usatoday--2020-06-03--Trump won't accept Republican nomination in Charlotte, RNC announces

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump will not accept the Republican nomination for president in Charlotte , the Republican National Committee said Wednesday , saying North Carolina officials could not guarantee full use of their facilities in late August over concerns about the coronavirus .
More : Trump wants to know 'within a week ' if North Carolina will host Republican convention “ Due to the directive from the governor that our convention can not go on as planned as required by our rules , the celebration of the president ’ s acceptance of the Republican nomination will be held in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a statement .
`` Should the governor allow more than 10 people in a room , we still hope to conduct the official business of the convention in Charlotte.
” North Carolina Gov .
Roy Cooper has said the state will maintain the ban on large gatherings until it is safe , and that he could not guarantee anyone what the situation might look like in late August .
Communication Director for the RNC , Michael Ahrens , released a statement that confirmed official GOP business would be in Charlotte , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elsewhere .
`` The RNC ’ s Executive Committee has voted unanimously to allow the official business of the national convention to continue in Charlotte , ” he said .
`` Many other cities are eager to host the president ’ s acceptance of the nomination , and we are currently in talks with several of them to host that celebration . ''
Governors in Florida , Georgia , Tennessee , and other states lobbied to host the Republican National Convention in the wake of Trump 's complaints over the restrictions .
RNC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ site Thursday .
In a Tuesday letter to Republican officials , Cooper said a full meeting in Charlotte 's 19,000-seat arena is highly unlikely , and `` neither public health officials nor I will risk the health and safety of North Carolinians by providing the guarantee you seek . ''
The governor said he was still willing to speak with Republican officials about a scaled- -back convention , but the Republicans decided to look elsewhere .
Party leaders scouted out possible alternative sites for their convention .
They looked at facilities in Nashville @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Orlando , Jacksonville , and the state of Georgia .
The RNC had penned a letter to Cooper last week , outlining safety procedures they wished to enact to host the convention in Charlotte .
There was no mention of wearing face masks or social distancing in the letter , which are both currently the state 's guidelines .
Trump himself is one of the most prolific users of Twitter , building up a following of more than 80 million and using the site as a campaign vehicle in both 2016 and 2020 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of letters between Cooper and the Republican National Committee over how to make the Charlotte plan work .
Late last month , Cooper had said he was working with Republican officials and hoped to find a `` reasonable accommodation . ''
But he added that `` we ’ re not going to sacrifice the health and safety of North Carolinians , and that 's the bottom line . ''

David Jackson and Savannah Behrmann, USA TODAY

Trump won't accept Republican nomination in Charlotte, RNC announces
Show Caption Hide Caption Trump's convention demand comes amid NC virus surge President Donald Trump’s demand for a full-capacity Republican convention in August is putting pressure on North Carolina health officials and local Republicans, as coronavirus cases surge in the host county and statewide. (May 26) AP
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump will not accept the Republican nomination for president in Charlotte, the Republican National Committee said Wednesday, saying North Carolina officials could not guarantee full use of their facilities in late August over concerns about the coronavirus.
More: Trump wants to know 'within a week' if North Carolina will host Republican convention
“Due to the directive from the governor that our convention cannot go on as planned as required by our rules, the celebration of the president’s acceptance of the Republican nomination will be held in another city," the RNC said in a statement. "Should the governor allow more than 10 people in a room, we still hope to conduct the official business of the convention in Charlotte.”
North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper has said the state will maintain the ban on large gatherings until it is safe, and that he could not guarantee anyone what the situation might look like in late August.
Communication Director for the RNC, Michael Ahrens, released a statement that confirmed official GOP business would be in Charlotte, but Trump's acceptance speech likely would be elsewhere.
Electoral College vs. the popular vote, explained President Trump and President George W. Bush won the electoral vote during the election, but not the popular vote. How does the electoral college work? Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
"The RNC’s Executive Committee has voted unanimously to allow the official business of the national convention to continue in Charlotte,” he said. "Many other cities are eager to host the president’s acceptance of the nomination, and we are currently in talks with several of them to host that celebration."
Governors in Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, and other states lobbied to host the Republican National Convention in the wake of Trump's complaints over the restrictions. RNC officials were expected to tour a Nashville site Thursday.
In a Tuesday letter to Republican officials, Cooper said a full meeting in Charlotte's 19,000-seat arena is highly unlikely, and "neither public health officials nor I will risk the health and safety of North Carolinians by providing the guarantee you seek."
The governor said he was still willing to speak with Republican officials about a scaled- -back convention, but the Republicans decided to look elsewhere.
Party leaders scouted out possible alternative sites for their convention. They looked at facilities in Nashville, Las Vegas, South Florida, Orlando, Jacksonville, and the state of Georgia.
The RNC had penned a letter to Cooper last week, outlining safety procedures they wished to enact to host the convention in Charlotte. There was no mention of wearing face masks or social distancing in the letter, which are both currently the state's guidelines.
2020 Republican convention: RNC sends Gov. Roy Cooper 'safety protocols' for Charlotte event
Trump himself is one of the most prolific users of Twitter, building up a following of more than 80 million and using the site as a campaign vehicle in both 2016 and 2020.
Trump's declaration ended a series of letters between Cooper and the Republican National Committee over how to make the Charlotte plan work.
Late last month, Cooper had said he was working with Republican officials and hoped to find a "reasonable accommodation." But he added that "we’re not going to sacrifice the health and safety of North Carolinians, and that's the bottom line."


usatoday--2020-06-03--Ousted State Department IG testifying before lawmakers probing Trump's decision to fire him

WASHINGTON – The State Department 's ousted watchdog is testifying behind closed doors Wednesday as part of a probe by congressional Democrats into his removal .
Steve Linick planned to tell lawmakers he has served `` without regard for politics , '' as Democrats examine President Donald Trump 's decision to fire him at the urging of Secretary of State Mike Pompeo .
Linick 's ouster came as his office was investigating two highly contentious matters that touch directly on Pompeo 's actions : allegations that he used a State Department employee to run personal errands for himself and his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Department 's decision to green-light a highly controversial $ 8 billion weapons sale to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates .
Democrats have accused Pompeo of seeking Linick 's removal to shield himself from those investigations .
Pompeo has rejected that charge and said Linick 's firing was not retaliatory .
`` All we ’ ve done is simply make sure that in respect to the inspector general that we had an inspector general that was working towards the mission of the United States Department of State and the foreign policy of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Fox News interview that aired Sunday .
In Trump 's May 15 letter notifying Congress of his plan to fire Linick , the president said he had lost confidence in him .
Linick 's interview – part of a joint probe by the House Foreign Affairs and Oversight Committee and Democrats on the Senate foreign affairs panel – was conducted remotely because of coronavirus restrictions .
“ I have always taken the facts and evidence wherever they lead and have been faithfully committed to conducting independent and impartial oversight , ” Linick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ obtained by CNN .
Linick planned to say he has devoted nearly three decades of public service to investigating waste and malfeasance inside federal government agencies on behalf of American taxpayers .
Linick said that when he first became an inspector general in 2010 , tapped to oversee the Federal Housing Finance Agency , he met with then-Sen. Tom Coburn , the late Oklahoma Republican known for his crusades against wasteful government spending .
`` Senator Coburn told me to never forget that ultimately inspectors general work for the American public , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keeping with that advice , every minute of my work at HHFA and the State Department has been devoted to ... ensuring that taxpayer funds are protected against waste , fraud and abuse . ''
Linick is the first person to be interviewed in the congressional probe .
Rep. Eliot Engel , chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee , and Sen. Bob Menendez , the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee , plan to speak with a half-dozen State Department officials who may have been involved in or had knowledge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ouster .
“ President Trump ’ s unprecedented removal of Inspector General Linick is only his latest sacking of an inspector general , our government ’ s key independent watchdogs , from a federal agency , ” the two lawmakers said in a statement after Trump notified Congress he was firing Linick .
Engel has expressed concern the two Pompeo-related investigations could be derailed by Linick 's successor , Stephen Akard .
Akard has no investigative or oversight experience and faces a slew of potential conflicts of interest , according to an internal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sources .
Akard has another job at the State Department : director of the Office of Foreign Missions , a political appointment he 's held since 2019 .
In that job , which he plans to keep , Akard reports to Brian Bulatao , a top adviser and longtime friend of Pompeo .
“ I simply don ’ t understand how someone who reports to the Secretary of State can also be expected to act as an independent watchdog , '' Engel said in a statement to USA TODAY last week .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seem as though the Secretary is trying to hide something .
I ’ m determined to make sure Mr. Akard doesn ’ t bury the investigations '' conducted by the inspector general 's office , Engel said .
More : 'Lapdog ' or watchdog ?
The State Department 's new inspector general under fire for conflicts of interest , inexperience

