a piece of information given the totality of any candidate, and I don't think it's going to be an impact."
Biden's statement: Read Joe Biden's full statement on Tara Reade's sexual assault allegation
Joe Biden: All about Tara Reade's sexual assault allegations A former staffer to Joe Biden in the early '90s has accused the presidential candidate of sexual assault, here's everything you need to know about it. USA TODAY, USA TODAY
Marcia Roth, a former executive director of The Mary Byron Project, an anti-domestic violence group, said it's unfair to throw Biden into the same camp as others. She said the former vice president, unlike Trump or Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, has been at the forefront of crafting legislation that has protected women.
"From what I've read, I don't believe (Reade's) accusation is credible," Roth said. "I have no issues wholeheartedly supporting a man who has led on making laws and encouraging regulations that protect women, and that is Joe Biden, so I have no moral conundrum at all."
Biden has been a champion who for years has spoken out against sexual harassment and assault. He was among those who defended Christine Blasey Ford when she accused Kavanaugh of sexually assaulting her when the two were in high school.
Other women, however, point out Biden's record with women isn't mixed and the new allegation merits a further investigation.
"I do think there needs to be an investigation to make sure this woman's claim is taken serious and then investigate whether Biden did this," University of Louisville Pan-African Studies professor Kaila Story told The Courier Journal. "I don't think his record with feminism or women's rights should somehow dissuade folks from investigating. ... It does not give him a pass."
Story mentioned how one of the first issues Biden faced when he entered the 2020 presidential campaign was his handling of Anita Hill’s testimony during the 1991 Supreme Court confirmation of Justice Clarence Thomas.
Many African American women, even those who backed Biden's campaign in the primary, resent how Hill, who is black, was given little support when she alleged harassment by Thomas, who went on to become the second African American justice on the high court.
"It was a disgrace, and black women view (Biden) with anger and suspicion," Story said. "Just because black women resurrected his campaign, that has more to do with getting 45 out of the White House rather than viewing him as a righteous or above-the-board guy."
Trump is usually quick to attack adversaries at a moment of weakness, but he has largely refrained from going on the attack himself, telling reporters on Thursday that Reade's accusation could be untrue.
"I know about false accusations," the president said. "I’ve been falsely charged numerous times – and there is such a thing."
The president's allies, such as McConnell, have not avoided the issue, which could be part of a larger strategy to soften Biden up over the summer.
One of Biden's strengths is trust, with 47% of voters saying they look at him as trustworthy and honest compared with 31% who view Trump that way, according to a USA TODAY/Suffolk poll.
McConnell has eagerly jabbed at Democrats over the issue in the past several weeks. He called it "jaw-dropping hypocrisy" how Democrats have responded to Biden compared with the explosive sexual assault allegations during Kavanaugh's confirmation hearings in 2018.
"McGrath owes everybody a detailed explanation for her disturbing hypocrisy on this matter," McConnell campaign spokeswoman Katharine Cooksey said Friday.
McGrath, for instance, said during an appearance on MSNBC in July 2019 how a deeper investigation into Kavanaugh should have been conducted by the Senate. She compared it to her sitting on Marine Corp. promotion or disciplinary board.
"Whenever there’s a serious allegation the way that there was in this case, you stop the board," McGrath said in July 2019. "You have an investigation, you look at all the evidence."
But McConnell and other Republicans also run a risk by going after Biden on this issue, because it can bring up the president's own past controversies.
Such a dig will likely renew scrutiny among Democrats of the numerous allegations leveled against Trump, as well conjure up the “Access Hollywood” tape that emerged in 2016 in which he bragged about groping women.
The McConnell campaign, for instance, avoided questions Friday when asked how the GOP leader makes any distinction with what Biden is being accused of now versus the multiple allegations against Trump.
Goldman, the Kentucky political activist, said female voters will have to individually weigh Biden and Trump's alleged transgressions separately. She said women must be open and honest when speaking up against this sort of behavior.
"On the other hand it is not a political issue," she said. "If you're going to make it one, then it has to be treated the same across the board for all candidates."
Follow Phillip M. Bailey on Twitter: @phillipmbailey.


usatoday--2020-05-08--Sanders, Harris, Markey want to give Americans $2,000 a month during coronavirus pandemic, but likel

WASHINGTON — The single $ 1,200 check to Americans in a federal stimulus package was not enough to make ends meet during the coronavirus pandemic , a group of senators say , and they want to send more .
Sens .
Bernie Sanders , Ed Markey and Kamala Harris unveiled legislation Friday that would provide $ 2,000 payments until three months after the Department of Health and Human Services declared the public health emergency to be over , a proposal likely to face strong resistance from the White House and congressional Republicans .
The senators said the legislation would provide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economic impacts of social distancing measures designed to stop the virus ' spread .
The U.S. unemployment rate has soared to 14.7 % with 20.5 million jobs lost in April .
`` The one-time $ 1,200 check that many Americans recently received is not nearly enough to pay the rent , put food on the table and make ends meet , '' said Sanders , I-Vt .
But GOP leaders in Washington appear to be in no rush to get a new stimulus deal done .
The White House has turned its focus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Congress want to spend already approved stimulus money before deciding on more .
However , the GOP has pushed for provisions like liability protections and a payroll tax cut to be included in the next coronavirus relief bill .
`` I think there 's a pause in the formal negotiations .
We 're going to take a look at things at the end of May and early June and see where we are in the economy , '' White House Economic Council Director Larry Kudlow said Friday on Fox Business .
Senate Majority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday that senators would `` take a pause '' to evaluate the effects of previous legislation before moving forward on relief bills .
April jobs report : Economy loses 20.5M jobs and unemployment soars to 14.7 % in April as coronavirus pandemic spreads More : Among those who wo n't get a coronavirus check : Older Americans claimed as dependents Markey , D-Mass.
, noted the monthly payments would be the `` most direct and efficient mechanism '' to provide relief , especially to `` low-income families , immigrant communities , and our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Thursday in a Bloomberg News interview `` putting money in people 's pockets '' was a top priority for House Democrats in the next stimulus , and provisions like an extension of unemployment insurance and direct payments were under consideration .
Democrats have also pressed for hundreds of billions in dollars of aid for state and local governments whose budgets have been cratered by the coronavirus pandemic .
The bill would provide $ 2,000 a month to every individual with an income below $ 120,000 , higher than the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Married couples would receive $ 4,000 .
Families would receive $ 2,000 per child for up to three children , and payments would be assessed retroactively to March 2020 .
The legislation would give payments to all U.S. residents , even if they did not have a Social Security number or had filed recent tax returns .
It would also forbid debt collectors from taking the payments , and provide payments to homeless and foster youth .
While the bill 's future is unclear , unorthodox proposals have gained traction during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 1,200 payments , for example , started as a proposal from Sen. Mitt Romney , R-Utah .
The stimulus check program has also drawn scrutiny as Americans have reported missing and delayed checks , or others have reported checks issued to dead people .
The Treasury Department has asked for stimulus checks issued to deceased relatives to be given back .
More : Coronavirus stimulus checks sent to dead people should be mailed back to IRS , Treasury says

