usatoday--2020-05-04--Coronavirus is cutting local transportation funding, putting major road and bridge projects on hold

WASHINGTON – One of the many side effects of stay-at-home orders under the coronavirus pandemic is a catastrophic decline in state and local transportation funding , which officials say threatens to bring road and bridge construction to a screeching halt for the next year and a half .
“ It ’ s a very large concern , ” Patrick McKenna , director of the Missouri Department of Transportation and president of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials , said of a projected 30 % decline in transportation revenue nationwide .
“ This is a pressing , immediate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from shuttering much of the economy forced governments big and small to postpone construction , even as roads , bridges and tunnels continue to crumble .
Collections of gas taxes and tolls that fuel construction have plummeted as motorists stay home .
Despite historically low interest rates , voters and their governments are leery of borrowing because of uncertainty about repaying the debt .
In Ohio , an interstate project in downtown Columbus was punted for a year because of reduced fuel taxes .
Missouri delayed a handful of projects valued at $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ North Carolina postponed more than 100 transportation projects valued at $ 2.2 billion during the next year because of concerns that reductions in traffic volume would translate into steep reductions in fuel and motor-vehicle taxes .
Local government funding : State and local governments brace for huge cuts as feds debate sending help for coronavirus-related revenue loss Tolls have plunged 50 % to 90 % at facilities nationwide because of fewer vehicles on the road , according to the International Bridge , Tunnel and Turnpike Association ( IBTTA ) , a trade group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The facilities generate $ 20 billion in tolls per year to maintain and upgrade 6,300 miles of highways , bridges and tunnels .
Matt Chase , executive director of the National Association of Counties , said local officials have been told to cut their own budgets because the federal government wouldn ’ t bail them out .
“ We are very disappointed that Congress left us behind , ” Chase told reporters April 22 .
“ Our gas taxes have essentially stopped in the last six weeks .
How are we going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” With billions of dollars in projects already postponed , transportation advocates hope to hitch a ride on the next federal aid package .
AASHTO asked Congress for nearly $ 50 billion for operations and construction during the next 18 months .
IBTTA asked congressional leaders for $ 9.2 billion to offset lost revenue projected over the next year .
“ I think everyone is thinking about infrastructure as part of the next phase , '' said Patrick Jones , CEO of IBTTA .
`` We are hopeful that there will be some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are still trying to get their arms around the prospect that one-third of their budgets are evaporating through the lack of driving that provides state fuel tax , vehicle registration fees and highway user fees .
The state-level losses are compounded by the lack of matching funds from the federal government , which typically quintuples how much they can build .
In Missouri , McKenna is projecting about $ 1 billion in lower transportation revenue during the next 18 months .
But he said it was worse than that because half that amount @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be matched by $ 2.1 billion in federal revenue that would also be lost .
“ So our construction program could take a $ 2.6 billion haircut ” during the next 18 months , McKenna said .
“ If that were to play out , in our current program , you ’ re looking at 400 bridge projects and 20,000 lanes of roadwork .
It ’ s significant.
” ' A near impossibility ' : Experts doubt North Korea 's claim of zero coronavirus cases In North Carolina , Transportation Secretary Eric Boyette @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % to 50 % , depending on the road , leading to a projected loss of $ 300 million in the fiscal year ending June 30 .
Four projects valued at a combined $ 648 million to widen Interstate 95 to eight lanes were deleted from the state ’ s 12-month spending plan , which had anticipated start dates for sections in July and December .
Two projects worth a combined $ 280 million to upgrade two sections of U.S. 70 were dropped from planned starts in November and January .
“ This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in expenditures , ” Boyette told state legislative leaders April 7 .
“ Modeling indicates it will take months to bring suspended projects back.
” Transportation funding typically enjoys broad , bipartisan support in Congress .
But emergency requests for funding come at an awkward time because they overlap with the routine highway bill that lawmakers must debate .
The current , five-year highway bill expires Sept. 30 .
Congress already needs to negotiate an extension that is expected to provide hundreds of billions of dollars to state and local governments for as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President Donald Trump has said he would like to provide money for infrastructure in the next stimulus spending package to combat coronavirus because roads , tunnels , highways and bridges need help .
“ They have to be fixed , ” Trump said .
“ So hopefully we ’ ll get an infrastructure bill.
” Stimulus checks to dead taxpayers : Mnuchin wants stimulus money given to dead taxpayers returned “ As we fight the virus day to day , we must work on an infrastructure package for recovery that addresses some of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that have been laid bare by the coronavirus , '' Pelosi said .
But after Congress approved several coronavirus relief packages worth trillions of dollars , conservative lawmakers may balk at sending federal funding to state and local governments .
`` We 're not interested in revenue replacement for state governments , '' Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , R-Ky. , told Fox News last month .
`` We 're interested in trying to help them with anything related to coronarivus . ''
Bridge , tunnel and turnpike traffic has suffered nationwide with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ projected a $ 38 million loss in tolls this year along the Massachusetts Turnpike and other facilities .
Some toll bridges , including Maryland 's Chesapeake Bay Bridge and those operated by the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission in Pennsylvania and New Jersey , stopped collecting cash tolls in March , to avoid spreading the virus between motorists and collectors .
About three-quarters of Delaware River motorists have automated E-ZPass , but those without it are mailed bills .
Maryland suspended sending notices for Bay Bridge tolls due until 30 days after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the International Bridge , Tunnel and Turnpike Association , said some agencies are tapping reserves to pay for operating costs such as paying toll collectors even though they are no longer staffing booths , or maintenance workers on reduced schedules .
Even if no federal assistance is provided , tolling facilities will continue to operate while perhaps reducing staff at service plazas or postponing major projects like adding traffic lanes , he said .
“ The day to day operation is going to happen , ” Jones said .
Coronavirus in prisons : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 as officials expand testing The Ogdensburg-Prescott International Bridge in upstate New York saw a significant drop in traffic after Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau decided March 18 to close the northern border to non-essential traffic , to hinder the spread of the virus .
The bridge carried 24,000 cars and 4,800 trucks in March 2019 , according to Steve Lawrence , the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority ’ s interim executive director .
But car traffic was down 95 % and truck traffic was down 24 % from those rates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ estimated April revenue could be down $ 150,000 .
The authority hasn ’ t had layoffs , but routine maintenance will be postponed until finances improve .
“ We ’ ve really taken a hit , ” Lawrence said .
“ What you ’ re trying to do is reduce your costs and hold on the best you can.
” Despite historically low interest rates during the economic crisis , transportation officials have been cautious about borrowing for construction projects .
Agencies might have trouble justifying their creditworthiness without knowing when traffic will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their jobs might oppose raising taxes to pay the debt .
In the San Francisco Bay Area , officials in nine counties have worked for years on a referendum to better coordinate rail , bus and ferry transit systems that are now spread across 27 agencies .
The goal of making transit more reliable and affordable is to relieve commuting where motorists average two hours a day in traffic .
A proposal intended for the November ballot sought to raise the sales tax 1 cent , to generate $ 100 billion over 40 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Los Angeles and Seattle .
“ I think there was a lot of consensus around elected officials and residents because nobody wanted to sit in traffic , ” said Gwen Litvak , senior vice president of the Bay Area Council , an advocacy group that works on regional economic development .
But a public referendum in November needed to clear several hurdles first , including approvals from the state legislature and local governments .
Sheltering for the coronavirus hindered the sort of meetings needed to win approval of the measure , Litvak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to postpone the vote and aim for the 2022 ballot .
“ We are continuing to work on this as a coalition , ” Litvak said .
“ We ’ re still focused on making a seamless and integrated transit system here in the Bay Area.
” In Bend , Ore. , the city council scheduled a May referendum on a $ 190 million bond issue for improvements to roads , sidewalks and transit .
But the council voted unanimously March 18 to postpone the effort because of economic uncertainty in a community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relayed fears about layoffs at a time when the new debt would have added an average of $ 170 to each household ’ s tax bill .
Hotels and restaurants were already hurting .
Councilor Barb Campbell said she temporarily closed her own retail shop and laid off workers the day before the council vote .
“ This is a really difficult decision , ” Mayor Sally Russell said .
“ We do n't know how long this COVID-19 pandemic is going to last . ''