Pompeo aide tried to 'bully' ex-State Department watchdog and stop probe in Saudi arms deal, Dems say
Show Caption Hide Caption Pompeo: Trump has 'unilateral right' to choose IG Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says "the president has the unilateral right to choose who he wants to be, his inspector general." (May 20) AP
WASHINGTON – A top adviser to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's tried to derail an investigation into a controversial $8 billion in weapons sales to Saudi Arabia, the agency's ousted federal watchdog told lawmakers Wednesday.
During closed-door testimony, Steve Linick, who was removed as the State Department's inspector general last month, told lawmakers Brian Bulatao – one of Pompeo's closest aides – tried to "bully" the IG on several occasions, according to Democrats who are leading an investigation into Linick's removal.
"Mr. Linick testified that Mr. Bulatao pressured him to act in ways that Mr. Linick felt were inappropriate – including Bulatao telling Linick that the investigation into weapons sales to Saudi Arabia was not a matter for the IG to investigate," Democrats said in a statement after Linick's closed-door testimony.
Linick told lawmakers his office had requested an interview with Pompeo as part of the inquiry into the Saudi arms sale, but Pompeo refused after the IG insisted that a witness from his office be present. Pompeo gave Linick's office written answers to questions instead.
The $8 billion weapons deal created a bipartisan firestorm in 2019. Pompeo bypassed lawmakers who objected to the sale, citing an "emergency" provision of a 1976 arms control law that allowed the administration to go around Congress. The weapons fueled the horrific war in Yemen, which pitted the Saudis and the United Arab Emirates against rebels backed by Iran.
Linick testified that Bulatao and Marik String – who was named acting State Department legal adviser the same day of Pompeo's emergency declaration – argued that his office should not pursue an investigation into the arms sale.
"We still have many unanswered questions, and today’s testimony makes it all the more critical that the administration immediately comply with outstanding requests for additional witness interviews and documents,” said the chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Eliot Engel, in a joint statement with other Democrats leading the probe.
The Democrats said Linick also confirmed that his office was investigating allegations that Pompeo used a State Department employee to run personal errands for him and his wife, Susan Pompeo.
Democrats have accused Pompeo of seeking Linick's removal to shield himself from those investigations. Pompeo has rejected that charge and said Linick's firing was not retaliatory.
"All we’ve done is simply make sure that in respect to the inspector general that we had an inspector general that was working towards the mission of the United States Department of State and the foreign policy of Donald Trump," Pompeo said in a Fox News interview that aired Sunday.
At Pompeo's urging, President Donald Trump's notified Congress on May 15 of his plan to fire Linick. Trump said then that he had lost confidence in Linick.
Linick's interview – part of a joint inquiry by the House Foreign Affairs and Oversight Committee and Democrats on the Senate foreign affairs panel – was done remotely because of coronavirus restrictions.
According to Democrats, Linick said he was "shocked" when he found out he was being fired. He disputed the administration's justifications for his removal as "either misplaced or unfounded."
Linick has spent nearly three decades investigating waste and malfeasance inside federal government agencies, first at the Federal Housing Finance Agency and then at the State Department.
Linick is the first person to be interviewed in the congressional inquiry. Engel and Sen. Bob Menendez, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, plan to speak with a half-dozen State Department officials who may have been involved in or had knowledge of discussions leading up to Linick's ouster.
“President Trump’s unprecedented removal of Inspector General Linick is only his latest sacking of an inspector general, our government’s key independent watchdogs, from a federal agency,” the two lawmakers said in a statement after Trump notified Congress he was firing Linick.
Engel has expressed concern the two Pompeo-related investigations could be derailed by Linick's successor, Stephen Akard.
Akard has no investigative or oversight experience and faces a slew of potential conflicts of interest, according to an internal State Department email, lawmakers and agency sources.
Akard has another job at the State Department: director of the Office of Foreign Missions, a political appointment he's held since 2019. In that job, which he plans to keep, Akard reports to Bulatao.
“I simply don’t understand how someone who reports to the Secretary of State can also be expected to act as an independent watchdog," Engel said in a statement to USA TODAY last week.
"Ambassador Akard’s appointment makes it seem as though the Secretary is trying to hide something. I’m determined to make sure Mr. Akard doesn’t bury the investigations" conducted by the inspector general's office, Engel said.
More: 'Lapdog' or watchdog? The State Department's new inspector general under fire for conflicts of interest, inexperience


usatoday--2020-06-03--'I'm accountable': Ex-deputy AG Rod Rosenstein defends oversight of Russia probe but accepts flaws i

WASHINGTON – Former deputy attorney general Rod Rosenstein , a key player in the sprawling Russia investigation that cast a cloud over much of President Donald Trump 's first term in office , defended his oversight of the probe Wednesday while acknowledging flaws in the FBI 's surveillance process .
`` Senators , whenever agents or prosecutors make serious mistakes or engage in misconduct , the Department of Justice must take remedial action .
And if existing policies fall short , those policies need to be changed , '' Rosenstein said in his opening statement before the Senate Judiciary Committee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ responsible for the missteps that happened in the early days of the Russia investigation .
`` I 'm accountable .
I feel accountable ...
I think the issue is , 'How do we fix the problem ? '
'' Rosenstein said .
The committee , chaired by Sen. Lindsey Graham , R-S.C. , invited Rosenstein in the first of what he said would be a series of hearings on the Russia investigation .
Rosenstein 's testimony marks the first time his handling of the probe is publicly scrutinized since he left the Justice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Rod Rosenstein , deputy attorney general , says Robert Mueller is 'not an unguided missile' Trump and his allies have sought to frame the entire Russia investigation as a hoax and a witch hunt against the president , seizing on some aspects of Crossfire Hurricane , the code name for the FBI 's counterintelligence investigation into Russia 's election meddling and possible ties to the Trump campaign .
An inspector general 's report offered a blistering account of the FBI 's handling of multiple applications to wiretap former Trump campaign adviser Carter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia probe in 2016 and early 2017 .
The inspector general found more than a dozen inaccuracies and misstatements in all four applications to wiretap Page .
Investigators omitted information that contradicted their suspicions and inflated the justification to keep monitoring Page – even as they gathered information that weakened the probable cause to continue with the surveillance .
The inspector general , though , found the broader Russia probe was legally justified and there was no evidence political bias played a role .
Rosenstein , who signed off on one of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ application he approved `` appeared to be justified . ''
`` The FBI was supposed to be following protocols to ensure that every fact was verified , '' Rosenstein said , acknowledging that the FBI failed to do so .
Rosenstein said knowing now of the errors and misstatements , he would not have signed off on the application .
During the hearing , Republicans renewed attacks on the Russia investigation and questioned whether the inquiry – which special counsel Robert Mueller took over in May 2017 – should have continued for two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the beginning .
Democrats portrayed the hearing as a tired re-litigation of Mueller 's findings , which were made public last year .
They criticized Republicans for holding a hearing on an investigation that 's been concluded at a time of a public health crisis and racial unrest .
Rosenstein emerged as a central figure during the tumultuous first months of Trump 's presidency , when he and former attorney general Jeff Sessions had recommended the May 2017 firing of then-FBI Director James Comey .
Comey , at the time , was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mueller to take over the Russia probe , igniting Trump 's bitter campaign against his own Justice Department .
In his opening statement , Rosenstein defended his appointment of Mueller , a task that fell on him after Sessions recused because of his ties to the Trump campaign .
It `` was the best way to complete the investigation appropriately and promote public confidence in its conclusions , '' Rosenstein said .
Rosenstein said he does not believe the Mueller probe was a hoax and said he had talked to the special counsel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the investigation .
`` I have confidence in Mr. Mueller 's integrity , '' Rosenstein said , adding later : `` I do not believe that Mr. Mueller was trying to get rid of the president . ''
Rosenstein , however , took a jab at Andrew McCabe , telling senators the former FBI deputy director was not `` fully candid '' with him .
Rosenstein said that when he began overseeing the Russia investigation in 2017 , McCabe should 've immediately disclosed to him that Comey had written memos about his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , McCabe disputed Rosenstein 's characterization , saying he briefed the former deputy attorney general on the memos days after he recommended Comey 's firing .
McCabe also denied misleading Rosenstein about the FBI 's concerns regarding the Trump campaign 's interactions with Russia .
`` Mr. Rosenstein approved of , and suggested ways to enhance , our investigation of the President , '' McCabe said .
Mueller 's two-year investigation found that the Kremlin orchestrated a `` sweeping and systematic '' campaign to help Trump win the White House , and that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beneficiaries of the effort .
The probe , however , did not find enough evidence that Trump or members of his campaign conspired with Russia .
Rosenstein said the investigation 's findings do n't mean that Russia is on any candidate 's side .
`` Russia is on Russia 's side , '' said Rosenstein , who resigned in April 2019 , two years after he appointed Mueller .
The president has sought to frame the investigation 's findings as a complete exoneration of him .
But Mueller said his investigation did not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's voluminous report , released a year ago , detailed several instances of possible obstruction of justice – including an effort to fire Mueller – during the Russia investigation .
Attorney General William Barr has appointed an outside federal prosecutor to review the origins of the Russia inquiry and the FBI 's surveillance activities .

