usatoday--2020-05-16--Indiana election officials have a message for Hoosiers: Please, please, please vote by mail

INDIANAPOLIS – So far an unprecedented 312,000 Indiana residents – and climbing – plan to vote absentee during the June 2 primary election , more than five times as many as voted by mail during the primary four years ago .
It might not be enough .
Counties throughout Indiana have been struggling to find poll workers amid the coronavirus pandemic , meaning fewer poling places , longer lines , and greater risk of transmission of COVID-19 .
In conversations with IndyStar and USA TODAY Network reporters around the state , election officials had an urgent message for Hoosiers : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Indiana Election Commission , at the urging of Gov .
Eric Holcomb , has waived requirements to vote absentee .
“ I strongly encourage all of our voters to vote by mail this election , ” said Russell Hollis , deputy director at the Marion County Clerk ’ s Office .
`` I do want to note that voting in person is going to look very different than what it 's looked like in the past .
There will be significantly less locations , which in turn will result in longer lines and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to avoid that , vote at home by mail . ''
The folks who usually make up the bulk of poll workers – retirees – are among the most vulnerable to catching and dying from COVID-19 .
Beyond that , having long lines and crowded rooms on election day seems like a bad idea to many county officials .
Marion County usually has 3,000 volunteers , but Hollis says the office wo n't have anywhere near that this primary .
`` The people who typically work the election are part of a higher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he said .
It 's a problem throughout the state .
And some are only now withdrawing their commitments to work as worries of catching the coronavirus heighten .
“ We have people dropping out of it left and right because of what ’ s going on with the COVID-19 situation , ” said Vanderburgh County Election Supervisor Marc Toone .
Officials are asking high school and college students for help .
Teachers .
Government workers .
They 're trying everything .
“ We have been putting it out on the voter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ poll workers , ” said Johnson County Clerk Trena McLaughlin .
“ Our local newspaper has put it out there . ''
But the reality is that many counties , including some of the largest in the state , will open fewer – in some cases far fewer – voting locations than in the past .
That means you 'd better check with your local office to see if your polling site has changed .
For instance , Marion County , home to Indianapolis , will have 22 voting locations .
It usually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ County , home of South Bend , will have 12 voting locations .
It usually has more than 120 .
Counties often selected the locations based on availability , space and location , but many clerks acknowledge it 's not a perfect solution .
`` It is extremely hard to recruit poll workers on a normal election day but we knew there were no way we could staff 10 vote centers , '' Lawrence County Clerk Billie Tumey said .
Lawrence County will have four voting locations .
`` The centers selected were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get as many voters in and out safely . ''
The uncertainty of election day turnout has left many on pins and needles .
“ Yes , we ’ re tripling on our mail voting , '' said St. Joseph County Clerk Rita Glenn , `` but there ’ s still a lot of people out there who haven ’ t voted .
I don ’ t know if they ’ re going to wait until the last couple weeks , or wait and go to the polls , or not vote at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than others .
Boone County Clerk Jessica Fouts said her office mailed applications to all registered voters – about 46,000 .
She said 7,000 have been returned .
It 's a bit of a toss of the dice , as the county , home to Zionsville , will only open two polling places .
`` The last primary in 2016 , '' she said , `` I think we had about 20,000 votes and we are about halfway there already .
I think it 's going to be fine . ''
Many counties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to keep both poll workers and voters safe for those who do participate on Election Day .
The Secretary of State has paid approximately $ 1.7 million so far , through a federal grant , to send hand sanitizer , dispenser bottles , disinfectant , microfiber cloths , gloves and masks to local election offices .
“ They have provided us three skids of PPE equipment : masks , gloves , sanitizer , surface cleaner and microfiber towels , ” said Patty Perry , clerk at Warrick County northeast of Evansville .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that will be used to protect our poll workers . ''
In many cases , the poll workers will wear masks , use longer tables and socially distance .
Many will have protective products , but the amount varies by county .
Many clerks say voters will stand in line spread out by marks on the ground – just like the check out lines at grocery stores .
Clerks think it 's unlikely voters can or will be required to wear masks .
`` We also have COVID-19 guidance best practices that we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during their regular training , '' said Orange County Clerk Beth Jones .
Some clerks have tried to find larger locations .
In Tippecanoe County , voters typically have 28 days of early voting at 19 different sites .
This year , they will have 5½ days in only eight locations , but they 'll be larger to accommodate social distancing .
At least one county is going to unusual lengths .
In Monroe County , election board member Hal Turner , a Republican , has used his 3-D printer to make more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shields and face-mask clips , for poll workers , social service agencies and just about anyone else from his community who wants something .
“ To me , it ’ s a simple equation , ” Turner said .
“ I have it .
They need it .
I do it.
” In some cases , the business community has helped .
In Wayne County , Richmond-based Primex Plastics donated a supply of face shields it 's manufacturing for the coronavirus pandemic .
Several county election officials plan to open all of their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ County , which has the highest per capita income in the state , Clerk Kathy Williams thinks she 'll be able to wrangle enough poll workers to open all 125 locations .
She 's glad she has that option , noting it seems safer to avoid herding large groups of voters into condensed locations .
`` We just felt like it was better to have them spaced out , '' she said .
That 's not to say it 'll be easy .
At this point , her office has about 550 of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But Williams thinks they 'll be OK , even if it means having fewer than normal poll workers at some locations .
`` We do have a lot of students and college students , '' she said .
`` Our biggest fear would be if something ( with the virus ) turns and gets worse in the next two weeks . ''
With so many absentee ballots to count in every county , results could be delayed .
Each county has to figure out how to count all of those absentee ballots while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hamilton County will stop counting absentee ballots by 5 p.m. June 2 and send those workers home – whether they 're done counting or not .
If they need to come back the next morning to finish , they will .
Williams , the clerk , wants to limit the number of people in the ballot room to avoid spreading the disease .
`` We 'll want to get the round of absentee counters out of the building before we get the poll workers back in the building , '' she said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ election and opening up absentee voting , they understood it may not get done all on that day . ''
State officials , including Governor Holcomb and Secretary of State Connie Lawson , have frequently acknowledged results could be delayed .
They continue to reinforce June 2 will look different from past primaries .
`` Because of the huge amount of absentee ballots , `` said Secretary of State spokesman Ian Hauer , `` we likely won ’ t have statewide results on Election Night .
Some counties will take longer than others @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Emily Hopkins , Indianapolis Star ; Ron Wilkins , Lafayette Journal & Courier ; Miles Flynn , Times-Mail of Bedford , Paoli News-Republican and Springs Valley Herald ; Krystal Shetler , Times-Mail ; Ernest Rollins , Bloomington Herald-Times ; John Martin , Evansville Courier & Journal ; Mike Emery , Richmond Palladium-Item ; and Christian Sheckler ; South Bend Tribune