Coronavirus cuts transportation funding, puts major road and bridge projects on hold
Show Caption Hide Caption Coronavirus: How R-0 can be used to fight COVID-19 R-0 may be the most important scientific term you’ve never heard of when it comes to stopping the coronavirus pandemic. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – One of the many side effects of stay-at-home orders during the coronavirus pandemic is a catastrophic decline in state and local transportation funding, which officials said threatens to bring road and bridge construction to a screeching halt for the next year and a half.
“It’s a very large concern,” Patrick McKenna, director of the Missouri Department of Transportation and president of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), said of a projected 30% decline in transportation revenue nationwide. “This is a pressing, immediate issue.”
The financial crisis that resulted from shuttering much of the economy forced governments big and small to postpone construction, even as roads, bridges and tunnels crumble. Collections of gas taxes and tolls that fuel construction have plummeted as motorists stay home. Despite historically low interest rates, voters and their governments are leery of borrowing because of uncertainty about repaying the debt.
In Ohio, an interstate project in downtown Columbus was punted for a year because of reduced fuel taxes. Missouri delayed a handful of projects valued at $40 million slated for May. North Carolina postponed more than 100 transportation projects valued at $2.2 billion during the next year because of concerns that reductions in traffic volume would translate into steep reductions in fuel and motor-vehicle taxes.
Government funding: State and local governments brace for huge cuts as feds debate sending help for coronavirus-related revenue loss
Tolls plunged 50% to 90% at facilities nationwide because of fewer vehicles on the road, according to the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association (IBTTA), a trade group for 342 toll facilities in 34 states. The facilities generate $20 billion in tolls per year to maintain and upgrade 6,300 miles of highways, bridges and tunnels.
Matt Chase, executive director of the National Association of Counties, said officials have been told to cut their budgets because the federal government wouldn’t bail them out.
“We are very disappointed that Congress left us behind,” Chase said April 22. “Our gas taxes have essentially stopped in the last six weeks. How are we going to repair our roads and bridges?”
Transportation advocates hope to hitch a ride on the next federal aid package. AASHTO asked Congress for nearly $50 billion for operations and construction during the next 18 months. IBTTA asked congressional leaders for $9.2 billion to offset lost revenue projected over the next year.
“I think everyone is thinking about infrastructure as part of the next phase," said Patrick Jones, CEO of IBTTA. "We are hopeful that there will be some type of assistance.”
States lose fuel for construction
State transportation officials are trying to get their arms around the prospect that one-third of their budgets is evaporating through the lack of driving that provides state fuel tax, vehicle registration fees and highway user fees.
The state-level losses are compounded by the lack of matching funds from the federal government, which typically quintuples how much states can build.
In Missouri, McKenna projected about $1 billion in lower transportation revenue during the next 18 months. He said it was worse than that because half that amount – about $530 million – would have been matched by $2.1 billion in federal revenue that would also be lost.
“So our construction program could take a $2.6 billion haircut” during the next 18 months, McKenna said. “If that were to play out, in our current program, you’re looking at 400 bridge projects and 20,000 lanes of roadwork. It’s significant.”
'A near impossibility': Experts doubt North Korea's claim of zero coronavirus cases
In North Carolina, Transportation Secretary Eric Boyette warned that traffic volume was down 30% to 50%, depending on the road, leading to a projected loss of $300 million in the fiscal year ending June 30.
Four projects valued at a combined $648 million to widen Interstate 95 to eight lanes were deleted from the state’s 12-month spending plan, which had anticipated start dates for sections in July and December. Two projects worth a combined $280 million to upgrade two sections of U.S. 70 were dropped from planned starts in November and January.
“This loss of revenue will require significant reductions in expenditures,” Boyette told state legislative leaders April 7. “Modeling indicates it will take months to bring suspended projects back.”
Bridging support for transportation
Transportation funding typically enjoys broad, bipartisan support in Congress, but emergency requests for funding come at an awkward time because they overlap with the routine highway bill that lawmakers must debate.
The five-year highway bill expires Sept. 30. Congress needs to negotiate an extension to provide hundreds of billions of dollars to state and local governments for as long as the next six years.
President Donald Trump said he would like to provide money for infrastructure in the next spending package to combat coronavirus because roads, tunnels, highways and bridges need help.
“They have to be fixed,” Trump said. “So hopefully, we’ll get an infrastructure bill.”
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., has repeatedly called infrastructure a priority.
Relief checks to dead taxpayers: Mnuchin wants money given to dead taxpayers returned
“As we fight the virus day to day, we must work on an infrastructure package for recovery that addresses some of the critical impacts and vulnerabilities in America that have been laid bare by the coronavirus," Pelosi said.
After Congress approved several coronavirus relief packages worth trillions of dollars, conservative lawmakers may balk at sending federal funding to state and local governments.
"We're not interested in revenue replacement for state governments," Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., told Fox News last month. "We're interested in trying to help them with anything related to coronarivus."
Tolls curbed by fewer cars on road
Bridge, tunnel and turnpike traffic has suffered nationwide as fewer vehicles are on the road.
Massachusetts projected a $38 million loss in tolls this year along the Massachusetts Turnpike and other facilities.
Some toll bridges, including Maryland's Chesapeake Bay Bridge and those operated by the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, stopped collecting cash tolls in March to avoid spreading the virus between motorists and collectors. About three-quarters of Delaware River motorists have automated E-ZPass, and those without it are mailed bills. Maryland suspended sending notices for Bay Bridge tolls due until 30 days after the emergency ends.
Jones, of the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association, said some agencies tap reserves to pay for operating costs such as paying toll collectors, even though they no longer staff booths, or maintenance workers on reduced schedules. Even if no federal assistance is provided, tolling facilities will operate while perhaps reducing staff at service plazas or postponing major projects such as adding traffic lanes, he said.
“The day-to-day operation is going to happen,” Jones said.
Coronavirus in prisons: More than 1,500 federal prisoners have COVID-19 as officials expand testing
The Ogdensburg-Prescott International Bridge in upstate New York saw a significant drop in traffic after Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau decided March 18 to close the northern border to nonessential traffic to hinder the spread of the virus.
The bridge carried 24,000 cars and 4,800 trucks in March 2019, according to Steve Lawrence, the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority’s interim executive director. Car traffic was down 95%, and truck traffic was down 24% from those rates last week, he said.
Lawrence estimated April revenue could be down $150,000. The authority hasn’t had layoffs, but routine maintenance will be postponed until finances improve.
“We’ve really taken a hit,” Lawrence said. “What you’re trying to do is reduce your costs and hold on the best you can.”
Spurning debt despite low interest
Despite historically low interest rates during the economic crisis, transportation officials have been cautious about borrowing for construction projects. Agencies might have trouble justifying their creditworthiness without knowing when traffic will rebound, and taxpayers worried about losing their jobs might oppose raising taxes to pay the debt.
In the San Francisco Bay Area, officials in nine counties have worked for years on a referendum to better coordinate rail, bus and ferry transit systems that are spread across 27 agencies. The goal of making transit more reliable and affordable is to relieve commuting where motorists average two hours a day in traffic.
A proposal intended for the November ballot sought to raise the sales tax 1 cent to generate $100 billion over 40 years. Similar measures have been approved in Los Angeles and Seattle.
“I think there was a lot of consensus around elected officials and residents because nobody wanted to sit in traffic,” said Gwendolyn Litvak, senior vice president of the Bay Area Council, an advocacy group that works on regional economic development.
A public referendum in November needed to clear several hurdles first, including approvals from the state Legislature and local governments. Sheltering for the coronavirus hindered the sort of meetings needed to win approval of the measure, Litvak said. Instead, the advocates decided to postpone the vote and aim for the 2022 ballot.
USA TODAY/Suffolk Poll: Support for big government rises to record levels amid coronavirus crisis
“We are continuing to work on this as a coalition,” Litvak said. “We’re still focused on making a seamless and integrated transit system here in the Bay Area.”
In Bend, Oregon, the City Council scheduled a referendum for this month on a $190 million bond issue for improvements to roads, sidewalks and transit. But the council voted unanimously March 18 to postpone the effort because of economic uncertainty in a community dependent on tourism.
Councilors said residents relayed fears about layoffs when the new debt would have added an average of $170 to each household’s tax bill. Hotels and restaurants were already hurting. Councilor Barb Campbell said she temporarily closed her own retail shop and laid off workers the day before the council vote.
“This is a really difficult decision,” Mayor Sally Russell said. “We don't know how long this COVID-19 pandemic is going to last."


usatoday--2020-05-04--As parts of USA reopen, lawmakers debate whether they should resume normal business amid coronavirus