Sanders, Harris, Markey want to give Americans $2,000 a month during coronavirus pandemic, but likely face GOP pushback
Show Caption Hide Caption Coronavirus stimulus checks are missing, delivery may be delayed The IRS says they have delivered the stimulus checks to many that qualify, however, banks beg to differ. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON — The single $1,200 check to Americans in a federal stimulus package was not enough to make ends meet during the coronavirus pandemic, a group of senators say, and they want to send more.
Sens. Bernie Sanders, Ed Markey and Kamala Harris unveiled legislation Friday that would provide $2,000 payments until three months after the Department of Health and Human Services declared the public health emergency to be over, a proposal likely to face strong resistance from the White House and congressional Republicans.
The senators said the legislation would provide much-needed economic support as businesses suffer the economic impacts of social distancing measures designed to stop the virus' spread. The U.S. unemployment rate has soared to 14.7% with 20.5 million jobs lost in April.
"The one-time $1,200 check that many Americans recently received is not nearly enough to pay the rent, put food on the table and make ends meet," said Sanders, I-Vt.
But GOP leaders in Washington appear to be in no rush to get a new stimulus deal done. The White House has turned its focus to reopening the economy while Republicans in Congress want to spend already approved stimulus money before deciding on more. However, the GOP has pushed for provisions like liability protections and a payroll tax cut to be included in the next coronavirus relief bill.
"I think there's a pause in the formal negotiations. We're going to take a look at things at the end of May and early June and see where we are in the economy," White House Economic Council Director Larry Kudlow said Friday on Fox Business. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said Tuesday that senators would "take a pause" to evaluate the effects of previous legislation before moving forward on relief bills.
Coronavirus: What to expect in a recession, depression The coronavirus (COVID-19) is impacting the global economy and raising fears of a recession. What causes a recession and what are the signs? Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
April jobs report: Economy loses 20.5M jobs and unemployment soars to 14.7% in April as coronavirus pandemic spreads
More: Among those who won't get a coronavirus check: Older Americans claimed as dependents
Markey, D-Mass., noted the monthly payments would be the "most direct and efficient mechanism" to provide relief, especially to "low-income families, immigrant communities, and our gig and service workers."
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Thursday in a Bloomberg News interview "putting money in people's pockets" was a top priority for House Democrats in the next stimulus, and provisions like an extension of unemployment insurance and direct payments were under consideration. Democrats have also pressed for hundreds of billions in dollars of aid for state and local governments whose budgets have been cratered by the coronavirus pandemic.
The bill would provide $2,000 a month to every individual with an income below $120,000, higher than the $75,000 threshold in the previous stimulus. Married couples would receive $4,000. Families would receive $2,000 per child for up to three children, and payments would be assessed retroactively to March 2020.
The legislation would give payments to all U.S. residents, even if they did not have a Social Security number or had filed recent tax returns. It would also forbid debt collectors from taking the payments, and provide payments to homeless and foster youth.
While the bill's future is unclear, unorthodox proposals have gained traction during the coronavirus pandemic. The previous round of $1,200 payments, for example, started as a proposal from Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah.
The stimulus check program has also drawn scrutiny as Americans have reported missing and delayed checks, or others have reported checks issued to dead people. The Treasury Department has asked for stimulus checks issued to deceased relatives to be given back.
More: Coronavirus stimulus checks sent to dead people should be mailed back to IRS, Treasury says


usatoday--2020-05-08--Trump says he was near Navy valet who tested positive for coronavirus

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump said Friday that a Navy valet who tested positive for the coronavirus was in the same room with him on Tuesday , the day he began exhibiting symptoms .
Trump also said he has been tested twice in recent days with both tests coming back negative .
“ On Tuesday , he was in the room , '' Trump said on the morning program `` Fox & Friends , '' but he does not recall any direct contact with the ill employee .
`` And then I went to get tested and I tested fine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then I got tested a second time and I tested negative ... and ( Vice President ) Mike Pence likewise . ''
The president acknowledged the close encounter a day after downplaying news of the infected employee , telling reporters at the White House that `` I 've had very little contact '' with the valet in .
In the Fox interview , conducted by telephone , Trump said the valets who serve his food will now all be wearing masks .
Trump said the valet in question had been off duty in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ White House announced the worker had tested positive , Trump said his staff would be tested daily moving forward .
More : White House staff to be tested daily for coronavirus after military aide tests positive '' A lot of people in the White House wear masks , '' Trump said.
`` And , frankly , a lot of people want to wear masks , until this thing goes away . ''

Trump says he was near Navy valet who tested positive for coronavirus
Show Caption Hide Caption WH valet tests positive for virus, Trump retested A member of the military serving as one of President Donald Trump's valets has tested positive for the coronavirus. President Trump said both he and Vice President Mike Pence have since tested negative for the virus and "remain in good health." (May 7) AP
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump said Friday that a Navy valet who tested positive for the coronavirus was in the same room with him on Tuesday, the day he began exhibiting symptoms.
Trump also said he has been tested twice in recent days with both tests coming back negative.
“On Tuesday, he was in the room," Trump said on the morning program "Fox & Friends," but he does not recall any direct contact with the ill employee.
"And then I went to get tested and I tested fine," Trump added. "And then I got tested a second time and I tested negative ... and (Vice President) Mike Pence likewise."
The president acknowledged the close encounter a day after downplaying news of the infected employee, telling reporters at the White House that "I've had very little contact" with the valet in .
In the Fox interview, conducted by telephone, Trump said the valets who serve his food will now all be wearing masks.
"They've already started," Trump said.
Trump said the valet in question had been off duty in the days before Tuesday.
After the White House announced the worker had tested positive, Trump said his staff would be tested daily moving forward.
More: White House staff to be tested daily for coronavirus after military aide tests positive
"A lot of people in the White House wear masks," Trump said. " And, frankly, a lot of people want to wear masks, until this thing goes away."