Indiana election officials have a message for Hoosiers: Please, please, please vote by mail
Show Caption Hide Caption Elections 2020: Mail-in voting could decide next president Many states are planning on drastically different elections this year and mail-in ballots could be a big game changer. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
INDIANAPOLIS – So far an unprecedented 312,000 Indiana residents – and climbing – plan to vote absentee during the June 2 primary election, more than five times as many as voted by mail during the primary four years ago.
It might not be enough.
Counties throughout Indiana have been struggling to find poll workers amid the coronavirus pandemic, meaning fewer poling places, longer lines, and greater risk of transmission of COVID-19.
In conversations with IndyStar and USA TODAY Network reporters around the state, election officials had an urgent message for Hoosiers: Please, vote by mail. The Indiana Election Commission, at the urging of Gov. Eric Holcomb, has waived requirements to vote absentee.
“I strongly encourage all of our voters to vote by mail this election,” said Russell Hollis, deputy director at the Marion County Clerk’s Office. "I do want to note that voting in person is going to look very different than what it's looked like in the past. There will be significantly less locations, which in turn will result in longer lines and potentially crowded locations. If you want to avoid that, vote at home by mail."
The problem?
The folks who usually make up the bulk of poll workers – retirees – are among the most vulnerable to catching and dying from COVID-19. Beyond that, having long lines and crowded rooms on election day seems like a bad idea to many county officials.
USA TODAY/Suffolk Poll: Americans overwhelmingly support vote-by-mail push, but Republicans more wary
Marion County usually has 3,000 volunteers, but Hollis says the office won't have anywhere near that this primary.
"The people who typically work the election are part of a higher risk group, our elderly constituents," he said.
It's a problem throughout the state. And some are only now withdrawing their commitments to work as worries of catching the coronavirus heighten.
“We have people dropping out of it left and right because of what’s going on with the COVID-19 situation,” said Vanderburgh County Election Supervisor Marc Toone.
Officials are asking high school and college students for help. Teachers. Government workers. They're trying everything.
“We have been putting it out on the voter registration Facebook page, looking for additional poll workers,” said Johnson County Clerk Trena McLaughlin. “Our local newspaper has put it out there."
But the reality is that many counties, including some of the largest in the state, will open fewer – in some cases far fewer – voting locations than in the past. That means you'd better check with your local office to see if your polling site has changed.
For instance, Marion County, home to Indianapolis, will have 22 voting locations. It usually has more than 250. St. Joseph County, home of South Bend, will have 12 voting locations. It usually has more than 120.
Counties often selected the locations based on availability, space and location, but many clerks acknowledge it's not a perfect solution.
"It is extremely hard to recruit poll workers on a normal election day but we knew there were no way we could staff 10 vote centers," Lawrence County Clerk Billie Tumey said. Lawrence County will have four voting locations. "The centers selected were based on size so that we could get as many voters in and out safely."
The uncertainty of election day turnout has left many on pins and needles.
“Yes, we’re tripling on our mail voting," said St. Joseph County Clerk Rita Glenn, "but there’s still a lot of people out there who haven’t voted. I don’t know if they’re going to wait until the last couple weeks, or wait and go to the polls, or not vote at all.”
Some counties are more proactive than others. Boone County Clerk Jessica Fouts said her office mailed applications to all registered voters – about 46,000. She said 7,000 have been returned.
Want to talk more about politics?: Join our Facebook group: ‘Across the Aisle, Across the Nation.’
It's a bit of a toss of the dice, as the county, home to Zionsville, will only open two polling places.
"The last primary in 2016," she said, "I think we had about 20,000 votes and we are about halfway there already. I think it's going to be fine."
Counties plan safety measures
Many counties are in the process of preparing plans to keep both poll workers and voters safe for those who do participate on Election Day.
The Secretary of State has paid approximately $1.7 million so far, through a federal grant, to send hand sanitizer, dispenser bottles, disinfectant, microfiber cloths, gloves and masks to local election offices.
“They have provided us three skids of PPE equipment: masks, gloves, sanitizer, surface cleaner and microfiber towels,” said Patty Perry, clerk at Warrick County northeast of Evansville. “They have also provided us with Plexiglas that will be used to protect our poll workers."
Safety precautions vary by county.
In many cases, the poll workers will wear masks, use longer tables and socially distance. Many will have protective products, but the amount varies by county. Many clerks say voters will stand in line spread out by marks on the ground – just like the check out lines at grocery stores.
Clerks think it's unlikely voters can or will be required to wear masks.
"We also have COVID-19 guidance best practices that we will be training the poll workers on during their regular training," said Orange County Clerk Beth Jones.
Some clerks have tried to find larger locations. In Tippecanoe County, voters typically have 28 days of early voting at 19 different sites. This year, they will have 5½ days in only eight locations, but they'll be larger to accommodate social distancing.
At least one county is going to unusual lengths. In Monroe County, election board member Hal Turner, a Republican, has used his 3-D printer to make more than 300 PPE items, including face shields and face-mask clips, for poll workers, social service agencies and just about anyone else from his community who wants something.
“To me, it’s a simple equation,” Turner said. “I have it. They need it. I do it.”
In some cases, the business community has helped.
In Wayne County, Richmond-based Primex Plastics donated a supply of face shields it's manufacturing for the coronavirus pandemic.
Several county election officials plan to open all of their usual voting locations.
In affluent Hamilton County, which has the highest per capita income in the state, Clerk Kathy Williams thinks she'll be able to wrangle enough poll workers to open all 125 locations. She's glad she has that option, noting it seems safer to avoid herding large groups of voters into condensed locations.
"We just felt like it was better to have them spaced out," she said.
That's not to say it'll be easy. At this point, her office has about 550 of the 850 poll workers typically needed. But Williams thinks they'll be OK, even if it means having fewer than normal poll workers at some locations.
"We do have a lot of students and college students," she said. "Our biggest fear would be if something (with the virus) turns and gets worse in the next two weeks."
Results could be a long time coming
With so many absentee ballots to count in every county, results could be delayed. Each county has to figure out how to count all of those absentee ballots while conducting an election.
Consider this: Hamilton County will stop counting absentee ballots by 5 p.m. June 2 and send those workers home – whether they're done counting or not. If they need to come back the next morning to finish, they will.
Williams, the clerk, wants to limit the number of people in the ballot room to avoid spreading the disease.
"We'll want to get the round of absentee counters out of the building before we get the poll workers back in the building," she said. "When they talked about moving the election and opening up absentee voting, they understood it may not get done all on that day."
State officials, including Governor Holcomb and Secretary of State Connie Lawson, have frequently acknowledged results could be delayed. They continue to reinforce June 2 will look different from past primaries.
"Because of the huge amount of absentee ballots, " said Secretary of State spokesman Ian Hauer, "we likely won’t have statewide results on Election Night. Some counties will take longer than others."
Contributing: Tony Cook and Emily Hopkins, Indianapolis Star; Ron Wilkins, Lafayette Journal & Courier; Miles Flynn, Times-Mail of Bedford, Paoli News-Republican and Springs Valley Herald; Krystal Shetler, Times-Mail; Ernest Rollins, Bloomington Herald-Times; John Martin, Evansville Courier & Journal; Mike Emery, Richmond Palladium-Item; and Christian Sheckler; South Bend Tribune
Follow Chris Sikich on Twitter: @ChrisSikich