WASHINGTON – As some states start opening back up amid the coronavirus crisis that has killed more than 68,000 Americans , Congress remains divided about when lawmakers should convene in full session again .
The GOP-led Senate returns this week after Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , R-Ky. , said it was important for the upper chamber to resume its work on responding to the COVID-19 pandemic .
`` If it is essential for doctors , nurses , health care workers , truck drivers , grocery store workers and other brave Americans to keep carefully manning their duty stations , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carefully man ours and support them , '' he announced last week .
The Democratic-led House was scheduled to be in this week as well , but Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. , opted not to call lawmakers back to Washington after consulting with the House attending physician 's office and the sergeant at arms about exposure to not only lawmakers but their staffs , police officers and other workers whose presence would be required .
“ We ’ re 430 members .
The decision was made on the strength of our numbers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Thursday during a Capitol Hill news conference when asked about the Senate 's return .
`` Everybody wants to open up the Congress .
Republicans want to open up the Congress .
We do , too .
But we want to do it in a way '' that minimizes risk .
McConnell and Pelosi agreed on declining an offer from the Trump administration to provide 1,000 coronavirus tests .
In a joint statement Saturday , the two leaders said they appreciated the `` generous offer , '' but `` Congress wants to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where they can do the most good the most quickly . ''
GOP House Leader Kevin McCarthy , R-Calif. , told Politico Monday he disagreed with the decision to refuse tests , saying areas of the nation are likely to have flare-ups and the tests could prevent the virus from spreading in the Capitol .
`` Remember how many people from other parts of the country come to this location , '' he said .
The nation 's capital continues to see a steady rise in coronavirus cases .
Will international travel resume @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it 's 'too hard to tell' There have been 5,170 cases and 258 deaths , according to the most recent update from the District of Columbia Health Department .
Over the past two weeks , 160 new cases were reported on a daily basis .
The House is considering ways of voting remotely or by proxy in an effort to minimize exposure to members and staff .
Six lawmakers announced they tested positive for the virus although all returned to work : • Sen. Rand Paul , R-Ky. , announced he tested positive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as “ extraordinarily mild.
” Some Senate colleagues criticized him for not immediately going into isolation while he waited several days for the results of a test he took after being in proximity of someone who tested positive .
• Rep. Ben McAdams , D-Utah , announced his positive test March 18 .
His was the most serious case and prompted hospitalization because of breathing difficulties .
He was released March 28 and reported losing 13 pounds during the ordeal .
• Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart , R-Fla. , announced the same day as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lawmakers to test positive .
On April 5 , he said he still felt weak but strong enough to apply to donate his plasma to help victims .
• Rep. Joe Cunningham , D-S.C. , announced he tested positive March 27 .
Except for a loss of taste/smell , he never developed serious effects .
He ended his self-quarantine April 1 and is back at work .
• Rep. Mike Kelly , R-Pa. , announced his positive test in late March .
At 71 , he 's the oldest of the congressional patients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ April 6 he expected to be fully recovered by the end of that week .
• Rep. Neal Dunn , R-Fla. , announced he tested positive April 9 – the most recent congressional case .
Dunn , a doctor , said he did not experience any respiratory distress and categorized his symptoms as gastrointestinal .
Dunn told USA TODAY Monday that all three tests he 's taken since the original diagnosis are negative .
`` I feel 100 % , and I 'm Irish , '' he texted .
`` Does n't get @ @ @ @ @ @

As parts of USA reopen, lawmakers debate whether they should resume normal business amid coronavirus
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 some states start opening back up amid the coronavirus crisis that has killed more than 68,000 Americans, Congress remains divided about when lawmakers should convene in full session again.
The GOP-led Senate returns this week after Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said it was important for the upper chamber to resume its work on responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"If it is essential for doctors, nurses, health care workers, truck drivers, grocery store workers and other brave Americans to keep carefully manning their duty stations, then it is essential for senators to carefully man ours and support them," he announced last week.
The Democratic-led House was scheduled to be in this week as well, but Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., opted not to call lawmakers back to Washington after consulting with the House attending physician's office and the sergeant at arms about exposure to not only lawmakers but their staffs, police officers and other workers whose presence would be required.
“We’re 430 members. The decision was made on the strength of our numbers and people coming together,” Pelosi said Thursday during a Capitol Hill news conference when asked about the Senate's return. "Everybody wants to open up the Congress. Republicans want to open up the Congress. We do, too. But we want to do it in a way" that minimizes risk.
McConnell and Pelosi agreed on declining an offer from the Trump administration to provide 1,000 coronavirus tests.
In a joint statement Saturday, the two leaders said they appreciated the "generous offer," but "Congress wants to keep directing resources to the front-line facilities where they can do the most good the most quickly."
GOP House Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., told Politico Monday he disagreed with the decision to refuse tests, saying areas of the nation are likely to have flare-ups and the tests could prevent the virus from spreading in the Capitol.
"Remember how many people from other parts of the country come to this location," he said.
The nation's capital continues to see a steady rise in coronavirus cases.
Will international travel resume this year? Treasury Secretary Mnuchin says it's 'too hard to tell'
There have been 5,170 cases and 258 deaths, according to the most recent update from the District of Columbia Health Department. Over the past two weeks, 160 new cases were reported on a daily basis.
The House is considering ways of voting remotely or by proxy in an effort to minimize exposure to members and staff.
Coronavirus Conversations: Disinfecting groceries and wearing masks Reporters and experts from across the country and the USA TODAY Network talk about America's most urgent questions on disinfection and reinfection. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
COVID Capitol: Rand Paul's coronavirus infection sends shock waves through Senate during major relief debate
Six lawmakers announced they tested positive for the virus although all returned to work:
Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., announced he tested positive March 22. He described the symptoms as “extraordinarily mild.” Some Senate colleagues criticized him for not immediately going into isolation while he waited several days for the results of a test he took after being in proximity of someone who tested positive.
Rep. Ben McAdams, D-Utah, announced his positive test March 18. His was the most serious case and prompted hospitalization because of breathing difficulties. He was released March 28 and reported losing 13 pounds during the ordeal.
case prompted hospitalization because of breathing difficulties. He was released March 28 and reported losing 13 pounds during the ordeal. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Fla., announced the same day as McAdams as the two became the first lawmakers to test positive . On April 5, he said he still felt weak but strong enough to apply to donate his plasma to help victims.
Rep. Joe Cunningham, D-S.C., announced he tested positive March 27. Except for a loss of taste/smell, he never developed serious effects. He ended his self-quarantine April 1 and is back at work.
Rep. Mike Kelly, R-Pa., announced his positive test in late March. At 71, he's the oldest of the congressional patients. He told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on April 6 he expected to be fully recovered by the end of that week.
Rep. Neal Dunn, R-Fla., announced he tested positive April 9 – the most recent congressional case. Dunn, a doctor, said he did not experience any respiratory distress and categorized his symptoms as gastrointestinal.
Dunn told USA TODAY Monday that all three tests he's taken since the original diagnosis are negative.
"I feel 100%, and I'm Irish," he texted. "Doesn't get any better than that!"
Contributing: Christal Hayes


usatoday--2020-05-04--People who meet with Donald Trump in Phoenix will get coronavirus tests

WASHINGTON – Medical personnel are administering coronavirus tests to anyone who might come into contact with President Donald Trump during his visit Tuesday to Arizona , administration officials said Monday .
`` Those who will be in close proximity to the president will be tested for COVID-19 , '' White House spokesman Judd Deere said .
Security plans for Trump 's trip to a Honeywell aerospace plant in Phoenix that manufactures protective masks mimic policy at the White House .
Visitors expected to meet with either the president or Vice President Mike Pence are given tests designed to detect coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ongoing so that results will be available before he lands in Phoenix midday Tuesday .
Members of the press pool accompanying Trump to Arizona received swab tests on Sunday .
White House staff members are also being tested , as they are frequently .
Officials did not discuss security plans for the trip in light of the spread of coronavirus , but said they would follow recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control .
`` The president takes the health and safety of everyone traveling in support of himself and all White House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` When preparing for and carrying out any travel , the White House ’ s operational teams work together to ensure plans to incorporate current CDC guidance and best practices for limiting COVID-19 exposure are followed to the greatest extent possible . ''
More : Vice President Mike Pence on Mayo Clinic visit : ' I should have worn a mask' More : Real men wear masks , Mike Pence .
You and President Trump should , too .
In early April , the White House announced that `` anyone who is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to either Trump or Pence `` will be administered a COVID-19 test to evaluate for pre-symptomatic or asymptomatic carriers status to limit inadvertent transmission . ''
Officials did not comment on security procedures used last week when Pence made visits to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota , where coronavirus patients are being treated , and a General Motors plant in Indiana that has been converted to produce ventilators .
Pence took criticism for not wearing a mask during his tour of the Mayo Clinic , contrary to hospital recommendations .
The vice president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ News town hall Sunday that `` I should have worn a mask . ''
Officials said they do not know whether Trump plans to wear a mask during the trip to Arizona .

People who meet with Donald Trump in Phoenix will get coronavirus tests
Show Caption Hide Caption President Trump and Florida Gov. DeSantis discus reopening the state President Donald Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis discussed the re-opening of Florida's businesses during a White House meeting. Associated Press, Wochit
WASHINGTON – Medical personnel are administering coronavirus tests to anyone who might come into contact with President Donald Trump during his visit Tuesday to Arizona, administration officials said Monday.
"Those who will be in close proximity to the president will be tested for COVID-19," White House spokesman Judd Deere said.
Security plans for Trump's trip to a Honeywell aerospace plant in Phoenix that manufactures protective masks mimic policy at the White House. Visitors expected to meet with either the president or Vice President Mike Pence are given tests designed to detect coronavirus.
Tests for Trump's trip are ongoing so that results will be available before he lands in Phoenix midday Tuesday.
Members of the press pool accompanying Trump to Arizona received swab tests on Sunday. White House staff members are also being tested, as they are frequently.
Officials did not discuss security plans for the trip in light of the spread of coronavirus, but said they would follow recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control.
"The president takes the health and safety of everyone traveling in support of himself and all White House operations very seriously," Deere said. "When preparing for and carrying out any travel, the White House’s operational teams work together to ensure plans to incorporate current CDC guidance and best practices for limiting COVID-19 exposure are followed to the greatest extent possible."
More: Vice President Mike Pence on Mayo Clinic visit: 'I should have worn a mask'
More: Real men wear masks, Mike Pence. You and President Trump should, too.
In early April, the White House announced that "anyone who is expected to be in close proximity" to either Trump or Pence "will be administered a COVID-19 test to evaluate for pre-symptomatic or asymptomatic carriers status to limit inadvertent transmission."
Officials did not comment on security procedures used last week when Pence made visits to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, where coronavirus patients are being treated, and a General Motors plant in Indiana that has been converted to produce ventilators.
Pence took criticism for not wearing a mask during his tour of the Mayo Clinic, contrary to hospital recommendations. The vice president later expressed regret, telling a Fox News town hall Sunday that "I should have worn a mask."
Officials said they do not know whether Trump plans to wear a mask during the trip to Arizona.