usatoday--2020-05-08--Americans more worried about reopening too quickly than not opening quickly enough, survey says

WASHINGTON – As states around the country begin reopening , a new survey suggests the majority of Americans are more worried about social distancing measures being loosened too quickly than are worried about the country not reopening quickly enough .
Nearly three out of four Americans — 71 % — say they are more concerned by the government lifting social distancing restrictions too quickly , according to a survey from the Democracy Fund + UCLA Nationscape Project .
That 's more than double the 29 % who say they are worried restrictions are not being lifted quickly enough .
Even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warned that coronavirus cases could spike if the country reopens too quickly , about 50 % of states have partially reopened or loosened social distancing restrictions that were put in place to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus .
Other states have maintained stay-at-home orders and other restrictions with an eye on the still-growing number of cases nationally .
And few Americans believe it ’ s safe now for various social distancing restrictions to be scaled back , according to an analysis on Nationscape Insights , a project of Democracy Fund , UCLA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ majority of Americans think it wo n't be safe for a combination of weeks or months .
`` There 's a tendency for people to focus on people who are very loud right now , '' said Robert Griffin , research director for the Democracy Fund Voter Study Group .
`` But there 's ... a real patience that pervades most of American action . ''
The Democracy Fund + UCLA Nationscape Project is a large-scale study of the American electorate .
Throughout the 2020 election cycle , the researchers aim to conduct @ @ @ @ @ @ @ candidates .
This survey was conducted between April 23 and 29 , with 6,708 Americans surveyed .
There is a margin of error of plus or minus 2.1 percentage points .
Griffin said the data suggests that Americans will likely not engage in many activities , like going to restaurants , even if they reopen right now .
`` You can reopen a lot of things , the bars and restaurants can come back , you can try to reopen schools and send kids back to them , you can try to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10 people , but this really does n't mean that people are going to necessarily engage in them , '' Griffin said .
While there have been protests in several states over the social distancing restrictions , the majority of both Democrats ( 83 % ) and Republicans ( 60 % ) are more worried about social distancing measures being loosened too quickly .
Only 9 % of Americans believe “ it is safe now ” for schools and universities to reopen .
Sixteen percent believe it will be safe in several weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safe in several months and 22 % believe it will be safe in six months or more .
Ten percent of Americans believe it ’ s safe right now to allow meetings or gatherings of more than 10 people , like sporting events , concerts , and conferences .
Twenty-one percent believe it will be safe in several weeks , 36 % believe it will be safe in several months and 23 % believe it will be safe in six or more months .
And 10 % believe it ’ s safe right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and restaurants to reopen .
But 26 % believe it will be safe in several weeks , 35 % believe it will be safe in several months , and 17 % believe it will be safe in six or more months .
More : Among those who wo n't get a coronavirus check : Older Americans claimed as dependents In addition , 14 % of Americans believe it ’ s safe right now to end stay-at-home orders , which encourage people to stay at their residences and avoid socializing with others .
Thirty-five @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to lift those orders for several weeks , 30 % believe it wo n't be safe for several months and 12 % believe it wo n't be safe to lift until six or more months .
Griffin noted that people who say it will be safe in a couple weeks or months like want `` to be optimistic in the scenario . ''
`` No one is having a good time with the many restrictions that are occurring in American life right now , '' Griffin said .
Protesters have taken to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an end of the stay at home orders , with many supporters wearing clothing or holding signs in support of President Donald Trump .
But even as the majority of Democrats and Republicans believe it is not safe yet to loosen restrictions , there is still some partisan divide .
The largest gap between Democrats and Republicans when it comes to specific activities is in regard to stay-at-home orders , with 24 % of Republicans saying they are safe to end , compared with 6 % of Democrats .
But the majority — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 84 % of Democrats — do not believe it will be safe to end the orders for either several weeks , several months or six or more months .
The breakdown between Republicans and Democrats for the other activities include : • 17 % of Republicans who believe it ’ s safe for businesses like theaters , bars and restaurants to reopen , compared with only 5 % of Democrats .
• 16 % of Republicans who believe it ’ s safe to allow gatherings of more than 10 people , compared with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % of Republicans who believe it ’ s safe for schools and universities to reopen , compared with 4 % of Democrats .