Kristine Phillips and Kevin Johnson, USA TODAY

'I'm accountable': Ex-deputy AG Rod Rosenstein defends oversight of Russia probe but accepts flaws in FBI surveillance
Show Caption Hide Caption Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein keeps his job, for now Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, in charge of Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation, will meet with Trump on Thursday to discuss future. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – Former deputy attorney general Rod Rosenstein, a key player in the sprawling Russia investigation that cast a cloud over much of President Donald Trump's first term in office, defended his oversight of the probe Wednesday while acknowledging flaws in the FBI's surveillance process.
"Senators, whenever agents or prosecutors make serious mistakes or engage in misconduct, the Department of Justice must take remedial action. And if existing policies fall short, those policies need to be changed," Rosenstein said in his opening statement before the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Ultimately, Rosenstein acknowledged he is responsible for the missteps that happened in the early days of the Russia investigation.
"I'm accountable. I feel accountable ... I think the issue is, 'How do we fix the problem?'" Rosenstein said.
The committee, chaired by Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., invited Rosenstein in the first of what he said would be a series of hearings on the Russia investigation. Rosenstein's testimony marks the first time his handling of the probe is publicly scrutinized since he left the Justice Department last year.
Rosenstein defends Mueller: Rod Rosenstein, deputy attorney general, says Robert Mueller is 'not an unguided missile'
Trump and his allies have sought to frame the entire Russia investigation as a hoax and a witch hunt against the president, seizing on some aspects of Crossfire Hurricane, the code name for the FBI's counterintelligence investigation into Russia's election meddling and possible ties to the Trump campaign.
An inspector general's report offered a blistering account of the FBI's handling of multiple applications to wiretap former Trump campaign adviser Carter Page during the early months of the Russia probe in 2016 and early 2017.
The inspector general found more than a dozen inaccuracies and misstatements in all four applications to wiretap Page. Investigators omitted information that contradicted their suspicions and inflated the justification to keep monitoring Page – even as they gathered information that weakened the probable cause to continue with the surveillance.
The inspector general, though, found the broader Russia probe was legally justified and there was no evidence political bias played a role.
Rosenstein, who signed off on one of the applications to wiretap Page, said every application he approved "appeared to be justified." "The FBI was supposed to be following protocols to ensure that every fact was verified," Rosenstein said, acknowledging that the FBI failed to do so.
Rosenstein said knowing now of the errors and misstatements, he would not have signed off on the application.
During the hearing, Republicans renewed attacks on the Russia investigation and questioned whether the inquiry – which special counsel Robert Mueller took over in May 2017 – should have continued for two years, given the FBI's missteps in the beginning.
Twitter took note of Rod Rosenstein's expressionless stare Rod Rosenstein had an expressionless look as he stood behind William Barr while he briefed reporters on the Mueller report. USA TODAY
Democrats portrayed the hearing as a tired re-litigation of Mueller's findings, which were made public last year. They criticized Republicans for holding a hearing on an investigation that's been concluded at a time of a public health crisis and racial unrest.
Rosenstein emerged as a central figure during the tumultuous first months of Trump's presidency, when he and former attorney general Jeff Sessions had recommended the May 2017 firing of then-FBI Director James Comey. Comey, at the time, was overseeing Crossfire Hurricane.
Rosenstein later appointed Mueller to take over the Russia probe, igniting Trump's bitter campaign against his own Justice Department. In his opening statement, Rosenstein defended his appointment of Mueller, a task that fell on him after Sessions recused because of his ties to the Trump campaign.
It "was the best way to complete the investigation appropriately and promote public confidence in its conclusions," Rosenstein said.
Rosenstein said he does not believe the Mueller probe was a hoax and said he had talked to the special counsel about ensuring political bias did not interfere with the investigation.
"I have confidence in Mr. Mueller's integrity," Rosenstein said, adding later: "I do not believe that Mr. Mueller was trying to get rid of the president."
Rosenstein resigns: Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein resigns after two tumultuous years supervising Russia probe
Rosenstein, however, took a jab at Andrew McCabe, telling senators the former FBI deputy director was not "fully candid" with him. Rosenstein said that when he began overseeing the Russia investigation in 2017, McCabe should've immediately disclosed to him that Comey had written memos about his meetings with Trump.
In a statement, McCabe disputed Rosenstein's characterization, saying he briefed the former deputy attorney general on the memos days after he recommended Comey's firing. McCabe also denied misleading Rosenstein about the FBI's concerns regarding the Trump campaign's interactions with Russia.
"Mr. Rosenstein approved of, and suggested ways to enhance, our investigation of the President," McCabe said.
Mueller's two-year investigation found that the Kremlin orchestrated a "sweeping and systematic" campaign to help Trump win the White House, and that the president and his aides were eager beneficiaries of the effort. The probe, however, did not find enough evidence that Trump or members of his campaign conspired with Russia.
Rosenstein said the investigation's findings don't mean that Russia is on any candidate's side.
"Russia is on Russia's side," said Rosenstein, who resigned in April 2019, two years after he appointed Mueller.
The president has sought to frame the investigation's findings as a complete exoneration of him. But Mueller said his investigation did not exonerate Trump. The former special counsel's voluminous report, released a year ago, detailed several instances of possible obstruction of justice – including an effort to fire Mueller – during the Russia investigation.
Attorney General William Barr has appointed an outside federal prosecutor to review the origins of the Russia inquiry and the FBI's surveillance activities.


usatoday--2020-06-03--Booker has emotional message for Trump as GOP blocks resolution condemning the president

WASHINGTON – An emotional Cory Booker , one of only three African American senators , said on Tuesday he 's embarrassed that he did n't join the protesters who were pushed out Monday of an area near the White House so President Donald Trump could walk to a church near the White House and hold up a Bible .
`` If Donald Trump wants to gas someone next time , start right here , '' Booker said , as he thumped his heart .
`` If he wants to shoot somebody with our federal officials , with rubber bullets , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to trample them with horses while they peacefully assemble , come to this body . ''
Booker spoke at a news conference shortly before Senate Democrats called for a vote on a resolution condemning Trump for `` violating the constitutional rights of those peaceful protesters . ''
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , R-Ky. , blocked the resolution .
McConnell said it failed to deal with the two issues Americans want addressed : racial justice and ending the riots .
`` Instead , '' he continued , `` it just indulges in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come to define the Democratic side of the aisle . ''
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer , D-NY , objected to McConnell 's counter resolution that `` order must be immediately restored to the cities of the United States '' so there is peace and legitimate grievances can be addressed .
Schumer said it was insufficient `` to just condemn violence and not condemn what the president did as well . ''
More : St. John 's Church has intersected with Donald Trump at key moments of his presidency Violent protests erupted in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country after the death of George Floyd , a black man in Minneapolis who died in police custody .
Booker grew up in Washington , D.C. , the son of parents who graduated from historically black colleges and whose lives were improved by the civil rights movement .
He said his father was the first black salesman hired by IBM in the region .
His mother helped organize the 1963 March on Washington .
`` I 'm here because of those marches .
I 'm here because of those protests .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of embarrassment , '' he said .
`` I was not there in that park .
Every one of us should wish we were there . ''
California Sen. Kamala Harris , whose parents were also active in the civil rights movement , said she would not have become the second black woman elected to the Senate `` were it not for those folks who took to the streets . ''
But despite the progress , Harris said she does n't know a single black man who has n't been the subject of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hands of law enforcement .
`` Not one I know .
And I 'm talking about people at every level of life , including people who graduated Harvard and Stanford , '' she said .
`` And the only thing that is common among them is that the color of their skin is black . ''
Sen. Tim Scott , the Senate 's sole black Republican , said Lafayette Square should not have been cleared for Trump .
`` As it relates to the tear gas situation and the Bible… it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or what I would do without any question , '' he told Politico .
`` If your question is : Should you use tear gas to clear a path so the president can go have a photo op ?
The answer is ‘ no . '
'' 'Word of God as a political prop ' : GOP senators criticize Trump after George Floyd protesters forced out of park