usatoday--2020-05-04--Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas asks rare questions during first telephone argument

WASHINGTON — Supreme Court Associate Justice Clarence Thomas took the rare opportunity of a live-streamed telephone oral argument to ask questions for the first time in over a year .
The usually quiet Thomas posed questions to both side of Monday 's argument , which focused on whether Booking.com could trademark its name .
It was the first time in the court 's history that justices heard arguments remotely by phone , a format that is being used in lieu of in-person arguments amid the coronavirus pandemic .
Thomas most often allows lawyers to make their cases without peppering them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But on Monday he asked the assistant to the solicitor general Erica Ross whether Booking.com could acquire an 800 `` vanity number . ''
History in the high court : Supreme Court hears first-ever case by telephone , with audio live-streamed '' 1-800-booking , for example , that is similar to 1-800-plumbing , which is a registered mark , '' Thomas asked Ross and later followed up .
He also asked questions of the Booking.com lawyer Lisa Blatt .
Thomas ' previous stretch of silence before March of last year was three years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lone black justice , asked two pointed questions in a case about racial bias in jury selection .
Before 2016 when he asked questions defending gun rights , he had n't piped up with a question in about 10 years .
Monday was a significant step for a court that has long avoided using advanced technologies adopted by other branches of government .
But it went with only a few glitches .
The court will hear nine more cases by phone over the next nine days .

Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas asks rare questions during first telephone argument
Show Caption Hide Caption Supreme Court term nears end, major decisions on divisive cases The Supreme Court enters the last phase of its term in which it hears the oral arguments of the last major cases and will start issuing decisions. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON — Supreme Court Associate Justice Clarence Thomas took the rare opportunity of a live-streamed telephone oral argument to ask questions for the first time in over a year.
The usually quiet Thomas posed questions to both side of Monday's argument, which focused on whether Booking.com could trademark its name. It was the first time in the court's history that justices heard arguments remotely by phone, a format that is being used in lieu of in-person arguments amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Thomas most often allows lawyers to make their cases without peppering them with questions as other justices do. But on Monday he asked the assistant to the solicitor general Erica Ross whether Booking.com could acquire an 800 "vanity number."
History in the high court: Supreme Court hears first-ever case by telephone, with audio live-streamed
"1-800-booking, for example, that is similar to 1-800-plumbing, which is a registered mark," Thomas asked Ross and later followed up.
He also asked questions of the Booking.com lawyer Lisa Blatt.
Thomas' previous stretch of silence before March of last year was three years. In 2019, Thomas, the lone black justice, asked two pointed questions in a case about racial bias in jury selection. Before 2016 when he asked questions defending gun rights, he hadn't piped up with a question in about 10 years.
Monday was a significant step for a court that has long avoided using advanced technologies adopted by other branches of government. But it went with only a few glitches. The court will hear nine more cases by phone over the next nine days.
Contributing: Richard Wolf


usatoday--2020-05-04--Joe Biden has addressed Tara Reade's sexual assault allegation. Will voters care?

Chairman Tom Perez on Sunday dismissed calls for the Democratic National Committee to launch an investigation into a former Senate staffer 's allegation that Joe Biden assaulted her 27 years ago , saying the former vice president was already an `` open book . ''
Biden had already undergone a `` comprehensive investigation '' when he was selected as Barack Obama 's running mate in 2008 , Perez told ABC News `` This Week '' host Martha Raddatz .
`` They looked at the entire history of Joe Biden , his entire career , '' Perez said .
`` And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barack Obama had any indication that there was an issue , Barack Obama would not have had him as his vice president .
Barack Obama trusted Joe Biden .
I trust Joe Biden .
And those investigations have been done . ''
After weeks of silence , Biden denied the accusations publicly for the first time Friday : `` No , it is not true .
I 'm saying unequivocally it did not happen , '' he said .
But it 's unclear whether the presumptive Democratic nominee 's interview on MSNBC 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ controversy as allies of President Donald Trump seized on the allegation .
By opposing the release of records stored at the University of Delaware – Biden says the school 's collection does n't contain personnel records – he might have provided more fuel for Republicans to keep the issue alive , experts said .
`` We ’ ve seen him really be challenged for the first time in five weeks on allegations that many in the media have ignored , and finally , those are coming to light , '' Ronna McDaniel , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Raddatz .
McDaniel argued that the assault allegation – combined with what she called a `` far-left '' policy shift – revealed the veteran politician , first elected to the U.S. Senate in 1972 , was actually an unknown commodity .
`` He hasn ’ t been vetted .
People haven ’ t seen the 2020 version of Joe Biden , '' McDaniel said .
Still , even after the rise of the # MeToo movement , not all political experts are convinced the allegation will hurt Biden , despite him needing strong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in November .
More : 'This never happened ' : Joe Biden denies sexual assault allegation , calls on National Archives to release records '' For many years , these sorts of allegations would kill off a candidacy , partly because people did n't know all the gory details about everybody else , '' said Larry Sabato , director of the University of Virginia 's Center for Politics .
`` That 's gone . ''
Sabato pointed to the multiple sexual assault allegations against Trump and the infamous video where Trump describes grabbing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month before the November election .
Trump , who has denied all allegations related to sexual impropriety , won the presidency .
`` It tells you it does n't matter , '' Sabato said .
`` What makes that even more true is the pandemic and the economic collapse .
That 's all people care about .
They 're focused on what 's happening in their lives , and right now it 's a disaster . ''
Analysis : Biden 's denial was unequivocal .
That does n't mean he 's put this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a former Biden Senate staffer , has alleged that while bringing a gym bag to Biden in a Capitol Hill office building in 1993 , Biden pushed her against a wall , groped her and digitally penetrated her without consent .
She was 29 years old at the time .
The allegation has gained increasing media coverage since Reade discussed them in a March podcast .
It comes at a time when Biden leads most national and swing-state polls , while Trump has had to defend his response to the coronavirus pandemic .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , was not thwarted by sexual misconduct allegations during his reelection bid .
But complicating things for Biden : He 's a Democrat running in the # MeToo era , where top Democrats and liberals have said women should be believed when they come forward with sexual assault claims .
More : Before the White House , Trump faced an array of sexual misconduct accusations .
As president , he faces another Biden was among the Democrats who came to the defense of Christine Blasey Ford when in 2018 she accused Brett Kavanaugh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Court , of sexually assaulting her decades ago .
Kavanaugh was eventually confirmed and now sits on the high court .
In the MSNBC interview Friday , Biden did n't directly answer a question about the difference between Ford 's allegation and Reade 's .
`` ( Women ) should start off with a presumption they 're telling the truth , '' Biden said .
`` Then you have to look at the circumstances and the facts .
And the facts in this case do not exist .
They never happened.
” Political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden 's support among two crucial voting blocs – liberals who backed U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders in the Democratic primary and are not sold yet on Biden , and independent women in suburbs who were key to Democrats regaining control of the House in the 2018 midterms .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the sexual-allegations issue is something that is holding maybe even Sanders voters back .
I do n't know , '' said David Paleologos , director of the Suffolk University Political Research Center .
`` But certainly , you can not afford to lose independent women or Democratic women on an issue like this . ''
Although either group might not vote for Trump as a result of Reade 's allegation , Paleologos suggested their enthusiasm for Biden could wane if the issue continues to draw attention .
More : USA TODAY/Suffolk Poll : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lead over Trump amid coronavirus concerns Grant Reeher , a political science professor at Syracuse University , said Biden and Trump are both ensured a similar percentage of voters regardless of any allegations or missteps on the campaign trail .
The race is about the fight for the middle .
`` Both of these candidates , no matter what allegations come forward , or no matter what strange and bizarre thing they do in a press conference , they 're both going to get 43 % of the vote because the country is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , he warned of a possible `` dampening effect '' for Biden if more comes out about Reade 's allegation .
Reeher also suggested the controversy could complicate Biden 's ability to win over Sanders ' supporters – many who have argued the Vermont senator should be the Democratic nominee because he does n't have these `` kind of skeletons in the closet that we worried about with Biden . ''
'He has more to do' Democrats , for the most part , have remained united behind Biden amid Reade 's allegation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be Biden 's vice presidential pick : Sen. Amy Klobuchar , D-Minn. , and former George state Rep. Stacey Abrams , who narrowly lost a bid for Georgia governor in 2018 .
`` I believe women , and I believe survivors of violence always deserve to be supported and to have their voices heard , '' Abrams told CNN 's Don Lemon this week .
But she pointed to a New York Times report on Reade 's allegation that Abrams said she believes exonerates him .
`` I believe Joe Biden .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Elizabeth Warren , D-Mass.
, and Sen. Kamala Harris , D-Calif. , have not commented on the accusations .
On Thursday , House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said she was `` satisfied '' with how Biden has responded .
`` The happiest day for me this week was to support Joe Biden for president of the United States , '' Pelosi said .
`` He 's a person of great integrity . ''
Biden 's interview came after liberal activists – including Alexis McGill Johnson , acting president of the Planned Parenthood Action Fund @ @ @ @ @ @ @ executive director of the women 's advocacy group UltraViolet – called on Biden to address Reade 's allegation .
Advocates from the left face a dilemma : Wanting to support Biden against Trump while not ignoring an issue important to their supporters .
“ It was right for Joe Biden to directly address this issue , and he has more to do , '' Thomas said later Friday , adding that those seeking power have an `` obligation to support policies and practices '' that put the needs of survivors first .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ humility , own the harm that people have experienced as a result of their behavior , and take meaningful steps to facilitate healing , '' she said .
`` We know that leader can not be and will not be Donald Trump . ''
Republicans – but not Trump himself – seize on allegation Despite the multiple sexual misconduct allegations against Trump , the Trump campaign and other Republicans have worked to draw attention to Reade 's allegation .
They 've argued the situation underscores a “ double standard ” when compared with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ handled the sexual assault allegations against Kavanaugh .
Following Biden ’ s MSNBC interview , the Trump campaign released an ad attacking Harris , Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand , D-N.Y. , and Sen. Cory Booker , D-N.J. “ The double standard exhibited by Biden , prominent liberal women ’ s groups , and Democrat elected officials – some of whom want to be Biden ’ s running mate – is glaring and can not be allowed to stand , ” Trump ampaign Deputy Communications Director Erin Perrine said in a statement .
The president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , has largely refrained from going on the attack himself , telling reporters Thursday Reade 's accusation could be false .
`` I know about false accusations , ” Trump said .
“ I ’ ve been falsely charged numerous times – and there is such a thing.
” He then pointed to the accusations against Kavanaugh , whom he said was “ falsely charged.
” But Trump 's top campaign surrogates , including his son Donald Trump Jr. , have not avoided the issue .
`` What ’ s # BidenHiding ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ long series of tweets on Reade 's allegation .
The strategy could be aimed at eroding one of Biden 's strengths : trust .
Only 31 % of Americans in the USA TODAY/Suffolk poll said Trump is trustworthy and honest , compared to 47 % for Biden .
But the tactic could also renew scrutiny of the numerous allegations leveled against the president , as well as the “ Access Hollywood ” tape that emerged in 2016 in which Trump can be heard bragging about groping women .
White House press secretary Kayleigh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reporters Friday that the president had denied the allegations against him and the matter had been put to rest after his election .
“ Leave it to the media to really take an issue about the former vice president and turn it on the president and bring up accusations from four years ago that were asked and answered in the form of the vote of the American people , ” McEnany said .
Alex Conant , a GOP strategist and former spokesman for Sen. Marco Rubio ’ s 2016 presidential bid , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how the allegation against Biden will affect the election in November .
Conant said while it ’ s possible the president doesn ’ t want to get into a back-and-forth with Biden over # MeToo issues , Trump is not afraid to invoke Kavanaugh as a campaign issue .
Kavanaugh 's contentious Senate confirmation hearing had a rallying effect that united Republicans before the 2018 election .
“ I think these sort of scandals will occupy media attention and fire up the base in both parties .
But given how many people are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s hard to imagine anything other than the economy dominates not just the presidential race , but down ballot races as well , ” Conant said .
“ If we ’ re still talking about these allegations in six months , things have gone very off the rails for the Biden campaign .
”