Americans more worried about reopening too quickly than not opening quickly enough, survey says
Show Caption Hide Caption Stores, barbers, even gyms to reopen in some states Some states are moving slowly towards reopening their economies while others are moving more quickly to reopen. USA TODAY, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – As states around the country begin reopening, a new survey suggests the majority of Americans are more worried about social distancing measures being loosened too quickly than are worried about the country not reopening quickly enough.
Nearly three out of four Americans – 71% – say they are more concerned by the government lifting social distancing restrictions too quickly, according to a survey from the Democracy Fund + UCLA Nationscape Project. That's more than double the 29% who say they are worried restrictions are not being lifted quickly enough.
Even as some experts and medical projections have warned that coronavirus cases could spike if the country reopens too quickly, about 50% of states have partially reopened or loosened social distancing restrictions that were put in place to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus. Other states have maintained stay-at-home orders and other restrictions with an eye on the still-growing number of cases nationally.
And few Americans believe it’s safe now for various social distancing restrictions to be scaled back, according to an analysis on Nationscape Insights, a project of Democracy Fund, UCLA, and USA TODAY, while the majority of Americans think it won't be safe for a combination of weeks or months.
Coronavirus updates: WH reportedly shelved CDC reopening plans, Trump staff to be tested daily
"There's a tendency for people to focus on people who are very loud right now," said Robert Griffin, research director for the Democracy Fund Voter Study Group. "But there's ... a real patience that pervades most of American action."
The Democracy Fund + UCLA Nationscape Project is a large-scale study of the American electorate. Throughout the 2020 election cycle, the researchers aim to conduct 500,000 interviews about policies and the presidential candidates. This survey was conducted between April 23 and 29, with 6,708 Americans surveyed. There is a margin of error of plus or minus 2.1 percentage points.
NIH Director: New COVID-19 tests 'key' in recovery The Director of the National Institutes for Health says a "Shark Tank" project to develop new tests for COVID-19 will be key in getting information to businesses about "what are the risks to bringing people back." (May 7) AP
US coronavirus map:Tracking the outbreak
Griffin said the data suggests that Americans will likely not engage in many activities, like going to restaurants, even if they reopen right now.
"You can reopen a lot of things, the bars and restaurants can come back, you can try to reopen schools and send kids back to them, you can try to have larger events occurring ... for more than 10 people, but this really doesn't mean that people are going to necessarily engage in them," Griffin said.
While there have been protests in several states over the social distancing restrictions, the majority of both Democrats (83%) and Republicans (60%) are more worried about social distancing measures being loosened too quickly.
Only 9% of Americans believe “it is safe now” for schools and universities to reopen. Sixteen percent believe it will be safe in several weeks, 42% believe it will be safe in several months, and 22% believe it will be safe in six months or more.
Ten percent of Americans believe it’s safe right now to allow meetings or gatherings of more than 10 people, like sporting events, concerts, and conferences. Twenty-one percent believe it will be safe in several weeks, 36% believe it will be safe in several months, and 23% believe it will be safe in six or more months.
And 10% believe it’s safe right now for businesses like theaters, bars and restaurants to reopen. But 26% believe it will be safe in several weeks, 35% believe it will be safe in several months, and 17% believe it will be safe in six or more months.
More: Among those who won't get a coronavirus check: Older Americans claimed as dependents
In addition, 14% of Americans believe it’s safe right now to end stay-at-home orders, which encourage people to stay at their residences and avoid socializing with others. Thirty-five percent believe it won't be safe to lift those orders for several weeks, 30% believe it won't be safe for several months, and 12% believe it won't be safe to lift until six or more months.
Griffin noted that people who say it will be safe in a couple of weeks or months want "to be optimistic in the scenario."
"No one is having a good time with the many restrictions that are occurring in American life right now," Griffin said.
Americans are on the brink in the service industry amid COVID-19 pandemic The economic impact of the COVID-19 virus has been harsh. A small business owner and a hotel housekeeper face different, but difficult challenges amid this pandemic. Jasper Colt, Judy S. Reich, USA TODAY
More: Coronavirus business interruption battle pits business lobby against itself
Protesters have taken to the streets in several states to call for an end of the stay-at-home orders, with many supporters wearing clothing or holding signs in support of President Donald Trump.
But even as the majority of Democrats and Republicans believe it is not safe yet to loosen restrictions, there is still some partisan divide.
The largest gap between Democrats and Republicans when it comes to specific activities is in regard to stay-at-home orders: 24% of Republicans say they are safe to end, compared with 6% of Democrats. But the majority – a combined 69% of Republicans and 84% of Democrats – do not believe it will be safe to end the orders for either several weeks, several months or six or more months.
The breakdown between Republicans and Democrats for the other activities include:
17% of Republicans who believe it’s safe for businesses like theaters, bars and restaurants to reopen, compared with only 5% of Democrats.
16% of Republicans who believe it’s safe to allow gatherings of more than 10 people, compared with 5% of Democrats.
15% of Republicans who believe it’s safe for schools and universities to reopen, compared with 4% of Democrats.


usatoday--2020-05-09--Ousted health official dismisses Trump's claim he is disgruntled: 'I am frustrated at a lack of lead

WASHINGTON – Vaccine expert Rick Bright , who said he was ousted from his position after raising concerns about the federal government 's response to the coronavirus , pushed back against President Donald Trump ’ s claim that he is disgruntled , instead saying he is “ frustrated ” with the government .
Bright is the former head of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority who filed a whistleblower complaint Tuesday alleging longstanding political influence at the Department of Health and Human Services that assigned him to another job at the National Institutes of Health last month .
More @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his trip to Iowa , but coronavirus got in the way He told CBS News that he is `` frustrated at a lack of leadership .
I am frustrated at a lack of urgency to get a head start on developing lifesaving tools for Americans .
I 'm frustrated at our inability to be heard as scientists .
Those things frustrate me . ''
In his complaint , Bright said he was ousted after raising concerns about a drug Trump touted as a potential treatment for coronavirus .
Bright also said he raised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ production of face masks and other personal protective equipment with White House officials as far back as January .
Trump had said of Bright that he does n't know who he is , `` but to me he ’ s a disgruntled employee and if people are that unhappy they shouldn ’ t work . ''
More : Cruz gets his hair cut at salon whose owner was jailed for defying Texas coronavirus restrictions The Office of Special Counsel , which protects whistleblowers , is also recommending that while it investigates whether the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ removing him , that he be reinstated for 45 days , his lawyers said Friday .
Bright claims in the report that he met with White House officials as far back as Beb .
8 to warn about the coronavirus and that he emphasized the need to `` secure N-95 masks and to ramp up mask production , ” as well as other equipment .
Bright is expected to testify before the House Energy Subcommittee on Health on May 14 , his lawyers said .
More : Sanders , Harris , Markey want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during coronavirus pandemic , but likely face GOP pushback More : Trump says he was near Navy valet who tested positive for coronavirus Soon after Trump touted hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine for COVID-19 treatment , the Food and Drug Administration cautioned against the use of after clinical trials indicated a risk of heart rhythm problems .
In the CBS interview , Bright said the government 's response to producing more ventilators and personal protective equipment has been detrimental : `` We see too many doctors and nurses now dying , and I was thinking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get those masks and those supplies to them sooner .
And if we had , would they still be alive today ? ''
He added , `` It 's a horrible thought to think about the time that passed where we could 've done something and we did n't . ''