usatoday--2020-05-16--Trump unveils Space Force flag, Pentagon says his 'super duper' missiles are hypersonic weapons

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump on Friday revealed the official flag for the new U.S. Space Force , the first military branch created in seven decades .
He also touted the development underway of what he called a `` super duper missile '' that could outdo foreign adversaries .
Trump said the flag will be displayed at the White House .
The flag was presented to him in the Oval Office , where he also signed the 2020 Armed Forces Day Proclamation .
`` Space is going to be the future both in terms of defense and offense and so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We 're now the leader in space . ''
Trump said the country is building `` incredible military equipment at a level that nobody 's ever seen before '' and described a missile he said is being developed that is the `` fastest in the world '' and will outpace China and Russia .
`` We have I call it the 'super duper missile , ' and I heard the other night 17 times faster than what they have right now , '' Trump said .
`` You take the fastest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 've heard Russia has five times and China 's working on five or six times .
We have one 17 times , and it 's just gotten the go ahead . ''
Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany would n't comment further with specifics of what missile Trump was talking about when asked at a White House press briefing .
But a Department of Defense official later said on Twitter that the U.S. is `` developing a range of hypersonic missiles . ''
The Space Force was established late last year by the administration to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has pointed to threats from China and Russia and the nation ’ s reliance on satellites for defense operations as reasoning for the sixth military branch .
He has said U.S. adversaries are targeting `` Earth 's orbits with new technology targeting American satellites . ''
Trump first revealed the Space Force logo in January , and it immediately drew comparisons to the insignia that represents the fictional Starfleet Command in the `` Star Trek '' movie franchise .
The logo is a modified version of a pre-existing Air Force Space Command logo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump unveils new Space Force logo , draws comparisons to 'Star Trek ' Starfleet Command Why is the uniform camo ?
: Space is pitch black , so why will US Space Force members wear camo uniforms ?
`` The delta in the middle is the symbol that the space communities used for years and years and years .
The North Star signifies our core value , our guiding light , if you will .
And the orbit around the globe signifies the space capabilities that fuel our American way of life and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Jay Raymond , the Space Force chief of space operations .