Joey Garrison, Courtney Subramanian and William Cummings, USA TODAY

Joe Biden has addressed Tara Reade's sexual assault allegation. Will voters care?
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
Chairman Tom Perez on Sunday dismissed calls for the Democratic National Committee to launch an investigation into a former Senate staffer's allegation that Joe Biden assaulted her 27 years ago, saying the former vice president was already an "open book."
Biden had already undergone a "comprehensive investigation" when he was selected as Barack Obama's running mate in 2008, Perez told ABC News "This Week" host Martha Raddatz.
"They looked at the entire history of Joe Biden, his entire career," Perez said. "And I’ll tell you, if Barack Obama had any indication that there was an issue, Barack Obama would not have had him as his vice president. Barack Obama trusted Joe Biden. I trust Joe Biden. And those investigations have been done."
After weeks of silence, Biden denied the accusations publicly for the first time Friday: "No, it is not true. I'm saying unequivocally it did not happen," he said.
But it's unclear whether the presumptive Democratic nominee's interview on MSNBC's Morning Joe did enough to extinguish the controversy as allies of President Donald Trump seized on the allegation.
By opposing the release of records stored at the University of Delaware – Biden says the school's collection doesn't contain personnel records – he might have provided more fuel for Republicans to keep the issue alive, experts said.
"We’ve seen him really be challenged for the first time in five weeks on allegations that many in the media have ignored, and finally, those are coming to light," Ronna McDaniel, the Republican National Committee chair, told Raddatz.
McDaniel argued that the assault allegation – combined with what she called a "far-left" policy shift – revealed the veteran politician, first elected to the U.S. Senate in 1972, was actually an unknown commodity.
"He hasn’t been vetted. People haven’t seen the 2020 version of Joe Biden," McDaniel said.
Still, even after the rise of the #MeToo movement, not all political experts are convinced the allegation will hurt Biden, despite him needing strong support among suburban women to beat Trump in November.
More: 'This never happened': Joe Biden denies sexual assault allegation, calls on National Archives to release records
"For many years, these sorts of allegations would kill off a candidacy, partly because people didn't know all the gory details about everybody else," said Larry Sabato, director of the University of Virginia's Center for Politics. "That's gone."
Sabato pointed to the multiple sexual assault allegations against Trump and the infamous video where Trump describes grabbing women's genitals that came out one month before the November election. Trump, who has denied all allegations related to sexual impropriety, won the presidency.
"It tells you it doesn't matter," Sabato said. "What makes that even more true is the pandemic and the economic collapse. That's all people care about. They're focused on what's happening in their lives, and right now it's a disaster."
Analysis: Biden's denial was unequivocal. That doesn't mean he's put this issue to rest.
WH: 'Glad' Biden went on record about allegations President Donald Trump's new press secretary says she is "pleased" that Trump's rival Joe Biden "went on the record" about the sexual assault allegations against him. Kayleigh McEnany made the comments hours after Biden flatly denied the charges. (May 1) AP
The #MeToo factor
Tara Reade, a former Biden Senate staffer, has alleged that while bringing a gym bag to Biden in a Capitol Hill office building in 1993, Biden pushed her against a wall, groped her and digitally penetrated her without consent. She was 29 years old at the time.
The allegation has gained increasing media coverage since Reade discussed them in a March podcast. It comes at a time when Biden leads most national and swing-state polls, while Trump has had to defend his response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Former President Bill Clinton, like Trump, was not thwarted by sexual misconduct allegations during his reelection bid. But complicating things for Biden: He's a Democrat running in the #MeToo era, where top Democrats and liberals have said women should be believed when they come forward with sexual assault claims.
More: Before the White House, Trump faced an array of sexual misconduct accusations. As president, he faces another
Biden was among the Democrats who came to the defense of Christine Blasey Ford when in 2018 she accused Brett Kavanaugh, then a nominee for the Supreme Court, of sexually assaulting her decades ago. Kavanaugh was eventually confirmed and now sits on the high court. In the MSNBC interview Friday, Biden didn't directly answer a question about the difference between Ford's allegation and Reade's.
"(Women) should start off with a presumption they're telling the truth," Biden said. "Then you have to look at the circumstances and the facts. And the facts in this case do not exist. They never happened.”
A dampening effect?
Political experts said Reade's allegation could complicate Biden's support among two crucial voting blocs – liberals who backed U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders in the Democratic primary and are not sold yet on Biden, and independent women in suburbs who were key to Democrats regaining control of the House in the 2018 midterms.
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.
"I wonder if the sexual-allegations issue is something that is holding maybe even Sanders voters back. I don't know," said David Paleologos, director of the Suffolk University Political Research Center. "But certainly, you cannot afford to lose independent women or Democratic women on an issue like this."
Although either group might not vote for Trump as a result of Reade's allegation, Paleologos suggested their enthusiasm for Biden could wane if the issue continues to draw attention.
More: USA TODAY/Suffolk Poll: Six months out, Biden jumps to lead over Trump amid coronavirus concerns
Grant Reeher, a political science professor at Syracuse University, said Biden and Trump are both ensured a similar percentage of voters regardless of any allegations or missteps on the campaign trail. The race is about the fight for the middle.
"Both of these candidates, no matter what allegations come forward, or no matter what strange and bizarre thing they do in a press conference, they're both going to get 43% of the vote because the country is so polarized," Reeher said.
However, he warned of a possible "dampening effect" for Biden if more comes out about Reade's allegation.
Reeher also suggested the controversy could complicate Biden's ability to win over Sanders' supporters – many who have argued the Vermont senator should be the Democratic nominee because he doesn't have these "kind of skeletons in the closet that we worried about with Biden."
More: Nearly 1 in 4 Bernie Sanders backers not supporting Biden
'He has more to do'
Democrats, for the most part, have remained united behind Biden amid Reade's allegation. That includes two women considered contenders to be Biden's vice presidential pick: Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., and former George state Rep. Stacey Abrams, who narrowly lost a bid for Georgia governor in 2018.
"I believe women, and I believe survivors of violence always deserve to be supported and to have their voices heard," Abrams told CNN's Don Lemon this week. But she pointed to a New York Times report on Reade's allegation that Abrams said she believes exonerates him. "I believe Joe Biden."
Other potential running mates, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., have not commented on the accusations. On Thursday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said she was "satisfied" with how Biden has responded.
"The happiest day for me this week was to support Joe Biden for president of the United States," Pelosi said. "He's a person of great integrity."
More: 'A person of great integrity': Nancy Pelosi defends Joe Biden over Tara Reade allegation
Pelosi praises Biden amidst assault allegations House Speaker Nancy Pelosi offered strong support for former Vice President Joe Biden as he has addressed an allegation of sexual assault from the 1990s. Democrats have defended their support for Biden as they also embrace the #MeToo era. (April 30) AP
Biden's interview came after liberal activists – including Alexis McGill Johnson, acting president of the Planned Parenthood Action Fund, and Shaunna Thomas, co-founder and executive director of the women's advocacy group UltraViolet – called on Biden to address Reade's allegation.
Advocates from the left face a dilemma: Wanting to support Biden against Trump while not ignoring an issue important to their supporters.
“It was right for Joe Biden to directly address this issue, and he has more to do," Thomas said later Friday, adding that those seeking power have an "obligation to support policies and practices" that put the needs of survivors first.
"We need a leader who can show humility, own the harm that people have experienced as a result of their behavior, and take meaningful steps to facilitate healing," she said. "We know that leader cannot be and will not be Donald Trump."
Republicans – but not Trump himself – seize on allegation
Despite the multiple sexual misconduct allegations against Trump, the Trump campaign and other Republicans have worked to draw attention to Reade's allegation. They've argued the situation underscores a “double standard” when compared with how Democrats and members of the media handled the sexual assault allegations against Kavanaugh.
Following Biden’s MSNBC interview, the Trump campaign released an ad attacking Harris, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., and Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J.
“The double standard exhibited by Biden, prominent liberal women’s groups, and Democrat elected officials – some of whom want to be Biden’s running mate – is glaring and cannot be allowed to stand,” Trump ampaign Deputy Communications Director Erin Perrine said in a statement.
The president, usually quick to attack his adversaries, has largely refrained from going on the attack himself, telling reporters Thursday Reade's accusation could be false.
"I know about false accusations,” Trump said. “I’ve been falsely charged numerous times – and there is such a thing.” He then pointed to the accusations against Kavanaugh, whom he said was “falsely charged.”
But Trump's top campaign surrogates, including his son Donald Trump Jr., have not avoided the issue.
"What’s #BidenHiding?" Trump Jr. said Friday in a long series of tweets on Reade's allegation.
The strategy could be aimed at eroding one of Biden's strengths: trust. Only 31% of Americans in the USA TODAY/Suffolk poll said Trump is trustworthy and honest, compared to 47% for Biden.
But the tactic could also renew scrutiny of the numerous allegations leveled against the president, as well as the “Access Hollywood” tape that emerged in 2016 in which Trump can be heard bragging about groping women. White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany bristled at the suggestion, telling reporters Friday that the president had denied the allegations against him and the matter had been put to rest after his election.
“Leave it to the media to really take an issue about the former vice president and turn it on the president and bring up accusations from four years ago that were asked and answered in the form of the vote of the American people,” McEnany said.
Alex Conant, a GOP strategist and former spokesman for Sen. Marco Rubio’s 2016 presidential bid, said it’s too early to tell how the allegation against Biden will affect the election in November.
Conant said while it’s possible the president doesn’t want to get into a back-and-forth with Biden over #MeToo issues, Trump is not afraid to invoke Kavanaugh as a campaign issue. Kavanaugh's contentious Senate confirmation hearing had a rallying effect that united Republicans before the 2018 election.
“I think these sort of scandals will occupy media attention and fire up the base in both parties. But given how many people are worried about their job, it’s hard to imagine anything other than the economy dominates not just the presidential race, but down ballot races as well,” Conant said.
“If we’re still talking about these allegations in six months, things have gone very off the rails for the Biden campaign.”
Contributing: Rebecca Morin
Reach Joey Garrison on Twitter @joeygarrison.