Ousted health official dismisses Trump's claim he is disgruntled: 'I am frustrated at a lack of leadership'
Show Caption Hide Caption White House addresses coronavirus cases among West Wing staff White House has confirmed a second coronavirus case among West Wing staff, this time in VP Mike Pence's office. President Trump addresses concerns. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – Vaccine expert Rick Bright, who said he was ousted from his position after raising concerns about the federal government's response to the coronavirus, pushed back against President Donald Trump’s claim that he is disgruntled, instead saying he is “frustrated” with the government.
Bright is the former head of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority who filed a whistleblower complaint Tuesday alleging longstanding political influence at the Department of Health and Human Services that assigned him to another job at the National Institutes of Health last month.
More: Pence aimed to project normalcy during his trip to Iowa, but coronavirus got in the way
More: Top White House officials buried CDC report on reopening the country
He told CBS News that he is "frustrated at a lack of leadership. I am frustrated at a lack of urgency to get a head start on developing lifesaving tools for Americans. I'm frustrated at our inability to be heard as scientists. Those things frustrate me."
Dr. Rick Bright: "I am not disgruntled. I am frustrated at a lack of leadership. I am frustrated at a lack of urgency to get a head start on developing life-saving tools for Americans. I'm frustrated at our inability to be heard as scientists." https://t.co/PtTwS3iHOu pic.twitter.com/2p9u9jhpuh — CBS Evening News (@CBSEveningNews) May 8, 2020
In his complaint, Bright said he was ousted after raising concerns about a drug Trump touted as a potential treatment for coronavirus. Bright also said he raised alarms about the need to ramp up production of face masks and other personal protective equipment with White House officials as far back as January.
Trump had said of Bright that he doesn't know who he is, "but to me he’s a disgruntled employee and if people are that unhappy they shouldn’t work."
He added, "I hadn’t heard great things about him.”
More: Cruz gets his hair cut at salon whose owner was jailed for defying Texas coronavirus restrictions
The Office of Special Counsel, which protects whistleblowers, is also recommending that while it investigates whether the administration retaliated against Bright's complaints when removing him, that he be reinstated for 45 days, his lawyers said Friday.
Bright claims in the report that he met with White House officials as far back as Beb. 8 to warn about the coronavirus and that he emphasized the need to "secure N-95 masks and to ramp up mask production,” as well as other equipment.
Bright is expected to testify before the House Energy Subcommittee on Health on May 14, his lawyers said.
More: Sanders, Harris, Markey want to give Americans $2,000 a month during coronavirus pandemic, but likely face GOP pushback
More: Trump says he was near Navy valet who tested positive for coronavirus
Soon after Trump touted hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine for COVID-19 treatment, the Food and Drug Administration cautioned against the use of after clinical trials indicated a risk of heart rhythm problems.
In the CBS interview, Bright said the government's response to producing more ventilators and personal protective equipment has been detrimental: "We see too many doctors and nurses now dying, and I was thinking that we could have done more to get those masks and those supplies to them sooner. And if we had, would they still be alive today?"
He added, "It's a horrible thought to think about the time that passed where we could've done something and we didn't."
Contributing: David Jackson, John Fritze, Elizabeth Weise


usatoday--2020-05-09--What we learned in Tara Reade's interview with Megyn Kelly about the Biden assault claim

WASHINGTON – Tara Reade , who accused former Vice President Joe Biden of sexually assaulting her in the early 1990s , told Megyn Kelly that the alleged incident `` changed everything about my life . ''
In her first on-camera interview since Biden denied her allegation , Reade sat down with the former Fox News host for a 42-minute conversation to discuss the impacts the alleged assault has had on her , accusations about her credibility , and motivations for coming forward .
The interview was produced by Rich McHugh , who was Ronan Farrow 's producer at NBC News @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that toppled Harvey Weinstein .
Before leaving Fox News , Kelly was among a half dozen other women who accused founder and former CEO Roger Ailes of sexual harassment .
The presumptive Democratic nominee has flatly denied Reade 's claim .
`` This never , ever happened , '' Biden said on MSNBC on May 1 .
`` I do n't know what is motivating her .
...
But it 's irrelevant .
It never happened .
It never happened .
Period . ''
Here 's some of what Reade said : ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the race Reade called on Biden to be `` held accountable , '' but noted it was `` a little late '' for an apology from him in a preview of the interview released on Thursday .
`` That should 've happened in 1993 , '' she said .
`` I wish he would ( withdraw from the race ) , '' Reade said .
`` But he wo n't .
But I wish he would .
That 's how I feel emotionally . ''
Reade was asked about the comparison being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dr. Christine Blasey Ford , who accused Brett Kavanaugh of sexual assault during his Supreme Court confirmation in 2018 .
Reade said she would `` absolutely '' be willing to go under oath and be cross-examined .
As for a polygraph test , Reade questioned the standard it would set for sexual assault survivors if they were all asked to take polygraphs .
`` I 'm not a criminal .
Joe Biden should take the polygraph , '' she said .
`` I will take one if Joe Biden takes one.
`` Reade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the spring of 1993 and said that it had a profound effect on her life going forward .
She accused Biden of assaulting her in a Capitol Hill building , where she says he held her against a wall , reached under her clothes and digitally penetrated her without consent .
Reade , who worked for Biden as an aide when he was a U.S. senator , said she recalls that when she pulled away he told her , `` Come on , man , I heard you liked me . ''
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moment I knew this was really bad .
I knew it was more than just the assault , it was really bad , '' Reade told Kelly .
She described Biden appearing angry .
`` He pointed his finger at me and said , 'You ’ re nothing to me .
You ’ re nothing , ' '' Reade said .
`` I think that ’ s the hardest thing , and I know people talk about the assault , but his words , those words stayed with me my whole life .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ if people believe it or not .
I ’ ve had to live with it .
And it ’ s just one of those things that ’ s impacted and shattered my life , it changed everything about my life , '' she said .
Where is the alleged complaint ?
: Secretary of Senate says ca n't comply with Biden request to release records Reade has said she complained of sexual harassment , not an assault , to multiple supervisors in Biden 's office at the time .
Employees interviewed by The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those conversations .
Reade also said she filed a report with a Senate personnel office but does not have a copy .
After Biden called on the National Archives to release any such record , the secretary of the Senate said such a complaint can not be disclosed .
She accused his staffers of being `` complicit '' in her interview with Kelly : `` Their job was to cover what he did .
There are people that have enabled and allowed his behavior to continue . ''
Poll : Biden leads Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's sexual assault claim New report : Ex-husband of Biden accuser Tara Reade said she told him of being sexual harassed Multiple people who say Reade told them about some or all of her claim have come forward to corroborate her story , including a former neighbor who said Reade described the alleged assault to her in 1995 or 1996 .
A 1996 court document obtained by the Tribune in San Luis Obispo , Calif. , and reported on Thursday reveals that Reade 's husband at the time , Theodore Dronen , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she was having at work regarding sexual harassment , in U.S .
Senator Joe Biden ’ s office . ''
The document does not say who committed the harassment , nor does it include details of assault .
Reade had previously said that her motivation for coming forward was not political .
In her interview with Kelly , she addressed concerns about her credibility and amended that statement : `` I think everything 's political . ''
`` But this is deeper than that , '' Reade went on .
`` This is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be elevated to the highest office of the land . ''
`` My end game is basically telling my story in a dignified way , not being torn apart and it ’ s being able to move on with my life and heal , '' Reade said .
Though Reade has said in past interviews she previously supported Warren and Sen. Bernie Sanders , I-Vt. , for president , she said she is not trying to `` help Donald Trump win . ''
But she criticized the reactions of some in the Democratic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` politically homeless , '' not a member of either major party .
`` We can come forward , unless it 's a Democrat ?
Is that the message we 're sending ? ''
Reade said .
`` You don ’ t have to discredit or not believe me to vote for Joe Biden , '' Reade said .
`` I even have friends or family that are still voting for Joe Biden , because that ’ s what they 're doing . ''
When Reade decided to tell the full story Reade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ story about her experience with Biden soon after her first media interviews in April 2019 and began reaching out to members of the media and politicians that summer .
In 2019 , Reade was one of several women who went public with stories of Biden touching them inappropriately or in ways that made them uncomfortable .
She has said she did not discuss her assault allegation at the time because she was worried about the backlash she would receive .
She told Kelly she was discouraged by questions from a reporter .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me was , 'Well , it wasn ’ t sexual was it ? '
And that ’ s all it took .
I was so lacking in courage , '' Reade said .
'This never happened ' : Joe Biden denies sexual assault allegation , calls on National Archives to release records What we know : Former staffer Tara Reade says Joe Biden sexually assaulted her in 1993 Starting sometime in the summer of 2019 , she says she began reaching back out to reporters who had interviewed her but did n't get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ politicians , she said , including Sens .
Elizabeth Warren , D-Mass.
, and Kamala Harris , D-Calif. '' I tried to reach out to them , yes , I did .
Kamala Harris is my representative , so I tried to reach out to her in particular for help .
I wanted to get a safe place to tell what happened , '' Reade said .
`` I did n't get a response . ''
USA TODAY has reached out to Warren 's office .
A senior adviser for Harris , Sabrina @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no record of any request . ''
Biden 's campaign has pointed to his years of work related to combating violence against women and has said the media should investigate allegations of sexual assault .
The campaign said there were `` inconsistencies '' in her story .
Kate Bedingfield , deputy campaign manager , cited reports from the Associated Press and Vox that include resurfaced interview comments from 2019 when Reade first talked to reporters .
Vox reported that an anonymous friend now recounts Reade 's assault story but in 2019 said Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He never went for one of those touches . ''
AP published her older quote , which she said before she had come forward with her assault claim : `` I wasn ’ t scared of him , that he was going to take me in a room or anything .
It wasn ’ t that kind of vibe . ''
`` Every day , more and more inconsistencies arise .
Women must receive the benefit of the doubt .
They must be able to come forward and share their stories without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we all have a responsibility to ensure that , '' Bedingfield said .
`` At the same time , we can never sacrifice the truth .
And the truth is that these allegations are false and that the material that has been presented to back them up , under scrutiny , keeps proving their falsity . ''