Trump unveils Space Force flag, Pentagon says his 'super duper' missiles are hypersonic weapons
Show Caption Hide Caption President Trump unveils new U.S. Space Force flag, 'super duper' missiles "Space is going to be the future both in terms of defense and offense and so many other things," Trump said. "We're now the leader in space." USA TODAY, Wochit
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump on Friday revealed the official flag for the new U.S. Space Force, the first military branch created in seven decades. He also touted the development underway of what he called a "super duper missile" that could outdo foreign adversaries.
Trump said the flag will be displayed at the White House. The flag was presented to him in the Oval Office, where he also signed the 2020 Armed Forces Day Proclamation.
"Space is going to be the future both in terms of defense and offense and so many other things," Trump said. "We're now the leader in space."
Trump said the country is building "incredible military equipment at a level that nobody's ever seen before" and described a missile he said is being developed that is the "fastest in the world" and will outpace China and Russia.
The Department of Defense is working on developing a range of hypersonic missiles to counter our adversaries. https://t.co/ATb1XLHFtl — Jonathan Rath Hoffman (@ChiefPentSpox) May 15, 2020
"We have I call it the 'super duper missile,' and I heard the other night 17 times faster than what they have right now," Trump said. "You take the fastest missile we have right now. You've heard Russia has five times and China's working on five or six times. We have one 17 times, and it's just gotten the go ahead."
Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany wouldn't comment further with specifics of what missile Trump was talking about when asked at a White House press briefing. But a Department of Defense official later said on Twitter that the U.S. is "developing a range of hypersonic missiles."
Today I was presented with the brand new @SpaceForceDoD flag in the Oval Office. I will take Great Pride in displaying it at the @WhiteHouse! pic.twitter.com/S29tBFYlQY — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 15, 2020
The Space Force was established late last year by the administration to protect U.S. assets in space. Trump has pointed to threats from China and Russia and the nation’s reliance on satellites for defense operations as reasoning for the sixth military branch.
He has said U.S. adversaries are targeting "Earth's orbits with new technology targeting American satellites."
Trump first revealed the Space Force logo in January, and it immediately drew comparisons to the insignia that represents the fictional Starfleet Command in the "Star Trek" movie franchise. The logo is a modified version of a pre-existing Air Force Space Command logo, however.
Logo looks familiar: Trump unveils new Space Force logo, draws comparisons to 'Star Trek' Starfleet Command
Why is the uniform camo?: Space is pitch black, so why will US Space Force members wear camo uniforms?
"The delta in the middle is the symbol that the space communities used for years and years and years. The North Star signifies our core value, our guiding light, if you will. And the orbit around the globe signifies the space capabilities that fuel our American way of life and our American way of war," said Jay Raymond, the Space Force chief of space operations.


usatoday--2020-05-16--Justin Amash announces he won't run for president, says it's too hard to break through

WASHINGTON — A month after independent Rep. Justin Amash of Michigan said he was considering a candidacy for president , he said he would not run .
On Saturday , Amash said in a series of posts on Twitter that he was abandoning plans to run to become the Libertarian Party 's nominee this year , saying he concluded `` that circumstances don ’ t lend themselves to my success as a candidate for president this year , and therefore I will not be a candidate . ''
Amash , a former Republican who left the GOP last year after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said he still believes that a candidate who is not a Democrat or Republican is needed to offer `` a vision of government grounded in liberty and equality '' and that one `` can break through in the right environment . ''
But he said he determined this is not the right year after weeks of planning and considerations .
`` Polarization is near an all-time high .
Electoral success requires an audience willing to consider alternatives , but both social media and traditional media are dominated by voices strongly averse to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ third candidate , '' he said .
More : Justin Amash quits Republican Party , saying U.S. is in a 'partisan death spiral' More : Justin Amash says he 's considering a run for president after Trump remarks He also said social distancing requirements put in place as a response to the coronavirus pandemic make it difficult for an outside candidate with less name recognition than those in the two major parties to break through .
Amash said on April 13 via Twitter that he was considering a run for president .
After @ @ @ @ @ @ @ committed impeachable offenses in attempting to stymie former special counsel Robert Mueller 's investigation into Russian involvement in the 2016 election , Amash was outraged when Trump , this spring , suggested that his authority as president over the response to coronavirus was `` total . ''
Despite his long association with the Republican Party , Amash had just as long a history of breaking with his party .
While many anti-Trump Republicans voiced support for Amash when he battled publicly with the president — Trump at one point called Amash a `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' on Twitter — many of them broke with him when he announced , on April 28 , that instead of running as an independent , he was exploring his chances of winning the Libertarian Party ' a nomination .
Doing so , some of them argued , could help Trump get re-elected in November by taking votes away from the Democratic Party 's presumptive nominee , former Vice President Joe Biden , who many of the so-called Never-Trumpers have said they would back .
More : Could an Amash candidacy help Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so Amash brushed aside those concerns .
But with the Libertarian Party set to hold its presidential nominating convention in Austin , Texas , beginning next Thursday , Amash decided to drop his presidential aspirations altogether while saying he plans to remain a member of the Libertarian Party .
`` This was a difficult decision for me , especially having seen grassroots supporters put so much effort into this campaign .
It ’ s been humbling and awesome , '' he said .
Some of those Republicans opposing Trump cheered Amash 's decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rep. Joe Walsh , R-Ill. , who briefly mounted a GOP run for president this year against Trump this year and considers Amash a friend , had written a column in the Washington Post calling Amash 's Libertarian run a mistake .
On Saturday , he welcomed him back into the fold .
`` Thank you , @ justinamash '' Walsh wrote on Twitter .
`` Now work with all of us to make sure that Donald Trump is defeated . ''
It was not clear that Amash was a shoo-in for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Superior Court Judge Jim Gray , who ran as the party 's vice presidential nominee in 2012 , and lawyer Jacob Hornberger , who founded the Future of Freedom Foundation , a group that advocates for smaller government and free markets , among the front-runners .
According to a May 4 post on the Libertarian Party of Michigan 's website , Amash came in second in that group 's online convention to Hornberger , 33 votes to 23 votes , and some Libertarian officials thought Amash might have difficultly overcoming his long history @ @ @ @ @ @ @ name recognition played in his favor .
It was not immediately clear whether Amash , who changed his party affiliation in the last month and became the only Libertarian member of the U.S. House , plans to try to run for reelection in his current seat , which he has held since 2011 .
But even if he does , he faces a tough battle in a predominately Republican district .
Peter Meijer , whose family owns and operates the eponymous grocery chain , is considered one of the top candidates running for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as is state Rep. Lynn Afendoulis , R-Grand Rapids .
Former Sand Lake Village President Tom Norton is also running for the GOP nod .
On the Democratic side , Hillary Scholten , who worked at the Department of Justice under President Barack Obama , is running for the nomination .
According to information on the Michigan Secretary of State 's website , a candidate who is not running as a nominee for a major or minor party but as an independent has until July 16 to file the required affidavits and petition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ballot .
It did not appear the Libertarian Party had a nominee in Amash 's district , so it 's also possible he could gain access to the ballot that way , if it had a convention nominating him by Aug. 4 .
In his posts Saturday , Amash said he only came to the conclusion to drop his considerations of running after `` assessing the race , appearing in media , talking to delegates and donors , watching the Libertarian Party ’ s convention plan unfold , and gathering feedback from family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' He said given the changing nature of American life in recent months due to coronavirus , he found it was difficult to find a way to break through to deliver his message and gain momentum .
`` Americans are understandably more interested in what life will look like tomorrow than they are in broader policy debates , and news coverage has reflected those priorities , '' he wrote .
`` At the same time , fundraising challenges posed by an idled economy will hinder advertising . ''
He also said `` lingering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the feasibility of 50-state ballot access and related legal challenges , and unity after the nomination have also weighed heavily on me .
We must address these issues as a party to ensure we maximize our potential . ''
Contact Todd Spangler on Twitter @ tsspangler .
Read more onMichigan politics and sign up for ourelections newsletter .