usatoday--2020-05-04--Poll: Democrats want Elizabeth Warren as Joe Biden's vice president pick

WASHINGTON – Sen. Elizabeth Warren , D-Mass.
, tops the list of potential running mates Democrats hope to see considered by former Vice President Joe Biden , according to a new poll .
The presumptive Democratic nominee said he 'll name a woman to join him as vice president on the ticket , and 71 % of registered Democrats and Democratic leaners say he should consider Warren , according to a CBS News/YouGov poll released Sunday .
Fifty-nine percent say he should consider Sen. Kamala Harris , D-Calif. , 50 % say the same for former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Klobuchar , D-Minn .
Asked whom Biden should pick for the ticket if he had to choose today , Warren leads the group with 36 % , followed by Harris at 19 % , Abrams at 14 % and Klobuchar at 13 % .
Others on the list , such as Michigan Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer , struggle with name recognition among about half or voters .
Tara Reade 's assault claim : Joe Biden has denied it .
Will voters care ?
Warren , Harris and Klobuchar are all former 2020 presidential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ governor in 2018 put her on the map and prompted national discussion over issues of voter suppression .
White Democrats and liberals favor Warren in the poll by large margins .
Black Democrats are more split between the top three running mates .
Warren tops the list for moderate Democrats , followed by Klobuchar and Harris .
Independents surveyed put Warren at the top of their list , with 41 % , followed by Klobuchar at 38 % , Harris at 31 % and Abrams at 23 % .
Republicans say Biden should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lady Michelle Obama was not among the list of women named for the VP slot in the survey , but asked separately , 64 % of Democrats say Biden should pick her if she wants to run .
Joe Biden needs his Joe Biden : Here 's a look at the women who could be on his vice presidential shortlist Democrats surveyed most value in a running mate someone who would be prepared to take over the role of president if needed – 82 % call this a high priority .
They prefer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ traditional Democrats to turn out to vote – 71 % call it a high priority – over one who would appeal to swing or Trump voters , 57 % .
As the coronavirus pandemic threatens Americans ' health and the economy , Democrats see crisis management experience as very important in a potential vice president .
Of all registered voters , including those who lean Democratic and Republican , 27 % say the person Biden picks as vice president is n't important in the election ; an equal number say his choice is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is somewhat important .
Biden is chosen over President Donald Trump by likely voters , 49 % -43 % .
The CBS News/YouGov poll surveyed 2,200 U.S. residents and has a margin of error of plus or minus 2.5 percentage points .
For the 808 Democrats and Democrat leaners surveyed , the margin of error is plus or minus 4 points .
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Join our Facebook group ‘ Across the Aisle , Across the Nation .
’

Poll: Democrats want Elizabeth Warren as Joe Biden's vice president pick
Show Caption Hide Caption Five things to know about Elizabeth Warren Elizabeth Warren is a top pick for Democratic voters as Joe Biden's VP pick. Here are five things you should know about the Massachusetts senator. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., tops the list of potential running mates Democrats hope to see considered by former Vice President Joe Biden, according to a new poll.
The presumptive Democratic nominee said he'll name a woman to join him as vice president on the ticket, and 71% of registered Democrats and Democratic leaners say he should consider Warren, according to a CBS News/YouGov poll released Sunday.
Fifty-nine percent say he should consider Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., 50% say the same for former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams and 49% for Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn.
Asked whom Biden should pick for the ticket if he had to choose today, Warren leads the group with 36%, followed by Harris at 19%, Abrams at 14% and Klobuchar at 13%. Others on the list, such as Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, struggle with name recognition among about half or voters.
Tara Reade's assault claim: Joe Biden has denied it. Will voters care?
Warren, Harris and Klobuchar are all former 2020 presidential candidates. Abrams' unsuccessful run for governor in 2018 put her on the map and prompted national discussion over issues of voter suppression.
White Democrats and liberals favor Warren in the poll by large margins. Black Democrats are more split between the top three running mates. Warren tops the list for moderate Democrats, followed by Klobuchar and Harris.
Independents surveyed put Warren at the top of their list, with 41%, followed by Klobuchar at 38%, Harris at 31% and Abrams at 23%. Republicans say Biden should put Klobuchar on the ticket.
First lady Michelle Obama was not among the list of women named for the VP slot in the survey, but asked separately, 64% of Democrats say Biden should pick her if she wants to run.
Joe Biden needs his Joe Biden: Here's a look at the women who could be on his vice presidential shortlist
Democrats surveyed most value in a running mate someone who would be prepared to take over the role of president if needed – 82% call this a high priority. They prefer a vice presidential candidate who will motivate traditional Democrats to turn out to vote – 71% call it a high priority – over one who would appeal to swing or Trump voters, 57%.
As the coronavirus pandemic threatens Americans' health and the economy, Democrats see crisis management experience as very important in a potential vice president.
Of all registered voters, including those who lean Democratic and Republican, 27% say the person Biden picks as vice president isn't important in the election; an equal number say his choice is very important, and 29% say it is somewhat important.
Biden is chosen over President Donald Trump by likely voters, 49%-43%.
The CBS News/YouGov poll surveyed 2,200 U.S. residents and has a margin of error of plus or minus 2.5 percentage points. For the 808 Democrats and Democrat leaners surveyed, the margin of error is plus or minus 4 points.
Want to talk more about politics? Join our Facebook group ‘Across the Aisle, Across the Nation.’