What we learned in Tara Reade's interview with Megyn Kelly about the Biden assault claim
Show Caption Hide Caption Joe Biden denies Tara Reade sexual assault allegation Former vice president and Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden addressed the sexual assault allegation made against him for the first time on MSNBC. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – Tara Reade, who accused former Vice President Joe Biden of sexually assaulting her in the early 1990s, told Megyn Kelly that the alleged incident "changed everything about my life."
In her first on-camera interview since Biden denied her allegation, Reade sat down with the former Fox News host for a 42-minute conversation to discuss the impacts the alleged assault has had on her, accusations about her credibility, and motivations for coming forward.
The interview was produced by Rich McHugh, who was Ronan Farrow's producer at NBC News during his investigation into the assault claims that toppled Harvey Weinstein. Before leaving Fox News, Kelly was among a half dozen other women who accused founder and former CEO Roger Ailes of sexual harassment.
The presumptive Democratic nominee has flatly denied Reade's claim. "This never, ever happened," Biden said on MSNBC on May 1. "I don't know what is motivating her. ... But it's irrelevant. It never happened. It never happened. Period."
Here's some of what Reade said:
'I wish he would' drop out of the race
Reade called on Biden to be "held accountable," but noted it was "a little late" for an apology from him in a preview of the interview released on Thursday.
"That should've happened in 1993," she said.
"I wish he would (withdraw from the race)," Reade said. "But he won't. But I wish he would. That's how I feel emotionally."
Reade was asked about the comparison being made between her case and that of Dr. Christine Blasey Ford, who accused Brett Kavanaugh of sexual assault during his Supreme Court confirmation in 2018. Reade said she would "absolutely" be willing to go under oath and be cross-examined.
MK EXCLUSIVE: Former Biden staffer #TaraReade, who accuses FMR VP #JoeBiden of sexually assaulting her in 1993, sits down w/me in her first on-camera interview since Mr. Biden denied her accusations. Her story & some tough Q’s in a riveting exchange. A ton of news coming ... pic.twitter.com/8bvTntUIm8 — Megyn Kelly (@megynkelly) May 7, 2020
As for a polygraph test, Reade questioned the standard it would set for sexual assault survivors if they were all asked to take polygraphs.
"I'm not a criminal. Joe Biden should take the polygraph," she said. "I will take one if Joe Biden takes one. "
The assault 'changed everything'
Reade described the alleged encounter with Biden from the spring of 1993 and said that it had a profound effect on her life going forward.
She accused Biden of assaulting her in a Capitol Hill building, where she says he held her against a wall, reached under her clothes and digitally penetrated her without consent. Reade, who worked for Biden as an aide when he was a U.S. senator, said she recalls that when she pulled away he told her, "Come on, man, I heard you liked me."
"My mind was racing. In that moment I knew this was really bad. I knew it was more than just the assault, it was really bad," Reade told Kelly. She described Biden appearing angry.
"He pointed his finger at me and said, 'You’re nothing to me. You’re nothing,'" Reade said. "I think that’s the hardest thing, and I know people talk about the assault, but his words, those words stayed with me my whole life.
"I don’t really care if people believe it or not. I’ve had to live with it. And it’s just one of those things that’s impacted and shattered my life, it changed everything about my life," she said.
Where is the alleged complaint?: Secretary of Senate says can't comply with Biden request to release records
Reade has said she complained of sexual harassment, not an assault, to multiple supervisors in Biden's office at the time. Employees interviewed by The New York Times denied ever having had those conversations. Reade also said she filed a report with a Senate personnel office but does not have a copy. After Biden called on the National Archives to release any such record, the secretary of the Senate said such a complaint cannot be disclosed.
She accused his staffers of being "complicit" in her interview with Kelly: "Their job was to cover what he did. There are people that have enabled and allowed his behavior to continue."
Poll: Biden leads Trump as voters are split on Tara Reade's sexual assault claim
New report: Ex-husband of Biden accuser Tara Reade said she told him of being sexual harassed
Multiple people who say Reade told them about some or all of her claim have come forward to corroborate her story, including a former neighbor who said Reade described the alleged assault to her in 1995 or 1996.
A 1996 court document obtained by the Tribune in San Luis Obispo, Calif., and reported on Thursday reveals that Reade's husband at the time, Theodore Dronen, said Reade told him about "a problem she was having at work regarding sexual harassment, in U.S. Senator Joe Biden’s office." The document does not say who committed the harassment, nor does it include details of assault.
What is Reade's end game?
Reade had previously said that her motivation for coming forward was not political. In her interview with Kelly, she addressed concerns about her credibility and amended that statement: "I think everything's political."
"But this is deeper than that," Reade went on. "This is about watching the person that assaulted me be elevated to the highest office of the land."
"My end game is basically telling my story in a dignified way, not being torn apart and it’s being able to move on with my life and heal," Reade said.
Though Reade has said in past interviews she previously supported Warren and Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., for president, she said she is not trying to "help Donald Trump win." But she criticized the reactions of some in the Democratic Party and said she now considers herself "politically homeless," not a member of either major party.
"We can come forward, unless it's a Democrat? Is that the message we're sending?" Reade said.
"You don’t have to discredit or not believe me to vote for Joe Biden," Reade said. "I even have friends or family that are still voting for Joe Biden, because that’s what they're doing."
When Reade decided to tell the full story
Reade said she began considering telling her full story about her experience with Biden soon after her first media interviews in April 2019 and began reaching out to members of the media and politicians that summer.
In 2019, Reade was one of several women who went public with stories of Biden touching them inappropriately or in ways that made them uncomfortable. She has said she did not discuss her assault allegation at the time because she was worried about the backlash she would receive.
She told Kelly she was discouraged by questions from a reporter.
"The first question that was asked of me was, 'Well, it wasn’t sexual was it?' And that’s all it took. I was so lacking in courage," Reade said.
'This never happened': Joe Biden denies sexual assault allegation, calls on National Archives to release records
What we know: Former staffer Tara Reade says Joe Biden sexually assaulted her in 1993
Starting sometime in the summer of 2019, she says she began reaching back out to reporters who had interviewed her but didn't get responses. She then tried to reach politicians, she said, including Sens. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and Kamala Harris, D-Calif.
"I tried to reach out to them, yes, I did. Kamala Harris is my representative, so I tried to reach out to her in particular for help. I wanted to get a safe place to tell what happened," Reade said. "I didn't get a response."
USA TODAY has reached out to Warren's office. A senior adviser for Harris, Sabrina Singh, said that "we have no record of any request."
Biden campaign points to 'inconsistencies'
Biden's campaign has pointed to his years of work related to combating violence against women and has said the media should investigate allegations of sexual assault. The campaign said there were "inconsistencies" in her story.
Kate Bedingfield, deputy campaign manager, cited reports from the Associated Press and Vox that include resurfaced interview comments from 2019 when Reade first talked to reporters. Vox reported that an anonymous friend now recounts Reade's assault story but in 2019 said Biden "never tried to kiss her directly. He never went for one of those touches."
AP published her older quote, which she said before she had come forward with her assault claim: "I wasn’t scared of him, that he was going to take me in a room or anything. It wasn’t that kind of vibe."
"Every day, more and more inconsistencies arise. Women must receive the benefit of the doubt. They must be able to come forward and share their stories without fear of retribution or harm – and we all have a responsibility to ensure that," Bedingfield said. "At the same time, we can never sacrifice the truth. And the truth is that these allegations are false and that the material that has been presented to back them up, under scrutiny, keeps proving their falsity."