Justin Amash announces he won't run for president, says it's too hard to break through
Show Caption Hide Caption Donald Trump rips Republican Rep. Justin Amash Donald Trump lashed out on Sunday at the first Republican congressman to call the U.S. president’s behavior impeachable. Wochit, Wochit
WASHINGTON — A month after independent Rep. Justin Amash of Michigan said he was considering a candidacy for president, he said he would not run.
On Saturday, Amash said in a series of posts on Twitter that he was abandoning plans to run to become the Libertarian Party's nominee this year, saying he concluded "that circumstances don’t lend themselves to my success as a candidate for president this year, and therefore I will not be a candidate."
Amash, a former Republican who left the GOP last year after calling for President Donald Trump's impeachment, said he still believes that a candidate who is not a Democrat or Republican is needed to offer "a vision of government grounded in liberty and equality" and that one "can break through in the right environment."
But he said he determined this is not the right year after weeks of planning and considerations.
"Polarization is near an all-time high. Electoral success requires an audience willing to consider alternatives, but both social media and traditional media are dominated by voices strongly averse to the political risks posed by a viable third candidate," he said.
After much reflection, I’ve concluded that circumstances don’t lend themselves to my success as a candidate for president this year, and therefore I will not be a candidate. — Justin Amash (@justinamash) May 16, 2020
More: Justin Amash quits Republican Party, saying U.S. is in a 'partisan death spiral'
More: Justin Amash says he's considering a run for president after Trump remarks
He also said social distancing requirements put in place as a response to the coronavirus pandemic make it difficult for an outside candidate with less name recognition than those in the two major parties to break through.
Amash said on April 13 via Twitter that he was considering a run for president. After having concluded last year that Trump had committed impeachable offenses in attempting to stymie former special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian involvement in the 2016 election, Amash was outraged when Trump, this spring, suggested that his authority as president over the response to coronavirus was "total."
Despite his long association with the Republican Party, Amash had just as long a history of breaking with his party.
While many anti-Trump Republicans voiced support for Amash when he battled publicly with the president — Trump at one point called Amash a "total lightweight" and a "loser" on Twitter — many of them broke with him when he announced, on April 28, that instead of running as an independent, he was exploring his chances of winning the Libertarian Party'a nomination.
Doing so, some of them argued, could help Trump get re-elected in November by taking votes away from the Democratic Party's presumptive nominee, former Vice President Joe Biden, who many of the so-called Never-Trumpers have said they would back.
More: Could an Amash candidacy help Trump get reelected? Some Trump critics think so
Amash brushed aside those concerns. But with the Libertarian Party set to hold its presidential nominating convention in Austin, Texas, beginning next Thursday, Amash decided to drop his presidential aspirations altogether while saying he plans to remain a member of the Libertarian Party.
"This was a difficult decision for me, especially having seen grassroots supporters put so much effort into this campaign. It’s been humbling and awesome," he said.
Some of those Republicans opposing Trump cheered Amash's decision not to enter the race. Former Rep. Joe Walsh, R-Ill., who briefly mounted a GOP run for president this year against Trump this year and considers Amash a friend, had written a column in the Washington Post calling Amash's Libertarian run a mistake.
On Saturday, he welcomed him back into the fold.
"Thank you, @justinamash" Walsh wrote on Twitter. "Now work with all of us to make sure that Donald Trump is defeated."
It was not clear that Amash was a shoo-in for the Libertarian nomination anyway, with former California Superior Court Judge Jim Gray, who ran as the party's vice presidential nominee in 2012, and lawyer Jacob Hornberger, who founded the Future of Freedom Foundation, a group that advocates for smaller government and free markets, among the front-runners.
According to a May 4 post on the Libertarian Party of Michigan's website, Amash came in second in that group's online convention to Hornberger, 33 votes to 23 votes, and some Libertarian officials thought Amash might have difficultly overcoming his long history as a Republican, though his greater name recognition played in his favor.
Amash could re-enter congressional race
It was not immediately clear whether Amash, who changed his party affiliation in the last month and became the only Libertarian member of the U.S. House, plans to try to run for reelection in his current seat, which he has held since 2011. But even if he does, he faces a tough battle in a predominately Republican district.
Peter Meijer, whose family owns and operates the eponymous grocery chain, is considered one of the top candidates running for the Republican nomination to the seat, as is state Rep. Lynn Afendoulis, R-Grand Rapids.
Former Sand Lake Village President Tom Norton is also running for the GOP nod. On the Democratic side, Hillary Scholten, who worked at the Department of Justice under President Barack Obama, is running for the nomination.
According to information on the Michigan Secretary of State's website, a candidate who is not running as a nominee for a major or minor party but as an independent has until July 16 to file the required affidavits and petition signatures to be listed on the November ballot. It did not appear the Libertarian Party had a nominee in Amash's district, so it's also possible he could gain access to the ballot that way, if it had a convention nominating him by Aug. 4.
In his posts Saturday, Amash said he only came to the conclusion to drop his considerations of running after "assessing the race, appearing in media, talking to delegates and donors, watching the Libertarian Party’s convention plan unfold, and gathering feedback from family, friends, and other advisers."
He said given the changing nature of American life in recent months due to coronavirus, he found it was difficult to find a way to break through to deliver his message and gain momentum.
"Americans are understandably more interested in what life will look like tomorrow than they are in broader policy debates, and news coverage has reflected those priorities," he wrote. "At the same time, fundraising challenges posed by an idled economy will hinder advertising."
He also said "lingering uncertainty regarding ratification of online voting, the feasibility of 50-state ballot access and related legal challenges, and unity after the nomination have also weighed heavily on me. We must address these issues as a party to ensure we maximize our potential."
Contact Todd Spangler on Twitter @tsspangler. Read more on Michigan politics and sign up for our elections newsletter.