Booker has emotional message for Trump as GOP blocks resolution condemning the president
Show Caption Hide Caption Bishop slams Trump after protesters forced out near St. John's church Police used gas to clear protesters from Lafayette Park before President Donald Trump walked over and held a Bible up at St. John's Episcopal Church. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – An emotional Cory Booker, one of only three African American senators, said on Tuesday he's embarrassed that he didn't join the protesters who were pushed out Monday of an area near the White House so President Donald Trump could walk to a church near the White House and hold up a Bible.
"If Donald Trump wants to gas someone next time, start right here," Booker said, as he thumped his heart. "If he wants to shoot somebody with our federal officials, with rubber bullets, start right here. If he wants to trample them with horses while they peacefully assemble, come to this body."
Booker spoke at a news conference shortly before Senate Democrats called for a vote on a resolution condemning Trump for "violating the constitutional rights of those peaceful protesters."
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., blocked the resolution. McConnell said it failed to deal with the two issues Americans want addressed: racial justice and ending the riots.
"Instead," he continued, "it just indulges in the myopic obsession with President Trump that has come to define the Democratic side of the aisle."
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-NY, objected to McConnell's counter resolution that "order must be immediately restored to the cities of the United States" so there is peace and legitimate grievances can be addressed.
Schumer said it was insufficient "to just condemn violence and not condemn what the president did as well."
`Baffling' and 'reprehensible': Washington archbishop denounces Trump visit to Catholic shrine
More: St. John's Church has intersected with Donald Trump at key moments of his presidency
Violent protests erupted in Washington and dozens of other cities across the country after the death of George Floyd, a black man in Minneapolis who died in police custody.
Booker grew up in Washington, D.C., the son of parents who graduated from historically black colleges and whose lives were improved by the civil rights movement. He said his father was the first black salesman hired by IBM in the region. His mother helped organize the 1963 March on Washington.
"I'm here because of those marches. I'm here because of those protests. And last night, I felt a sense of embarrassment," he said. "I was not there in that park. Every one of us should wish we were there."
California Sen. Kamala Harris, whose parents were also active in the civil rights movement, said she would not have become the second black woman elected to the Senate "were it not for those folks who took to the streets."
But despite the progress, Harris said she doesn't know a single black man who hasn't been the subject of some form of racial discrimination at the hands of law enforcement.
"Not one I know. And I'm talking about people at every level of life, including people who graduated Harvard and Stanford," she said. "And the only thing that is common among them is that the color of their skin is black."
Sen. Tim Scott, the Senate's sole black Republican, said Lafayette Square should not have been cleared for Trump.
"As it relates to the tear gas situation and the Bible… it’s not something that I thought was helpful or what I would do without any question," he told Politico. "If your question is: Should you use tear gas to clear a path so the president can go have a photo op? The answer is ‘no.'"
'Word of God as a political prop': GOP senators criticize Trump after George Floyd protesters forced out of park


usatoday--2020-06-04--GOP, Democratic conventions face uncertainties around coronavirus, but delegates are still eager

As Democrats and Republicans face uncertainties about their party conventions this summer , delegates and activists say the events are key to show contrasts between former Vice President Joe Biden and President Donald Trump .
Delegates say they are undaunted about attending in person as organizers adapt their plans to allow more space between visitors .
Nothing beats the excitement of a live performance and the chance to meet with other activists , according to delegates .
“ Anybody can watch the Super Bowl .
They never suffer from selling tickets , ” said Brian Hester , a Democratic delegate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his first national convention .
“ There ’ s something in human nature of being at a historical event and saying you ’ ve touched history or were part of history.
” Conventions offer the opportunity for iconic moments when nominees or other speakers have a national audience to make a memorable impression .
In 2016 , former Gen. Michael Flynn led the chant of “ lock her up ” that summarized Republican criticism of Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton .
In 2008 , then-Alaska Gov .
Sarah Palin highlighted her gender and her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when she asked whether the audience knew the difference between a hockey mom and a pit bull .
“ Lipstick , ” she said .
And in 2004 , Barack Obama , then a little-known state senator campaigning to become a U.S. senator , electrified the Democratic convention by disavowing pundits who sliced and diced the country into partisan red and blue states .
“ We are one people , all of us pledging allegiance to the stars and stripes , all of us defending the United States of America , ” he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with how to provide historic moments in uncertain times .
Because of the threat of the novel coronavirus , Democrats might move a portion of their speeches and meetings online to avoid the large crowd of a traditional convention planned for Milwaukee .
Republicans , on the other hand , are working to ensure their event makes a splash .
The party is scouting Nashville and other locations after North Carolina Gov .
Roy Cooper notified the Republican National Committee Tuesday that its event planned for Charlotte would have to be scaled back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vegas , Orlando and Jacksonville , Fla. , and Georgia are also contenders to host the event .
“ I think it ’ s really upsetting that the nature of the convention is still up in the air , ” said Austin Smith , 25 , the youngest member of Arizona 's Republican delegation , who had to campaign for his seat and isn ’ t worried at all about getting sick .
“ It ’ s important to show the rest of the world who we are as a nation .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president . ''
'Let those on the other side ... go fete all their big donors' Democrats postponed their convention a month , from July 13-17 to the week of Aug. 17 , because of concerns about the coronavirus .
But given the recommendations for social distancing , no decisions have been announced about whether delegates will crowd into a convention hall or perhaps hold most of the action online with smaller gatherings .
“ I don ’ t think there ’ s anyone that would say , at this point , that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ together for a political convention , ” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. , said at a news conference last week .
Former Democratic Party and convention chairman Joe Andrew argued that holding the event largely online offered a dramatic contrast with Trump .
The national audience is watching on television anyway .
But holding events online that show smaller gatherings would highlight concerns about the novel coronavirus that has killed 100,000 Americans and thrown 40 million people out of work , he said .
“ Let those on the other side , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ big donors , ” said Andrew , global chairman of Dentons law firm .
“ They ’ re walking into a trap .
The trap is you ’ re going to cover all those rich people in those suites having their canapes , drinking their Chablis and eating their brie , while everyone else is talking about 25 % unemployment and 100,000 deaths and the mistakes that were made on the way to it .
The contrasts are a killer.
” Andrew argued that Democrats are already more enthusiastic to defeat Trump than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so a convention isn ’ t needed for excitement .
Messages in speeches should offer contrasts between the candidates for undecided voters , who don ’ t attend conventions in-person anyway , he said .
“ The goal should be to find new and different ways to communicate that messaging to people that you get it , that you understand what they ’ re going through and that you literally share their day-to-day experiences , ” Andrew said .
“ You wear a mask because they have to.
” Republicans were eager to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the party announced Wednesday that it would move the convention planned for Aug. 24 to 27 because Cooper could n't promise that a full , traditional convention would be allowed .
The Republican National Committee had sent Cooper a letter last week demanding guidelines , which prompted Cooper 's response Tuesday and the scramble for a new location .
Republican delegates said Cooper was passing up an economic boom for his state .
`` If Roy Cooper doesn ’ t lead on this , I think he ’ ll upset a lot of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t have the convention there , '' said Smith , the Arizona delegate .
`` They have that opportunity to send millions of dollars into that city , to help them . ''
Another Arizona delegate , Pam Kirby , 52 , echoed Smith in saying she has no concerns about getting sick at the convention .
As a leader in her state party and the Republican National Hispanic Assembly , Kirby said she has never felt more connected to the Republican Party than under Trump 's leadership .
“ He does a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everyday American people , '' Kirby said .
`` That ’ s his strength .
That ’ s how he ’ s connected with people from all walks of life.
” Robert Dion , an associate professor of political science at the University of Evansville , said the overwhelming majority of Americans experience conventions through the news media or on television .
But after attending the 2012 Democratic convention in Charlotte , N.C. , Dion said there is no duplicating the excitement for participants of a live event , even if it meant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remember a good meal .
“ There is nothing else like the excitement of being in a room with thousands of party leaders and party activists , '' Dion said .
`` It was exhilarating . ''
Ray Buckley , chairman of the New Hampshire Democratic Party , is ready to attend the convention in person – with a hotel lined up across the street from the convention center .
But his state convention May 9 was held online and yielded a dramatic increase in participation .
About 4,000 people watched speeches including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who spoke from her home in Georgia , compared to the 400 to 600 who typically attend in person , he said .
Some 900 votes were cast during two weeks of online voting on the platform and resolutions , he said .
“ That ’ s by far the largest group of delegates that ever participated in adopting the platform , adopting the resolutions , '' Buckley said .
“ People are fully engaged .
They ’ re feeling that they ’ re part of the process . ''
Bill DeMora @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said delegates are enthusiastic .
In January , 3,000 people filed to run for 89 slots as district delegates , he said .
In a recent survey , 70 of 80 delegates said there were still interested in traveling to Milwaukee , he said .
During the last three weeks – in the midst of the pandemic – 400 people have filed applications by a Friday deadline to become delegates in at-large seats or as party leaders and elected officials , he said .
“ They obviously wouldn ’ t sign up if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Milwaukee and didn ’ t want to go , ” DeMora said .
“ People are eager .
Obviously , if Milwaukee and the state of Wisconsin become what New York City was in March , that ’ s going to be a whole different scenario.
” DeMora has visited Milwaukee seven times since the site was announced .
He ’ s been conferring with the hotel and busing company to have social distancing at breakfasts and while shuttling to events .
But he hasn ’ t been since March 10 and 11 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how events will play out in bars and restaurants he lined up to hold up to 800 people .
“ Do I have any idea what the convention is going to look like this time ?
No , ” DeMora said .
“ But I know there ’ s no way anyone is going to go to a venue that packs people in shoulder to shoulder at a bar to drink.
” Ohio Republicans are also planning to attend their gathering , as The Cincinnati Enquirer found when it contacted 29 of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the convention .
`` I am ready to follow the president , ” said delegate Ken Blackwell , former Cincinnati mayor and failed Ohio governor candidate .
Several states including Florida and Georgia have volunteered to host the GOP convention , but Ohio state Sen. Matt Huffman , R-Lima , said he will be attending no matter where it is held .
“ It appears that the ( coronavirus ) morbidity rate and severity has been overestimated by an extraordinary amount – hospitalizations , deaths , effect on otherwise healthy people , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delegates await each party ’ s decision .
Hester said he ’ s got his Amtrak ticket , but doesn ’ t want to put anyone ’ s health at risk .
“ There are ways we can effectively communicate to the American people by having a convention that is virtual or in-person , ” Hester said .
“ I 'm very excited to go .
I think we ’ re going to show that this party is united , whether we do it by Zoom or in person in Milwaukee .
”