usatoday--2020-05-09--US coronavirus response a 'chaotic disaster,' Obama tells former staffers in call

Former President Barack Obama called the United States ' response to the coronavirus pandemic an `` absolute chaotic disaster '' and promised to campaign `` as hard as I can '' for former Vice President Joe Biden in a Friday call with 3,000 people who served in his administration .
A recording of the call was obtained by Yahoo News .
Katie Hill , Obama 's communications director , confirmed the call to CBS News .
In addressing the Trump administration 's response to the global coronavirus pandemic , Obama cited concerns about division and tribalism in the country and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` anemic and spotty '' response to the health crisis , Obama said .
While the challenge would be difficult for any government to address , it has been an `` absolute chaotic disaster '' in the U.S. , he said .
Obama blamed a `` mindset of 'what 's in it for me ' and 'to heck with everyone else ' '' in President Donald Trump 's administration .
Social distancing regulations in the U.S. have largely been determined by local authorities rather than the federal government .
States have rolled out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vary down to the county or city level at times .
U.S. coronavirus cases have reached about 1.3 million and deaths have topped 77,000 .
During the call , Obama also reacted to the Justice Department dropping its criminal case against Trump ’ s first national security adviser , Michael Flynn , saying he worried that the “ basic understanding of rule of law is at risk.
” Obama has infrequently criticized Trump in the past .
In late March , Obama appeared to take a swipe at Trump 's initial skepticism of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seen all too terribly the consequences of those who denied warnings of a pandemic , '' Obama tweeted March 31 , without directly naming the president .
Obama weighed in on the federal response to the coronavirus outbreak in the context of warning about the impact of Trump 's decision to ease up on fuel-efficiency standards the Democratic president had put in place to combat climate change .
Trump has claimed his administration 's response to the pandemic saved `` millions of lives , '' often citing moves to restrict China and Europe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's response to Obama 's latest remarks , press secretary Kayleigh McEnany did not mention Obama directly .
“ President Trump ’ s coronavirus response has been unprecedented and saved American lives , ” she said .
“ While Democrats were pursuing a sham witch hunt against President Trump , President Trump was shutting down travel from China .
“ While Democrats encouraged mass gatherings , President Trump was deploying PPE , ventilators , and testing across the country , ” she said .
Last weekend , former President George W. Bush released @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the coronavirus pandemic that did not mention Trump , an omission that led to harsh criticism from Trump .