usatoday--2020-05-16--The Trump administration has recently removed 4 inspectors general. Here are the ousted watchdogs

WASHINGTON – Secretary of State Mike Pompeo 's decision Friday to fire his department 's inspector general marks the fourth time within the last three months that an internal agency watchdog has been removed by the Trump administration .
IGs are nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate .
Working within the agency they monitor , the inspector generals and their staffs are charged with reporting on government malfeasance and corruption .
Here 's a look at the inspector generals who have been ousted recently : State Department IG Steve Linick was appointed in 2013 during the Obama @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. government .
A State Department official declined to say why Linick was fired , and the White House did not explain the move in a letter informing lawmakers .
But a Democratic aide , who was not authorized to speak on the record , said the IG was probing allegations that Pompeo used a political appointee at the State Department `` to perform personal tasks for himself and Mrs .
Pompeo . ''
Linick also oversaw the contentious investigation of then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton 's use of a private email @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2016 report .
On May 1 , Trump fired HHS Principal Deputy Inspector General Christi A. Grimm , three weeks after the release of a report from her office that hospitals nationwide were struggling to respond to the coronavirus pandemic .
The April 3 report , based on a survey of more than 300 hospitals , described `` severe shortages of testing supplies and extended waits for test results '' as well as `` widespread shortages of personal protective equipment ( that ) put staff and patients at risk '' at a time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the crisis .
The day after he was asked about the report during a press briefing , Trump tweeted that the report was a `` Fake Dossier '' written by someone with political motivations .
Grimm first joined the IG 's office in 1999 , serving in both Republican and Democratic administrations .
Trump replaced acting Defense Department Inspector General Glenn Fine on April 6 , removing not only the Pentagon 's top internal watchdog but also a key figure overseeing the trillions being spent by Washington to mitigate the economic damage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been selected by fellow inspectors general to chair the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee , created after Congress passed a roughly $ 2 trillion stimulus bill known as the CARES Act in late March to help large industries , small businesses and health care providers weather the crisis .
The House Friday passed a bill that could add another $ 3 trillion to the effort .
Trump signaled his displeasure with the law 's oversight provision when he issued a relatively rare signing statement .
Trump said he would ignore portions of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Congress additional visibility into the stimulus spending , arguing that those requirements would infringe on the separation of powers enshrined in the Constitution .
On April 3 , President Donald Trump announced he had fired the intelligence committee watchdog who handled a whistleblower 's complaint involving Trump 's pressure campaign against the Ukranian president that triggered his impeachment .
Michael Atkinson reviewed the complaint that alleged Trump “ used the power of his office ” to solicit foreign help in the 2020 election , determining in late August that the complaint appeared credible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Joseph Maguire , prevented him from passing along the complaint to Congress within seven days , as is typically required for national-security whistleblower complaints , after consulting with the White House and Justice Department