GOP, Democratic conventions face uncertainties around coronavirus, but delegates are still eager
Show Caption Hide Caption Trump may seek alternative RNC convention location President Donald Trump is weighing his options after threatening to pull the Republican National Convention out of North Carolina in August. Two Republican governors have offered up their states as alternatives. (May 27) AP
As Democrats and Republicans face uncertainties about their party conventions this summer, delegates and activists say the events are key to show contrasts between former Vice President Joe Biden and President Donald Trump.
Delegates say they are undaunted about attending in person as organizers adapt their plans to allow more space between visitors. Nothing beats the excitement of a live performance and the chance to meet with other activists, according to delegates.
“Anybody can watch the Super Bowl. They never suffer from selling tickets,” said Brian Hester, a Democratic delegate from Ohio who is eager to attend his first national convention. “There’s something in human nature of being at a historical event and saying you’ve touched history or were part of history.”
Conventions offer the opportunity for iconic moments when nominees or other speakers have a national audience to make a memorable impression. In 2016, former Gen. Michael Flynn led the chant of “lock her up” that summarized Republican criticism of Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. In 2008, then-Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin highlighted her gender and her toughness as the GOP vice presidential nominee when she asked whether the audience knew the difference between a hockey mom and a pit bull. “Lipstick,” she said.
And in 2004, Barack Obama, then a little-known state senator campaigning to become a U.S. senator, electrified the Democratic convention by disavowing pundits who sliced and diced the country into partisan red and blue states. “We are one people, all of us pledging allegiance to the stars and stripes, all of us defending the United States of America,” he said.
But both parties are struggling with how to provide historic moments in uncertain times. Because of the threat of the novel coronavirus, Democrats might move a portion of their speeches and meetings online to avoid the large crowd of a traditional convention planned for Milwaukee.
Republicans, on the other hand, are working to ensure their event makes a splash. The party is scouting Nashville and other locations after North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper notified the Republican National Committee Tuesday that its event planned for Charlotte would have to be scaled back because of the health threat. Las Vegas, Orlando and Jacksonville, Fla., and Georgia are also contenders to host the event.
“I think it’s really upsetting that the nature of the convention is still up in the air,” said Austin Smith, 25, the youngest member of Arizona's Republican delegation, who had to campaign for his seat and isn’t worried at all about getting sick. “It’s important to show the rest of the world who we are as a nation. We’re really excited to help the president."
Elections 2020: Mail-in voting could decide next president Many states are planning on drastically different elections this year and mail-in ballots could be a big game changer. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
'Let those on the other side ... go fete all their big donors'
Democrats postponed their convention a month, from July 13-17 to the week of Aug. 17, because of concerns about the coronavirus. But given the recommendations for social distancing, no decisions have been announced about whether delegates will crowd into a convention hall or perhaps hold most of the action online with smaller gatherings.
“I don’t think there’s anyone that would say, at this point, that tens of thousands of people should come together for a political convention,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said at a news conference last week.
Former Democratic Party and convention chairman Joe Andrew argued that holding the event largely online offered a dramatic contrast with Trump. The national audience is watching on television anyway. But holding events online that show smaller gatherings would highlight concerns about the novel coronavirus that has killed 100,000 Americans and thrown 40 million people out of work, he said.
“Let those on the other side, the incumbents, go fete all their big donors,” said Andrew, global chairman of Dentons law firm. “They’re walking into a trap. The trap is you’re going to cover all those rich people in those suites having their canapes, drinking their Chablis and eating their brie, while everyone else is talking about 25% unemployment and 100,000 deaths and the mistakes that were made on the way to it. The contrasts are a killer.”
Andrew argued that Democrats are already more enthusiastic to defeat Trump than any other Republican opponent in years, so a convention isn’t needed for excitement. Messages in speeches should offer contrasts between the candidates for undecided voters, who don’t attend conventions in-person anyway, he said.
“The goal should be to find new and different ways to communicate that messaging to people that you get it, that you understand what they’re going through and that you literally share their day-to-day experiences,” Andrew said. “You wear a mask because they have to.”
Republicans seek options
Republicans were eager to meet as planned in Charlotte, but the party announced Wednesday that it would move the convention planned for Aug. 24 to 27 because Cooper couldn't promise that a full, traditional convention would be allowed. The Republican National Committee had sent Cooper a letter last week demanding guidelines, which prompted Cooper's response Tuesday and the scramble for a new location.
Republican delegates said Cooper was passing up an economic boom for his state.
"If Roy Cooper doesn’t lead on this, I think he’ll upset a lot of his own people if we don’t have the convention there," said Smith, the Arizona delegate. "They have that opportunity to send millions of dollars into that city, to help them."
Another Arizona delegate, Pam Kirby, 52, echoed Smith in saying she has no concerns about getting sick at the convention. As a leader in her state party and the Republican National Hispanic Assembly, Kirby said she has never felt more connected to the Republican Party than under Trump's leadership.
“He does a very good job of speaking to the everyday American people," Kirby said. "That’s his strength. That’s how he’s connected with people from all walks of life.”
Enthusiasm despite risks
Robert Dion, an associate professor of political science at the University of Evansville, said the overwhelming majority of Americans experience conventions through the news media or on television. But after attending the 2012 Democratic convention in Charlotte, N.C., Dion said there is no duplicating the excitement for participants of a live event, even if it meant he got little sleep and can't remember a good meal.
“There is nothing else like the excitement of being in a room with thousands of party leaders and party activists," Dion said. "It was exhilarating."
Ray Buckley, chairman of the New Hampshire Democratic Party, is ready to attend the convention in person – with a hotel lined up across the street from the convention center.
But his state convention May 9 was held online and yielded a dramatic increase in participation. About 4,000 people watched speeches including one from vice presidential prospect Stacey Abrams, who spoke from her home in Georgia, compared to the 400 to 600 who typically attend in person, he said. Some 900 votes were cast during two weeks of online voting on the platform and resolutions, he said.
“That’s by far the largest group of delegates that ever participated in adopting the platform, adopting the resolutions," Buckley said. “People are fully engaged. They’re feeling that they’re part of the process."
Bill DeMora, the Ohio delegate selection director, said delegates are enthusiastic. In January, 3,000 people filed to run for 89 slots as district delegates, he said. In a recent survey, 70 of 80 delegates said there were still interested in traveling to Milwaukee, he said. During the last three weeks – in the midst of the pandemic – 400 people have filed applications by a Friday deadline to become delegates in at-large seats or as party leaders and elected officials, he said.
“They obviously wouldn’t sign up if they knew they had to go to Milwaukee and didn’t want to go,” DeMora said. “People are eager. Obviously, if Milwaukee and the state of Wisconsin become what New York City was in March, that’s going to be a whole different scenario.”
DeMora has visited Milwaukee seven times since the site was announced. He’s been conferring with the hotel and busing company to have social distancing at breakfasts and while shuttling to events. But he hasn’t been since March 10 and 11, and he’s not sure how events will play out in bars and restaurants he lined up to hold up to 800 people.
“Do I have any idea what the convention is going to look like this time? No,” DeMora said. “But I know there’s no way anyone is going to go to a venue that packs people in shoulder to shoulder at a bar to drink.”
Ohio Republicans are also planning to attend their gathering, as The Cincinnati Enquirer found when it contacted 29 of the 82 delegates pledged to support Trump at the convention.
"I am ready to follow the president,” said delegate Ken Blackwell, former Cincinnati mayor and failed Ohio governor candidate.
Several states including Florida and Georgia have volunteered to host the GOP convention, but Ohio state Sen. Matt Huffman, R-Lima, said he will be attending no matter where it is held.
“It appears that the (coronavirus) morbidity rate and severity has been overestimated by an extraordinary amount – hospitalizations, deaths, effect on otherwise healthy people,” Huffman said.
For now, national delegates await each party’s decision. Hester said he’s got his Amtrak ticket, but doesn’t want to put anyone’s health at risk.
“There are ways we can effectively communicate to the American people by having a convention that is virtual or in-person,” Hester said. “I'm very excited to go. I think we’re going to show that this party is united, whether we do it by Zoom or in person in Milwaukee.”