usatoday--2020-05-04--Coronavirus cuts transportation funding, puts major road and bridge projects on hold

WASHINGTON – One of the many side effects of stay-at-home orders during the coronavirus pandemic is a catastrophic decline in state and local transportation funding , which officials said threatens to bring road and bridge construction to a screeching halt for the next year and a half .
“ It ’ s a very large concern , ” Patrick McKenna , director of the Missouri Department of Transportation and president of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials ( AASHTO ) , said of a projected 30 % decline in transportation revenue nationwide .
“ This is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crisis that resulted from shuttering much of the economy forced governments big and small to postpone construction , even as roads , bridges and tunnels crumble .
Collections of gas taxes and tolls that fuel construction have plummeted as motorists stay home .
Despite historically low interest rates , voters and their governments are leery of borrowing because of uncertainty about repaying the debt .
In Ohio , an interstate project in downtown Columbus was punted for a year because of reduced fuel taxes .
Missouri delayed a handful of projects valued at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ North Carolina postponed more than 100 transportation projects valued at $ 2.2 billion during the next year because of concerns that reductions in traffic volume would translate into steep reductions in fuel and motor-vehicle taxes .
Government funding : State and local governments brace for huge cuts as feds debate sending help for coronavirus-related revenue loss Tolls plunged 50 % to 90 % at facilities nationwide because of fewer vehicles on the road , according to the International Bridge , Tunnel and Turnpike Association ( IBTTA ) , a trade group for 342 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ facilities generate $ 20 billion in tolls per year to maintain and upgrade 6,300 miles of highways , bridges and tunnels .
Matt Chase , executive director of the National Association of Counties , said officials have been told to cut their budgets because the federal government wouldn ’ t bail them out .
“ We are very disappointed that Congress left us behind , ” Chase said April 22 .
“ Our gas taxes have essentially stopped in the last six weeks .
How are we going to repair our roads and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hitch a ride on the next federal aid package .
AASHTO asked Congress for nearly $ 50 billion for operations and construction during the next 18 months .
IBTTA asked congressional leaders for $ 9.2 billion to offset lost revenue projected over the next year .
“ I think everyone is thinking about infrastructure as part of the next phase , '' said Patrick Jones , CEO of IBTTA .
`` We are hopeful that there will be some type of assistance.
” State transportation officials are trying to get their arms around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is evaporating through the lack of driving that provides state fuel tax , vehicle registration fees and highway user fees .
The state-level losses are compounded by the lack of matching funds from the federal government , which typically quintuples how much states can build .
In Missouri , McKenna projected about $ 1 billion in lower transportation revenue during the next 18 months .
He said it was worse than that because half that amount – about $ 530 million – would have been matched by $ 2.1 billion in federal revenue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ So our construction program could take a $ 2.6 billion haircut ” during the next 18 months , McKenna said .
“ If that were to play out , in our current program , you ’ re looking at 400 bridge projects and 20,000 lanes of roadwork .
It ’ s significant.
” ' A near impossibility ' : Experts doubt North Korea 's claim of zero coronavirus cases In North Carolina , Transportation Secretary Eric Boyette warned that traffic volume was down 30 % to 50 % , depending on the road @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 300 million in the fiscal year ending June 30 .
Four projects valued at a combined $ 648 million to widen Interstate 95 to eight lanes were deleted from the state ’ s 12-month spending plan , which had anticipated start dates for sections in July and December .
Two projects worth a combined $ 280 million to upgrade two sections of U.S. 70 were dropped from planned starts in November and January .
“ This loss of revenue will require significant reductions in expenditures , ” Boyette told state legislative leaders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will take months to bring suspended projects back.
” Transportation funding typically enjoys broad , bipartisan support in Congress , but emergency requests for funding come at an awkward time because they overlap with the routine highway bill that lawmakers must debate .
The five-year highway bill expires Sept. 30 .
Congress needs to negotiate an extension to provide hundreds of billions of dollars to state and local governments for as long as the next six years .
President Donald Trump said he would like to provide money for infrastructure in the next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , tunnels , highways and bridges need help .
“ They have to be fixed , ” Trump said .
“ So hopefully , we ’ ll get an infrastructure bill.
” Relief checks to dead taxpayers : Mnuchin wants money given to dead taxpayers returned “ As we fight the virus day to day , we must work on an infrastructure package for recovery that addresses some of the critical impacts and vulnerabilities in America that have been laid bare by the coronavirus , '' Pelosi said .
After Congress approved several @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , conservative lawmakers may balk at sending federal funding to state and local governments .
`` We 're not interested in revenue replacement for state governments , '' Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , R-Ky. , told Fox News last month .
`` We 're interested in trying to help them with anything related to coronarivus . ''
Bridge , tunnel and turnpike traffic has suffered nationwide as fewer vehicles are on the road .
Massachusetts projected a $ 38 million loss in tolls this year along the Massachusetts Turnpike and other facilities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's Chesapeake Bay Bridge and those operated by the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission in Pennsylvania and New Jersey , stopped collecting cash tolls in March to avoid spreading the virus between motorists and collectors .
About three-quarters of Delaware River motorists have automated E-ZPass , and those without it are mailed bills .
Maryland suspended sending notices for Bay Bridge tolls due until 30 days after the emergency ends .
Jones , of the International Bridge , Tunnel and Turnpike Association , said some agencies tap reserves to pay for operating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even though they no longer staff booths , or maintenance workers on reduced schedules .
Even if no federal assistance is provided , tolling facilities will operate while perhaps reducing staff at service plazas or postponing major projects such as adding traffic lanes , he said .
“ The day-to-day operation is going to happen , ” Jones said .
Coronavirus in prisons : More than 1,500 federal prisoners have COVID-19 as officials expand testing The Ogdensburg-Prescott International Bridge in upstate New York saw a significant drop in traffic after Trump and Canadian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to close the northern border to nonessential traffic to hinder the spread of the virus .
The bridge carried 24,000 cars and 4,800 trucks in March 2019 , according to Steve Lawrence , the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority ’ s interim executive director .
Car traffic was down 95 % , and truck traffic was down 24 % from those rates last week , he said .
Lawrence estimated April revenue could be down $ 150,000 .
The authority hasn ’ t had layoffs , but routine maintenance will be postponed until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really taken a hit , ” Lawrence said .
“ What you ’ re trying to do is reduce your costs and hold on the best you can.
” Despite historically low interest rates during the economic crisis , transportation officials have been cautious about borrowing for construction projects .
Agencies might have trouble justifying their creditworthiness without knowing when traffic will rebound , and taxpayers worried about losing their jobs might oppose raising taxes to pay the debt .
In the San Francisco Bay Area , officials in nine counties have worked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coordinate rail , bus and ferry transit systems that are spread across 27 agencies .
The goal of making transit more reliable and affordable is to relieve commuting where motorists average two hours a day in traffic .
A proposal intended for the November ballot sought to raise the sales tax 1 cent to generate $ 100 billion over 40 years .
Similar measures have been approved in Los Angeles and Seattle .
“ I think there was a lot of consensus around elected officials and residents because nobody wanted to sit in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ senior vice president of the Bay Area Council , an advocacy group that works on regional economic development .
A public referendum in November needed to clear several hurdles first , including approvals from the state Legislature and local governments .
Sheltering for the coronavirus hindered the sort of meetings needed to win approval of the measure , Litvak said .
Instead , the advocates decided to postpone the vote and aim for the 2022 ballot .
“ We are continuing to work on this as a coalition , ” Litvak said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ making a seamless and integrated transit system here in the Bay Area.
” In Bend , Oregon , the City Council scheduled a referendum for this month on a $ 190 million bond issue for improvements to roads , sidewalks and transit .
But the council voted unanimously March 18 to postpone the effort because of economic uncertainty in a community dependent on tourism .
Councilors said residents relayed fears about layoffs when the new debt would have added an average of $ 170 to each household ’ s tax bill .
Hotels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barb Campbell said she temporarily closed her own retail shop and laid off workers the day before the council vote .
“ This is a really difficult decision , ” Mayor Sally Russell said .
“ We do n't know how long this COVID-19 pandemic is going to last . ''


usatoday--2020-05-04--'Devastatingly worrisome': Dr. Deborah Birx decries scenes of protesters not practicing social dista