The Trump administration has recently moved to oust 4 government watchdogs. Here they are:
Show Caption Hide Caption Trump in firing intel committee watchdog over whistleblower complaint President Trump defends decision to fire Micael Atkinson, the watchdog who followed protocol and forwarded the whistleblower complaint to Congress. USA TODAY
Corrections and clarifications: The article has been updated to clarify that Christi Grimm remains in charge of the inspector general's office for the Health and Human Services but that President Donald Trump has nominated someone else to run the office.
WASHINGTON – Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's decision Friday to fire his department's inspector general marks the fourth time within the last three months that an internal agency watchdog has been targeted for removal by the Trump administration.
IGs are nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate. Working within the agency they monitor, the inspector generals and their staffs are charged with reporting on government malfeasance and corruption.
Here's a look at the inspector generals who have been ousted recently:
State Department
State Department IG Steve Linick was appointed in 2013 during the Obama administration after serving other senior roles in the U.S. government.
A State Department official declined to say why Linick was fired, and the White House did not explain the move in a letter informing lawmakers.
But a Democratic aide, who was not authorized to speak on the record, said the IG was probing allegations that Pompeo used a political appointee at the State Department "to perform personal tasks for himself and Mrs. Pompeo."
Linick also oversaw the contentious investigation of then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server and criticized her actions in a 2016 report.
Health and Human Services
On May 1, Trump announced he would nominate a new HHS inspector general to run the office now headed by top deputy IG Christi Grimm. The announcement came three weeks after the release of a report from her office that hospitals nationwide were struggling to respond to the coronavirus pandemic.
The April 3 report, based on a survey of more than 300 hospitals, described "severe shortages of testing supplies and extended waits for test results" as well as "widespread shortages of personal protective equipment (that) put staff and patients at risk" at a time when Trump was touting the federal response to the crisis.
The day after he was asked about the report during a press briefing, Trump tweeted that the report was a "Fake Dossier" written by someone with political motivations.
Grimm first joined the IG's office in 1999, serving in both Republican and Democratic administrations. She'll remain as the top deputy in the HHS inspector general's office when the Senate confirms a permanent IG.
Why didn’t the I.G., who spent 8 years with the Obama Administration (Did she Report on the failed H1N1 Swine Flu debacle where 17,000 people died?), want to talk to the Admirals, Generals, V.P. & others in charge, before doing her report. Another Fake Dossier! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 7, 2020
Department of Defense
Trump replaced acting Defense Department Inspector General Glenn Fine on April 6, removing not only the Pentagon's top internal watchdog but also a key figure overseeing the trillions being spent by Washington to mitigate the economic damage caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
Fine had been selected by fellow inspectors general to chair the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee, created after Congress passed a roughly $2 trillion stimulus bill known as the CARES Act in late March to help large industries, small businesses and health care providers weather the crisis. The House Friday passed a bill that could add another $3 trillion to the effort.
Trump signaled his displeasure with the law's oversight provision when he issued a relatively rare signing statement. Trump said he would ignore portions of the law demanded by some Democrats to give Congress additional visibility into the stimulus spending, arguing that those requirements would infringe on the separation of powers enshrined in the Constitution.
Intelligence
On April 3, President Donald Trump announced he had fired the intelligence committee watchdog who handled a whistleblower's complaint involving Trump's pressure campaign against the Ukranian president that triggered his impeachment.
Michael Atkinson reviewed the complaint that alleged Trump “used the power of his office” to solicit foreign help in the 2020 election, determining in late August that the complaint appeared credible.
The then-acting director of national intelligence, Joseph Maguire, prevented him from passing along the complaint to Congress within seven days, as is typically required for national-security whistleblower complaints, after consulting with the White House and Justice Department
Contributing: Deirdre Shesgreen, Kevin Johnson, Tom Vanden Brook


usatoday--2020-05-16--House passes massive COVID-19 stimulus package that Trump said is 'dead on arrival'

House passes yet another stimulus package but may not go far See what the controversial package includes for essential workers @ @ @ @ @

House passes yet another stimulus package but may not go far
See what the controversial package includes for essential workers and every American household.
USA TODAY, Wochit


usatoday--2020-05-18--'Who is that money helping?': Congress asks why Treasury, Fed have spent little of $500B for coronav

WASHINGTON – A bipartisan congressional panel is questioning why the Treasury Department and the Federal Reserve have loaned out little of the $ 500 billion designated in a recent spending bill for economic relief from the novel coronavirus .
The Congressional Oversight Commission was created as part of the $ 2 trillion package that Congress approved to help individuals , businesses and local governments weather the economic catastrophe from the virus .
The day before Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin is scheduled to testify in the Senate , the commission reported that none of the $ 46 billion set aside for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to national security has been disbursed yet .
Of the remaining $ 454 billion available for emergency lending , the commission found that Treasury had disbursed only $ 37.5 billion to the Federal Reserve ’ s Secondary Market Corporate Credit Facility for supporting corporate bonds .
“ What are the Treasury and the Fed doing with $ 500 billion of taxpayer money ?
” the report asked .
“ Who is that money helping ?
” The Treasury Department didn ’ t immediately reply to a request for comment .
The Senate Banking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be holding a hearing Tuesday with Mnuchin and Jerome Powell , chairman of the Federal Reserve System .
The commission lacks a chairman , who must be appointed jointly by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. , and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , R-Ky .
But four members of the commission – Reps. French Hill , R-Ark.
, and Donna Shalala , D-Fla. ; Bharat Ramamurti , a managing director for corporate power at the Roosevelt Institute and former aide to Sen. Elizabeth Warren , D-Mass .
; and Sen. Pat Toomey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ largely outlining questions to gauge how the $ 500 billion is being used .
Warren and Toomey each sit on the Banking Committee .
“ We aim to get answers to these and other questions in the report , ” Ramamurti said Monday in a tweet , with the next report expected in mid-June .
The commission noted that the relief legislation came during the worst economic collapse since the Great Depression .
The Labor Department reported 20 million unemployment claims in April , as the unemployment rate rose to 14.7 % .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ March and nearly $ 80 billion in April .
The $ 500 billion that the commission focused on is intended for loans to “ eligible businesses , states , and municipalities related to losses incurred as a result of coronavirus.
” The Main Street Lending Program is intended to help businesses with up to 10,000 workers or $ 2.5 billion in annual revenue The Municipal Lending Facility is intended to help states and counties with more than 500,000 residents and cities with more than 250,000 residents .
The Primary and Secondary Market Corporate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by buying corporate bonds or syndicated loans .
The oversight commission and members of the Banking Committee will be asking how to gauge whether the program is a success .
`` How will the Treasury and the Fed assess the success or failure of this program ? ''
the report asked .