usatoday--2020-06-04--Pompeo aide tried to 'bully' ex-State Department watchdog and stop probe in Saudi arms deal, Dems sa

Pompeo aide tried to 'bully' ex-State Department watchdog and stop probe in Saudi arms deal, Dems say

WASHINGTON – A top adviser to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo 's tried to derail an investigation into a controversial $ 8 billion in weapons sales to Saudi Arabia , the agency 's ousted federal watchdog told lawmakers on Wednesday .
During closed-door testimony , Steve Linick , who was removed as the State Department 's inspector general last month , told lawmakers that Brian Bulatao – one of Pompeo 's closest aides – tried to `` bully '' the IG on several occasions , according to Democrats who are leading an investigation into Linick 's removal .
`` Mr. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to act in ways that Mr. Linick felt were inappropriate – including Bulatao telling Linick that the investigation into weapons sales to Saudi Arabia was not a matter for the IG to investigate , '' Democrats said in a statement after Linick 's closed-door testimony .
Linick told lawmakers that his office had requested an interview with Pompeo as part of the inquiry into the Saudi arms sale , but Pompeo refused after the IG insisted that a witness from his office be present .
Pompeo gave Linick 's office written answers to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weapons deal created a bipartisan firestorm in 2019 .
Pompeo bypassed lawmakers who objected to the sale , citing an `` emergency '' provision of a 1976 arms control law that allowed the administration to go around Congress .
The weapons fueled the horrific war in Yemen , which pitted the Saudis and the United Arab Emirates against rebels backed by Iran .
Linick testified that Bulatao and Marik String – who was named acting State Department legal adviser the same day of Pompeo 's “ emergency ” declaration – argued that his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the arms sale .
`` We still have many unanswered questions , and today ’ s testimony makes it all the more critical that the administration immediately comply with outstanding requests for additional witness interviews and documents , ” said the chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee , Eliot Engel , in a joint statement with other Democrats leading the probe .
The Democrats said Linick also confirmed that his office was investigating allegations that Pompeo used a State Department employee to run personal errands for him and his wife , Susan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seeking Linick 's removal to shield himself from those investigations .
Pompeo has rejected that charge and said Linick 's firing was not retaliatory .
`` All we ’ ve done is simply make sure that in respect to the inspector general that we had an inspector general that was working towards the mission of the United States Department of State and the foreign policy of Donald Trump , '' Pompeo said in a Fox News interview that aired Sunday .
At Pompeo 's urging , President Donald Trump 's notified Congress on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Linick .
Trump said then that he had he had lost confidence in Linick .
Linick 's interview – part of a joint probe by the House Foreign Affairs and Oversight Committee and Democrats on the Senate foreign affairs panel – was conducted remotely because of coronavirus restrictions .
According to Democrats , Linick said he was `` shocked '' when he found out he was being fired .
He disputed the administration 's justifications for his removal as `` either misplaced or unfounded . ''
Linick has spent nearly three decades investigating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , first at the Federal Housing Finance Agency and then at the State Department .
Linick is the first person to be interviewed in the congressional probe .
Engel and Sen. Bob Menendez , the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee , plan to speak with a half-dozen State Department officials who may have been involved in or had knowledge of discussions leading up to Linick 's ouster .
“ President Trump ’ s unprecedented removal of Inspector General Linick is only his latest sacking of an inspector general , our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from a federal agency , ” the two lawmakers said in a statement after Trump notified Congress he was firing Linick .
Engel has expressed concern the two Pompeo-related investigations could be derailed by Linick 's successor , Stephen Akard .
Akard has no investigative or oversight experience and faces a slew of potential conflicts of interest , according to an internal State Department email , lawmakers and agency sources .
Akard has another job at the State Department : director of the Office of Foreign Missions , a political appointment he 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which he plans to keep , Akard reports to Bulatao .
“ I simply don ’ t understand how someone who reports to the Secretary of State can also be expected to act as an independent watchdog , '' Engel said in a statement to USA TODAY last week .
`` Ambassador Akard ’ s appointment makes it seem as though the Secretary is trying to hide something .
I ’ m determined to make sure Mr. Akard doesn ’ t bury the investigations '' conducted by the inspector general 's office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' or watchdog ?
The State Department 's new inspector general under fire for conflicts of interest , inexperience


usatoday--2020-06-04--Senate passes fixes to Paycheck Protection Program designed to keep small business afloat during cor

WASHINGTON – The Senate Wednesday passed legislation giving thousands of restaurants , nail salons and other small businesses greater access to the Paycheck Protection Program , the federal lifeline designed to help them stay afloat during the coronavirus pandemic .
Some Republicans initially objected to the measure over technical issues and a desire to close loopholes to prevent the money from going to businesses less in need of financial help .
But they agreed to pass the bill while they work on legislation to make further reforms .
The bill , which overwhelmingly passed in the House last week and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's desk , loosens some key rules regarding loan repayment and spending restrictions of the PPP .
The program , created in March as part of the nearly $ 2 trillion CARES Act , has provided nearly 4.5 million small businesses with an infusion of cash to keep their workers on the payroll during the coronavirus pandemic that has devastated the U.S. economy and upended daily life .
The $ 660 billion programprovides businesses employing up to 500 workers forgivable loans of as much as $ 10 million .
The average loan is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Business Administration .
But many businesses said the program 's structure is too rigid to accommodate different types of small businesses , especially restaurants whose rent-heavy expenses do not fit well in a program that prioritizes rehiring of employees .
Unintended beneficiaries : Hundreds of publicly traded companies got more than $ 1 billion from PPP small-business fund The new changes would : • Lower to 60 % from 75 % the minimum portion of the PPP loan that must be spent on payroll .
The rest must be spent on rent , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Extend from eight to 24 weeks the amount of time the loan can cover .
• Extend from two to five years the time new PPP loans must be paid back if the amount provided does n't convert into a grant .
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer , said increasing the amount of money businesses can spend on non-payroll expenses is crucial to keep them running .
Questions answered : Confused by the US government 's small business loan program ?
You 're not alone .
Here 's your guide Red ink:4 coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ funding .
See what that means to the national debt '' In my home state of New York with high rents , high utility costs , many businesses were frozen out when it was 25 % but 40 will get them in , '' he said on the Senate floor Wednesday .
`` And that applies to most of your high-cost areas throughout the country . ''
The National Federation of Independent Businesses has endorsed the bill , saying it would clear up some of the confusion surrounding the program 's rules and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to open .

Senate passes fixes to Paycheck Protection Program designed to keep small business afloat during coronavirus
Show Caption Hide Caption Small business owners share struggle with receiving PPP loans Small business owners share their difficult and confusing journeys in applying for the Paycheck Protection Program loan. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – The Senate Wednesday passed legislation giving thousands of restaurants, nail salons and other small businesses greater access to the Paycheck Protection Program, the federal lifeline designed to help them stay afloat during the coronavirus pandemic.
Some Republicans initially objected to the measure over technical issues and a desire to close loopholes to prevent the money from going to businesses less in need of financial help. But they agreed to pass the bill while they work on legislation to make further reforms.
The bill, which overwhelmingly passed in the House last week and is now headed to President Donald Trump's desk, loosens some key rules regarding loan repayment and spending restrictions of the PPP.
The program, created in March as part of the nearly $2 trillion CARES Act, has provided nearly 4.5 million small businesses with an infusion of cash to keep their workers on the payroll during the coronavirus pandemic that has devastated the U.S. economy and upended daily life.
The $660 billion programprovides businesses employing up to 500 workers forgivable loans of as much as $10 million. The average loan is $113,705, according to the Small Business Administration.
But many businesses said the program's structure is too rigid to accommodate different types of small businesses, especially restaurants whose rent-heavy expenses do not fit well in a program that prioritizes rehiring of employees.
Unintended beneficiaries: Hundreds of publicly traded companies got more than $1 billion from PPP small-business fund
The new changes would:
Lower to 60% from 75% the minimum portion of the PPP loan that must be spent on payroll. The rest must be spent on rent, utilities and other business-related expenses.
Extend from eight to 24 weeks the amount of time the loan can cover.
Extend from two to five years the time new PPP loans must be paid back if the amount provided doesn't convert into a grant.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, said increasing the amount of money businesses can spend on non-payroll expenses is crucial to keep them running.
Questions answered: Confused by the US government's small business loan program? You're not alone. Here's your guide
Red ink: 4 coronavirus stimulus packages. $2.4 trillion in funding. See what that means to the national debt
"In my home state of New York with high rents, high utility costs, many businesses were frozen out when it was 25% but 40 will get them in," he said on the Senate floor Wednesday. "And that applies to most of your high-cost areas throughout the country."
The Independent Restaurant Coalition said the measure gives their members "a fighting chance."
But "even with these changes, many restaurants will still have a hard time surviving the crisis we’re in," the coalition said in a statement. "Social distancing measures are forcing restaurants and bars to operate with dramatically reduced revenues for the foreseeable future, which will be unsustainable in the long-run. The pandemic is a long term problem and these PPP fixes are only the beginning of a solution."
The National Federation of Independent Businesses has endorsed the bill, saying it would clear up some of the confusion surrounding the program's rules and give mom-and-pop enterprises more time and flexibility to open.
.