Dr. Deborah Birx , the White House coronavirus task force coordinator , expressed concern Sunday about the lack of social distancing at protests and rallies against stay-at-home orders .
`` It 's devastatingly worrisome to me , personally , because if they go home and infect their grandmother or their grandfather who has a comorbid condition , and they have a serious or a very unfortunate outcome , they will feel guilty for the rest of our lives .
So , we need to protect each other at the same time we ’ re voicing our discontent , '' Birx @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demonstrators crowding into the state capitol in Michigan last week .
Similar protests have taken place across the country against restrictive measures aimed at containing the spread of the virus , and many states have begun to reopen amid political and economic pressure .
`` Every single metro area and every single outbreak across the country is different , '' Birx said .
But she stressed that `` as states reopen , we really want them to follow the gating criteria '' outlined last month by the administration .
Under those guidelines , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a decline in cases before beginning to reopen .
What states are opening up , and when ?
: States are constantly changing their restrictions — here 's a list '' Fox News Sunday '' host Chris Wallace said that while more than half the states have started to reopen `` in some way , shape or form , '' none of them has met the administration 's benchmark of two-week declines .
`` Why not set a firm – if not binding – a firm national policy on when states can reopen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think federal guidelines are a pretty firm policy of what we think is important from a public health standpoint , '' Birx replied .
`` We made it very clear that the guidelines are based on very strong evidence and data .
We 've made it clear what the gating criteria is . ''
She added that the White House task force has asked every governor to post exactly where his or her state stood in terms of meeting of the criteria and where the virus was appearing , `` because an educated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how to protect themselves . ''
Mississippi is one state that has started to reopen , even though it hit a record number of new cases two days ago with 397 .
Republican Gov .
Tate Reeves delayed a further easing of the restrictions because of that spike in cases .
But , on Sunday , Reeves said that it was a `` one-day blip '' due to a large number of test results coming in a batch from private labs .
`` I spoke personally with Dr. Birx , and we agree @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for different states , just like they 're different for various counties .
And we believe that that particular gating criteria just does n't work in states like ours , who have never had more than 300 cases in any one day with the exception of Friday and that data dump , '' Reeves told Wallace .
New Jersey Gov .
Phil Murphy , a Democrat , declined to comment on governors such as Reeves who were opening up ahead of the timeline recommended by the White House .
He explained his `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jersey glass '' and he was not familiar with the data from other states .
`` I do know , in our state , and as we coordinate with our regional partners , most notably our neighbors , New York , Pennsylvania , Delaware , we have to make the call based on data and science , '' said Murphy , whose state has suffered the second-highest number of deaths from the coronavirus .
New York has seen the most deaths .
Murphy did begrudge the right of people opposing his stay-at-home order @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said he wished they would do it safely .
`` My biggest issue is they were congregating without face masks , '' Murphy said .
Michigan Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer said the protests last week in Lansing , which included demonstrators armed with semi-automatic rifles and body armor , reflected `` some of the worst racism and awful parts of our history in this country . ''
`` The Confederate flags , and nooses , the swastikas , the behavior that you have seen in all of the clips is not representative of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she told CNN .
`` We have to keep listening to the epidemiologists and experts , and not listen to the partisan rhetoric or these political rallies , or tweets , for that matter . ''
Republican Maryland Gov .
Larry Hogan told CNN on Sunday : `` We had far more people die yesterday in Maryland than we had protesters . ''
Hogan said he was concerned by the images of protesters gathering without social distancing , as well as the large gathering on the National Mall in Washington on Saturday to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Blue Angels and the Air Force 's Thunderbirds .
`` You see this happening around the country , as states try to open in a safe way .
Unfortunately , the pressure is to do it in a not safe way , '' Hogan said .
`` And that 's something we 're very concerned about , and one of the reasons why we 're being cautious and trying to do things in a slow , safe and effective manner . ''
Regardless of their state 's policy , Birx said it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to protect themselves from infection .
`` You need to continue to social distance .
You need to continue to practice scrupulous hand-washing , '' she said .
`` And I think most importantly , if you have any preexisting conditions , through phase one and phase two of any reopening , we have asked you to continue to shelter in place . ''
Birx 's concern about the protests contrasts statements from President Donald Trump , who has expressed support for them and tweeted to `` liberate '' states following his own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get back to work , '' Trump told reporters when asked about the protests at an April 21 briefing .
He maintained that demonstrators were keeping they 're `` a lot of space in between '' and `` doing social distancing , '' though images from many of the protests showed that participants were not adhering to the government 's recommendations .
Birx also diverged from Trump , who previously pointed to revised models projecting 50,000-60,000 deaths from COVID-19 through August .
But the country has already seen more than 67,000 deaths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between 100,000 and 240,000 American lives lost , '' Birx said .
`` And that 's with full mitigation and us learning from each other of how to social distance . ''

'Devastatingly worrisome': Dr. Deborah Birx decries scenes of protesters not practicing social distancing amid coronavirus
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Dr. Deborah Birx, the White House coronavirus task force coordinator, expressed concern Sunday about the lack of social distancing at protests and rallies against stay-at-home orders.
"It's devastatingly worrisome to me, personally, because if they go home and infect their grandmother or their grandfather who has a comorbid condition, and they have a serious or a very unfortunate outcome, they will feel guilty for the rest of our lives. So, we need to protect each other at the same time we’re voicing our discontent," Birx said when asked on Fox News about demonstrators crowding into the state capitol in Michigan last week.
Similar protests have taken place across the country against restrictive measures aimed at containing the spread of the virus, and many states have begun to reopen amid political and economic pressure.
"Every single metro area and every single outbreak across the country is different," Birx said. But she stressed that "as states reopen, we really want them to follow the gating criteria" outlined last month by the administration. Under those guidelines, states should see two consecutive weeks of a decline in cases before beginning to reopen.
What states are opening up, and when?: States are constantly changing their restrictions — here's a list
Coronavirus: USA TODAY Suffolk University poll favors Big Government. With the coronavirus pandemic striking fear, Americans are in favor of the federal government doing more to combat the health and economic effects. USA TODAY
"Fox News Sunday" host Chris Wallace said that while more than half the states have started to reopen "in some way, shape or form," none of them has met the administration's benchmark of two-week declines.
"Why not set a firm – if not binding – a firm national policy on when states can reopen?" Wallace asked.
"I think federal guidelines are a pretty firm policy of what we think is important from a public health standpoint," Birx replied.
"We made it very clear that the guidelines are based on very strong evidence and data. We've made it clear what the gating criteria is."
She added that the White House task force has asked every governor to post exactly where his or her state stood in terms of meeting of the criteria and where the virus was appearing, "because an educated community can really take action to understand how to protect themselves."
Mississippi is one state that has started to reopen, even though it hit a record number of new cases two days ago with 397. Republican Gov. Tate Reeves delayed a further easing of the restrictions because of that spike in cases. But, on Sunday, Reeves said that it was a "one-day blip" due to a large number of test results coming in a batch from private labs.
"I spoke personally with Dr. Birx, and we agree that sometimes the models are just different for different states, just like they're different for various counties. And we believe that that particular gating criteria just doesn't work in states like ours, who have never had more than 300 cases in any one day with the exception of Friday and that data dump," Reeves told Wallace.
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, a Democrat, declined to comment on governors such as Reeves who were opening up ahead of the timeline recommended by the White House. He explained his "nose was pressed up against the New Jersey glass" and he was not familiar with the data from other states.
"I do know, in our state, and as we coordinate with our regional partners, most notably our neighbors, New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, we have to make the call based on data and science," said Murphy, whose state has suffered the second-highest number of deaths from the coronavirus. New York has seen the most deaths.
Murphy did begrudge the right of people opposing his stay-at-home order to protest but, echoing Birx, said he wished they would do it safely.
"My biggest issue is they were congregating without face masks," Murphy said.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said the protests last week in Lansing, which included demonstrators armed with semi-automatic rifles and body armor, reflected "some of the worst racism and awful parts of our history in this country."
"The Confederate flags, and nooses, the swastikas, the behavior that you have seen in all of the clips is not representative of who we are in Michigan," she told CNN.
"We have to keep listening to the epidemiologists and experts, and not listen to the partisan rhetoric or these political rallies, or tweets, for that matter."
Republican Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan told CNN on Sunday: "We had far more people die yesterday in Maryland than we had protesters."
Hogan said he was concerned by the images of protesters gathering without social distancing, as well as the large gathering on the National Mall in Washington on Saturday to see a flyover by the Navy's Blue Angels and the Air Force's Thunderbirds.
Fact check: Are governors' stay-at-home orders bad for your health?
"You see this happening around the country, as states try to open in a safe way. Unfortunately, the pressure is to do it in a not safe way," Hogan said. "And that's something we're very concerned about, and one of the reasons why we're being cautious and trying to do things in a slow, safe and effective manner."
Regardless of their state's policy, Birx said it was critical that people do what they can to protect themselves from infection.
"You need to continue to social distance. You need to continue to practice scrupulous hand-washing," she said. "And I think most importantly, if you have any preexisting conditions, through phase one and phase two of any reopening, we have asked you to continue to shelter in place."
Birx's concern about the protests contrasts statements from President Donald Trump, who has expressed support for them and tweeted to "liberate" states following his own administration's guidelines.
"People want to get back to work," Trump told reporters when asked about the protests at an April 21 briefing. He maintained that demonstrators were keeping they're "a lot of space in between" and "doing social distancing," though images from many of the protests showed that participants were not adhering to the government's recommendations.
Birx also diverged from Trump, who previously pointed to revised models projecting 50,000-60,000 deaths from COVID-19 through August. But the country has already seen more than 67,000 deaths.
"Our projections have always been between 100,000 and 240,000 American lives lost," Birx said. "And that's with full mitigation and us learning from each other of how to social distance."