US coronavirus response a 'chaotic disaster,' Obama tells former staffers in call
Former President Barack Obama called the U.S. response to the coronavirus pandemic an "absolute chaotic disaster" and promised to campaign "as hard as I can" for former Vice President Joe Biden in a call Friday with 3,000 people who served in his administration.
A recording of the call was obtained by Yahoo News. Katie Hill, Obama's communication director, confirmed the call to CBS News.
In addressing the Trump administration's response to the coronavirus pandemic, Obama cited concerns about division and tribalism in the country and internationally. That has contributed to an "anemic and spotty" response to the health crisis, Obama said.
Though the challenge would be difficult for any government to address, it has been an "absolute chaotic disaster" in the USA, he said.
Obama blamed a "mindset of 'what's in it for me, and to heck with everyone else' " in President Donald Trump's administration.
Social distancing regulations have largely been determined by local authorities rather than the federal government. States have rolled out constantly changing rules that vary down to the county or city level at times.
As of Sunday, U.S. coronavirus cases had reached about 1.3 million, and deaths topped 79,000.
During the call, Obama reacted to the Justice Department dropping its criminal case against Trump’s first national security adviser, Michael Flynn, saying he worried that the “basic understanding of rule of law is at risk.”
Obama has infrequently criticized Trump. In late March, he apparently took a swipe at Trump's initial skepticism of the coronavirus pandemic.
"We've seen all too terribly the consequences of those who denied warnings of a pandemic," Obama tweeted March 31, without directly naming the president.
Obama weighed in on the federal response to the coronavirus outbreak in the context of warning about the effect of Trump's decision to ease fuel-efficiency standards the Democratic president put in place to combat climate change.
Trump claimed his administration's response to the pandemic saved "millions of lives," often citing moves to restrict travel from China and Europe as successes.
In the White House's response to Obama's latest remarks, press secretary Kayleigh McEnany did not mention Obama directly.
“President Trump’s coronavirus response has been unprecedented and saved American lives,” she said. “While Democrats were pursuing a sham witch hunt against President Trump, President Trump was shutting down travel from China.
“While Democrats encouraged mass gatherings, President Trump was deploying PPE, ventilators and testing across the country,” she said.
Last weekend, former President George W. Bush released a video encouraging Americans to stand up to the coronavirus pandemic that did not mention Trump, an omission that led to criticism from Trump.
Contributing: David Jackson and Courtney Subramanian, USA TODAY; The Associated Press


usatoday--2020-05-09--South Dakota governor demands tribes remove travel checkpoints on Indian reservations

SIOUX FALLS , S.D .
– A battle is brewing between a pair of South Dakota Indian tribes and the governor 's office over checkpoints set up on the reservations restricting travel during the COVID-19 pandemic .
Gov .
Kristi Noem sent letters Friday to leaders of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and the Oglala Sioux Tribe demanding that checkpoints that have been set up on those reservations along state and U.S. highways be removed immediately .
If the checkpoints are not removed within the next 48 hours , the governor will pursue legal action against the tribes , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ release Friday .
“ We are strongest when we work together ; this includes our battle against COVID-19 , ” the governor said in a statement sent to media Friday afternoon .
“ I request that the tribes immediately cease interfering with or regulating traffic on US and State Highways and remove all travel checkpoints.
” More : Native American tribes have been hit hard by coronavirus , and they 're battling red tape to get help Last month , the U.S. Department of the Interior ’ s Bureau of Indian Affairs issued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ close or restrict travel on state and U.S. highways , calling on tribes to get permission from state authorities before closing or restricting travel .
The tribes have taken action because they are concerned the virus could overwhelm fragile health care systems that serve many people with underlying health problems .
They are still allowing essential businesses on to the reservations and said the checkpoints were set up to keep out tourists or other visitors who could be carrying coronavirus infections .
Tribal chairman Harold Frazier issued a statement addressing Noem , saying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our efforts to do what science and facts dictate seriously undermine our ability to protect everyone on the reservation.
” Chase Iron Eyes , a spokesman for Oglala Sioux President Julian Bear Runner , said he expected the tribe to defend its rights as a sovereign nation to keep out threats to their health .
“ We ’ d be interested in talking face to face with Governor Noem and the attorney general and whoever else is involved , ” he said .

South Dakota governor demands tribes remove travel checkpoints on Indian reservations
Show Caption Hide Caption Coronavirus: Irish donors help Native Americans hit hard by virus The Irish are repaying a 19th century debt of gratitude to Native Americans during the coronavirus pandemic. USA TODAY
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – A battle is brewing between a pair of South Dakota Indian tribes and the governor's office over checkpoints set up on the reservations restricting travel during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Gov. Kristi Noem sent letters Friday to leaders of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and the Oglala Sioux Tribe demanding that checkpoints that have been set up on those reservations along state and U.S. highways be removed immediately.
If the checkpoints are not removed within the next 48 hours, the governor will pursue legal action against the tribes, the governor's office said in a news release Friday.
“We are strongest when we work together; this includes our battle against COVID-19,” the governor said in a statement sent to media Friday afternoon. “I request that the tribes immediately cease interfering with or regulating traffic on US and State Highways and remove all travel checkpoints.”
States rights on reopening businesses over President Trump, explained The 10th Amendment protects state powers and puts a hamper on presidential powers. Here's how the fight for control is playing out today. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
More: Native American tribes have been hit hard by coronavirus, and they're battling red tape to get help
Last month, the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Indian Affairs issued a memorandum regarding tribal government authority to close or restrict travel on state and U.S. highways, calling on tribes to get permission from state authorities before closing or restricting travel.
The tribes have taken action because they are concerned the virus could overwhelm fragile health care systems that serve many people with underlying health problems. They are still allowing essential businesses on to the reservations and said the checkpoints were set up to keep out tourists or other visitors who could be carrying coronavirus infections.
Tribal chairman Harold Frazier issued a statement addressing Noem, saying, “You continuing to interfere in our efforts to do what science and facts dictate seriously undermine our ability to protect everyone on the reservation.”
Chase Iron Eyes, a spokesman for Oglala Sioux President Julian Bear Runner, said he expected the tribe to defend its rights as a sovereign nation to keep out threats to their health.
“We’d be interested in talking face to face with Governor Noem and the attorney general and whoever else is involved,” he said.
Contributing: The Associated Press