usatoday--2020-06-05--After GOP Sen. Murkowski says she's 'struggling' over whether she can support Trump, president vows

WASHINGTON – Amid widespread protests and outrage over President Donald Trump 's response , one Republican senator said she is struggling over whether she can support the president in November .
Sen. Lisa Murkowski , R-Alaska , in an extraordinary back-and-forth with reporters at the U.S. Capitol Thursday , backed the public condemnation of the president offered by his former Secretary of Defense , James Mattis , who said Trump was a threat to American democracy and aimed only to divide the country .
Murkowski called Mattis ' comments `` true , and honest , and necessary and overdue , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to believe that `` perhaps we are getting to a point where we can be more honest with the concerns that we might hold internally and have the courage of our own convictions to speak up . ''
Asked whether she could continue to support the president , Murkowski said `` I am struggling with it .
I have struggled with it for a long time . ''
She added that she did n't support Trump in the 2016 election and was struggling with that same decision ahead of November , but said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and represent her state .
`` But , '' she added , `` I think right now we are all struggling to find ways to express the words that need to be expressed . ''
In a set of tweets , the president appeared to respond to the Alaska Republican vowing to campaign against her and instead back any other candidate running , no matter the person .
Murkowski is up for reelection in 2022 .
`` Few people know where they ’ ll be in two years from now , but I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alaska ( which I love ) campaigning against Senator Lisa Murkowski , '' Trump wrote Thursday evening .
`` Get any candidate ready , good or bad , I don ’ t care , I ’ m endorsing .
If you have a pulse , I ’ m with you ! ''
In the tweets , Trump noted Murkowski 's record on high-profile GOP-led proposals , including voting no during a skinny repeal of the Affordable Care Act in 2017 and the confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh in 2018 .
Murkowski @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , has proven to be a popular figure in Alaska .
After losing a primary battle in 2010 against a Tea Party candidate , she was reelected to her seat in a write-in campaign where voters had to physically write `` Murkowski '' on ballots .
Murkowski , like other swing-state senators , has been critical of the president at times but her remarks Thursday marked change in tone from her typical weariness of weighing in on the day-to-day controversies related to the president .
She was one of a number of senators @ @ @ @ @ @ @ votes during the president 's impeachment trial earlier this year .
But she ended up voting against hearing from additional witnesses in the trial and ultimately voted to acquit the president on both counts of obstruction of Congress and abuse of power .
Only one Republican , Sen. Mitt Romney , R-Utah , voted to convict Trump on any of the charges , leading to Trump being acquitted .
What Mattis said : Trump 's former defense secretary Mattis blasts president as a threat to American democracy 'His tweets have not been helpful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Floyd protest rhetoric Mattis ' statement Thursday evening marked the first time the general spoke out about Trump since leaving the administration in 2018 .
His comments led to a number of military leaders also speaking out on Trump 's response to the protests over George Floyd , an unarmed black man who died after a white Minneapolis police officer pinned him to the ground with his knee for several minutes .
Trump has threatened multiple times to send military troops to American cities to counter the protests , which in some cities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the first president in my lifetime who does not try to unite the American people – does not even pretend to try .
Instead he tries to divide us , '' Mattis wrote in a statement published by The Atlantic magazine .
`` We are witnessing the consequences of three years of this deliberate effort , '' he continued .
`` We can unite without him , drawing on the strengths inherent in our civil society .
This will not be easy , as the past few days have shown , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; to past generations that bled to defend our promise ; and to our children . ''
'Word of God as a political prop ' : GOP senators criticize Trump after George Floyd protesters forced out of park More : Murkowski says she ’ s a ‘ no ’ vote on calling witnesses , virtually assuring Bolton , Mulvaney wo n't appear at Trump impeachment trial Republicans have been wrestling with Trump 's response for days , with some pleading for him to tone down his rhetoric and others taking issue with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House before the president walked across the street to a church for a photo op .
Asked about Mattis ' comments , fellow Senate Republicans mostly shrugged off the remarks , saying while they respect Mattis and his point of view , they did not agree with his assessment that Trump aimed to divide Americans .
Others said they had not read Mattis ' statement and declined to comment .
`` I think it ’ s kind of obvious for some time that he and the president are at different wavelengths and that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ challenge like we face today and different points of view , '' said Sen. Pat Roberts , R-Kan He added that while he respects Mattis , `` I don ’ t share that view [ that Trump is dividing Americans ] .
I think he ’ s doing the best he can under very difficult circumstances . ''
Sen. Mitt Romney , R-Utah , and a frequent critic of Trump , called Mattis ' letter `` stunning and powerful . ''
`` General Mattis is a man of extraordinary sacrifice .
He 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ individual whose judgment I respect , and I think the world of him , '' he said at the Capitol .
`` If I ever had to choose somebody to be in a foxhole with — it would be with a General Mattis .
What a wonderful , wonderful man . ''
Sen .
Rob Portman , R-Ohio , said Mattis is a `` decorated war hero '' with an `` amazing reputation and career , so I 'm going to take what he says seriously . ''
He said while the president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ denouncing what happened in Minneapolis with Floyd 's death and the violence that erupted s in a number of American cities , `` the question is tone and words . ''
He added : `` I think some of the tones and some of the words used [ by Trump ] should be focused more on healing and less on dividing . ''

After GOP Sen. Murkowski says she's 'struggling' over whether she can support Trump, president vows to campaign against her
Show Caption Hide Caption Bishop slams Trump after protesters forced out near St. John's church Police used gas to clear protesters from Lafayette Park before President Donald Trump walked over and held a Bible up at St. John's Episcopal Church. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – Amid widespread protests and outrage over President Donald Trump's response, one Republican senator said she is struggling over whether she can support the president in November.
Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, in an extraordinary back-and-forth with reporters at the U.S. Capitol Thursday, backed the public condemnation of the president offered by his former Secretary of Defense, James Mattis, who said Trump was a threat to American democracy and aimed only to divide the country.
Murkowski called Mattis' comments "true, and honest, and necessary and overdue," adding that his words led her to believe that "perhaps we are getting to a point where we can be more honest with the concerns that we might hold internally and have the courage of our own convictions to speak up."
Asked whether she could continue to support the president, Murkowski said "I am struggling with it. I have struggled with it for a long time."
She added that she didn't support Trump in the 2016 election and was struggling with that same decision ahead of November, but said she would continue to work with him and represent her state.
"But," she added, "I think right now we are all struggling to find ways to express the words that need to be expressed."
In a set of tweets, the president appeared to respond to the Alaska Republican vowing to campaign against her and instead back any other candidate running, no matter the person. Murkowski is up for reelection in 2022.
"Few people know where they’ll be in two years from now, but I do, in the Great State of Alaska (which I love) campaigning against Senator Lisa Murkowski," Trump wrote Thursday evening. "Get any candidate ready, good or bad, I don’t care, I’m endorsing. If you have a pulse, I’m with you!"
Few people know where they’ll be in two years from now, but I do, in the Great State of Alaska (which I love) campaigning against Senator Lisa Murkowski. She voted against HealthCare, Justice Kavanaugh, and much else... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 4, 2020
In the tweets, Trump noted Murkowski's record on high-profile GOP-led proposals, including voting no during a skinny repeal of the Affordable Care Act in 2017 and the confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh in 2018.
Murkowski, who was first elected in 2002, has proven to be a popular figure in Alaska. After losing a primary battle in 2010 against a Tea Party candidate, she was reelected to her seat in a write-in campaign where voters had to physically write "Murkowski" on ballots.
Murkowski, like other swing-state senators, has been critical of the president at times but her remarks Thursday marked change in tone from her typical weariness of weighing in on the day-to-day controversies related to the president.
She was one of a number of senators who were thought to be potential swing votes during the president's impeachment trial earlier this year. But she ended up voting against hearing from additional witnesses in the trial and ultimately voted to acquit the president on both counts of obstruction of Congress and abuse of power.
Only one Republican, Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, voted to convict Trump on any of the charges, leading to Trump being acquitted.
What Mattis said: Trump's former defense secretary Mattis blasts president as a threat to American democracy
'His tweets have not been helpful': GOP senators criticize Trump's Floyd protest rhetoric
Mattis' statement Thursday evening marked the first time the general spoke out about Trump since leaving the administration in 2018. His comments led to a number of military leaders also speaking out on Trump's response to the protests over George Floyd, an unarmed black man who died after a white Minneapolis police officer pinned him to the ground with his knee for several minutes. Trump has threatened multiple times to send military troops to American cities to counter the protests, which in some cities have turned violent.
"Donald Trump is the first president in my lifetime who does not try to unite the American people – does not even pretend to try. Instead he tries to divide us," Mattis wrote in a statement published by The Atlantic magazine.
"We are witnessing the consequences of three years of this deliberate effort," he continued. "We can unite without him, drawing on the strengths inherent in our civil society. This will not be easy, as the past few days have shown, but we owe it to our fellow citizens; to past generations that bled to defend our promise; and to our children."
'Word of God as a political prop': GOP senators criticize Trump after George Floyd protesters forced out of park
More: Murkowski says she’s a ‘no’ vote on calling witnesses, virtually assuring Bolton, Mulvaney won't appear at Trump impeachment trial
Republicans have been wrestling with Trump's response for days, with some pleading for him to tone down his rhetoric and others taking issue with the clearing out of protesters near the White House before the president walked across the street to a church for a photo op.
Asked about Mattis' comments, fellow Senate Republicans mostly shrugged off the remarks, saying while they respect Mattis and his point of view, they did not agree with his assessment that Trump aimed to divide Americans. Others said they had not read Mattis' statement and declined to comment.
"I think it’s kind of obvious for some time that he and the president are at different wavelengths and that happens when you’re facing a challenge like we face today and different points of view," said Sen. Pat Roberts, R-Kan He added that while he respects Mattis, "I don’t share that view [that Trump is dividing Americans]. I think he’s doing the best he can under very difficult circumstances."
Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, and a frequent critic of Trump, called Mattis' letter "stunning and powerful."
"General Mattis is a man of extraordinary sacrifice. He's an American patriot. He's an individual whose judgment I respect, and I think the world of him," he said at the Capitol. "If I ever had to choose somebody to be in a foxhole with — it would be with a General Mattis. What a wonderful, wonderful man."
Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, said Mattis is a "decorated war hero" with an "amazing reputation and career, so I'm going to take what he says seriously."
He said while the president has "said the right things" denouncing what happened in Minneapolis with Floyd's death and the violence that erupted s in a number of American cities, "the question is tone and words."
He added: "I think some of the tones and some of the words used [by Trump] should be focused more on healing and less on dividing."


usatoday--2020-06-04--Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley puts hold on Trump nominees in clash over firing of two watchdogs

WASHINGTON – A top Senate Republican said Thursday he would block two of President Donald Trump 's high-level nominees until the White House gave him a legitimate reason for firing two federal watchdogs .
By preventing a vote on the nominees , Sen. Chuck Grassley , R-Iowa , significantly escalated his feud with Trump over the president 's decision to remove Steve Linick , the State Department 's inspector general , and Michael Atkinson , the inspector general for the intelligence community .
IGs are charged with ferreting out corruption , waste and fraud inside federal agencies .
Democrats in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ So far , Grassley – usually a staunch Trump ally – is the only Republican publicly demanding an accounting .
The Iowa Republican slammed the White House last week for failing to justify the Linick and Atkinson firings , suggesting the vague rationale would fuel speculation that `` political '' motivations are at play .
Grassley noted the White House is required by law to provide Congress with a rationale for such removals .
`` All I want is a reason 4 firing these ( people ) , '' Grassley tweeted on Thursday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Grassley 's spokesman said the two nominees he will block are Christopher C. Miller , who Trump tapped to be the director of the National Counterterrorism Center , and Marshall Billingslea , nominated to be undersecretary of State for arms control and international security .
Trump notified lawmakers on May 15 that he was going to fire Linick ; Trump later said he did so at the urging of Secretary of State Mike Pompeo .
Earlier this year , the president also removed Atkinson , who had informed congressional leaders about a whistleblower @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impeachment .
In a May 26 letter to Grassley , White House Counsel Pat Cipollone asserted Trump 's `` constitutional right '' to remove the two inspector generals .
Grassley said that explanation was not adequate .
`` Without sufficient explanation , it ’ s fair to question the president ’ s rationale for removing an inspector general , '' Grassley said in a statement last week .
Democrats have accused Pompeo of pushing for Linick 's removal to shield himself from scrutiny .
Linick 's office is investigating two highly contentious matters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : allegations that he used a State Department employee to run personal errands for himself and his wife , and questions about the State Department 's decision to greenlight a highly controversial $ 8 billion weapons sale to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates .
Pompeo has defended his push for Linick 's ouster .
`` All we ’ ve done is simply make sure that in respect to the inspector general that we had an inspector general that was working towards the mission of the United States Department of State and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he said Sunday during an interview with Fox News .
On Wednesday , Linick testified behind closed doors before the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the House Oversight panel as part of their probe into his removal .
In a statement after the session , Democrats said Linick told them that a top adviser to Pompeo tried to interfere with the probe into the Saudi weapons sale .
`` Mr. Linick testified that Mr. Bulatao pressured him to act in ways that Mr. Linick felt were inappropriate – including Bulatao telling Linick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saudi Arabia was not a matter for the IG to investigate , '' Democrats said in a statement after Linick 's closed-door testimony .
Pompeo aide tried to 'bully ' ex-State Department watchdog and stop probe in Saudi arms deal , Dems say 'Lapdog ' or watchdog ?
The State Department 's new inspector general under fire for conflicts of interest , inexperience

Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley puts hold on Trump nominees in clash over firing of two watchdogs
Show Caption Hide Caption Pompeo: Trump has 'unilateral right' to choose IG Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says "the president has the unilateral right to choose who he wants to be, his inspector general." (May 20) AP
WASHINGTON – A top Senate Republican said Thursday he would block two of President Donald Trump's high-level nominees until the White House gave him a legitimate reason for firing two federal watchdogs.
By preventing a vote on the nominees, Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, significantly escalated his feud with Trump over the president's decision to remove Steve Linick, the State Department's inspector general, and Michael Atkinson, the inspector general for the intelligence community.
IGs are charged with ferreting out corruption, waste and fraud inside federal agencies. Democrats in Congress are investigating Linick's ouster. So far, Grassley – usually a staunch Trump ally – is the only Republican publicly demanding an accounting.
The Iowa Republican slammed the White House last week for failing to justify the Linick and Atkinson firings, suggesting the vague rationale would fuel speculation that "political" motivations are at play. Grassley noted the White House is required by law to provide Congress with a rationale for such removals.
"All I want is a reason 4 firing these (people)," Grassley tweeted on Thursday. "CHECKS&BALANCES."
Im placing holds on 2 Trump Admin noms until I get reasons 4firing 2 agency watchdogs as required by law Not 1st time ive raised alarm when admins flout IG protection law Obama did same& got same earfull from me All I want is a reason 4 firing these ppl CHECKS&BALANCES — ChuckGrassley (@ChuckGrassley) June 4, 2020
Grassley's spokesman said the two nominees he will block are Christopher C. Miller, who Trump tapped to be the director of the National Counterterrorism Center, and Marshall Billingslea, nominated to be undersecretary of State for arms control and international security.
Trump notified lawmakers on May 15 that he was going to fire Linick; Trump later said he did so at the urging of Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Earlier this year, the president also removed Atkinson, who had informed congressional leaders about a whistleblower complaint that led to the president's impeachment.
In a May 26 letter to Grassley, White House Counsel Pat Cipollone asserted Trump's "constitutional right" to remove the two inspector generals. Grassley said that explanation was not adequate.
"Without sufficient explanation, it’s fair to question the president’s rationale for removing an inspector general," Grassley said in a statement last week.
Democrats have accused Pompeo of pushing for Linick's removal to shield himself from scrutiny.
Linick's office is investigating two highly contentious matters that touch directly on Pompeo's actions: allegations that he used a State Department employee to run personal errands for himself and his wife, and questions about the State Department's decision to greenlight a highly controversial $8 billion weapons sale to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Pompeo has defended his push for Linick's ouster.
"All we’ve done is simply make sure that in respect to the inspector general that we had an inspector general that was working towards the mission of the United States Department of State and the foreign policy of Donald Trump," he said Sunday during an interview with Fox News.
On Wednesday, Linick testified behind closed doors before the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the House Oversight panel as part of their probe into his removal.
In a statement after the session, Democrats said Linick told them that a top adviser to Pompeo tried to interfere with the probe into the Saudi weapons sale.
"Mr. Linick testified that Mr. Bulatao pressured him to act in ways that Mr. Linick felt were inappropriate – including Bulatao telling Linick that the investigation into weapons sales to Saudi Arabia was not a matter for the IG to investigate," Democrats said in a statement after Linick's closed-door testimony.
More:
Pompeo aide tried to 'bully' ex-State Department watchdog and stop probe in Saudi arms deal, Dems say
'Lapdog' or watchdog? The State Department's new inspector general under fire for conflicts of interest, inexperience