'Who is that money helping?': Congress asks why Treasury, Fed have spent little of $500B for coronavirus
Show Caption Hide Caption How to protect yourself from loan debt during coronavirus As families struggle in the new pandemic economy, here's what you need to know about loans, providers and how to get the best deal. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – A bipartisan congressional panel is questioning why the Treasury Department and the Federal Reserve have loaned out little of the $500 billion designated in a recent spending bill for economic relief from the novel coronavirus.
The Congressional Oversight Commission was created as part of the $2 trillion package that Congress approved to help individuals, businesses and local governments weather the economic catastrophe from the virus.
The day before Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin is scheduled to testify in the Senate, the commission reported that none of the $46 billion set aside for loans to airlines and other businesses critical to national security has been disbursed yet.
Of the remaining $454 billion available for emergency lending, the commission found that Treasury had disbursed only $37.5 billion to the Federal Reserve’s Secondary Market Corporate Credit Facility for supporting corporate bonds.
“What are the Treasury and the Fed doing with $500 billion of taxpayer money?” the report asked. “Who is that money helping?”
The Treasury Department didn’t immediately reply to a request for comment.
The Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee will be holding a hearing Tuesday with Mnuchin and Jerome Powell, chairman of the Federal Reserve System.
The commission lacks a chairman, who must be appointed jointly by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.
But four members of the commission – Reps. French Hill, R-Ark., and Donna Shalala, D-Fla.; Bharat Ramamurti, a managing director for corporate power at the Roosevelt Institute and former aide to Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass.; and Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa. – released the 17-page report largely outlining questions to gauge how the $500 billion is being used. Warren and Toomey each sit on the Banking Committee.
“We aim to get answers to these and other questions in the report,” Ramamurti said Monday in a tweet, with the next report expected in mid-June.
The commission noted that the relief legislation came during the worst economic collapse since the Great Depression. The Labor Department reported 20 million unemployment claims in April, as the unemployment rate rose to 14.7%. Retails sales fell $46 billion in March and nearly $80 billion in April.
Senate approves nearly $500B virus aid deal A nearly $500 billion coronavirus aid package flew through the Senate on Tuesday after Congress and the White House reached a deal to replenish a small-business payroll fund and provided new money for hospitals and testing. (April 21) AP
The $500 billion that the commission focused on is intended for loans to “eligible businesses, states, and municipalities related to losses incurred as a result of coronavirus.”
The Main Street Lending Program is intended to help businesses with up to 10,000 workers or $2.5 billion in annual revenue
The Municipal Lending Facility is intended to help states and counties with more than 500,000 residents and cities with more than 250,000 residents.
The Primary and Secondary Market Corporate Credit Facilities are intended to support businesses by buying corporate bonds or syndicated loans.
The oversight commission and members of the Banking Committee will be asking how to gauge whether the program is a success.
"How will the Treasury and the Fed assess the success or failure of this program?" the report asked.


usatoday--2020-05-18--President Trump: COVID-19 treatment results 'staggeringly good'

President Trump shared his positive outlook on COVID-19 treatment results and the recovering economy during a roundtable with business leaders @

President Trump says COVID-19 treatments show positive results
President Trump shared his positive outlook on COVID-19 treatment results and the recovering economy during a roundtable with business leaders.
Wochit


usatoday--2020-05-18--President Trump: I'm taking hydroxychloroquine now

President Donald Trump said Monday he is taking the anti-malaria drug despite warnings about its effectiveness .

Trump says he's taking hydroxychloroquine to prevent coronavirus
President Donald Trump said Monday he is taking the anti-malaria drug despite warnings about its effectiveness.
USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-05-18--Mike Pompeo says he had no knowledge State Department IG was investigating him, firing was not retal

WASHINGTON — Secretary of State Mike Pompeo denied that he recommended the firing of the department 's watchdog because of an investigation into Pompeo 's conduct , saying instead that the official was `` undermining '' the State Department 's mission .
Pompeo told the Washington Post , in an interview posted Monday , he was unaware that the ousted Inspector General Steve Linick was investigating him for allegedly using a staffer to run his personal errands .
He acknowledged asking President Donald Trump to fire Linick but declined to name any specific instances of Linick 's `` undermining '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I went to the president and made clear to him that Inspector General Linick wasn ’ t performing a function in a way that we had tried to get him to , that was additive for the State Department , very consistent with what the statute says he ’ s supposed to be doing , '' Pompeo said .
`` The kinds of activities he ’ s supposed to undertake to make us better , to improve us . ''
Pompeo would n't respond to the Post 's questioning about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ run his errands , according to the posted interview .
`` I ’ m not going to answer the host of unsubstantiated allegations about any of that , '' he said .
Rep. Eliot Engel , the Democratic chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee , said that he had learned of the investigation into Pompeo on Saturday , and said it suggested Linick 's firing `` is an unlawful act of retaliation . ''
“ It is not possible that this decision , or my recommendation rather , to the president rather @ @ @ @ @ @ @ retaliate for any investigation that was going on or is currently going on , ” Pompeo told The Post .
“ Because I simply don ’ t know .
I ’ m not briefed on it .
I usually see these investigations in final draft form 24 hours , 48 hours before the IG is prepared to release them .
So it ’ s simply not possible for this to be an act of retaliation .
End of story.
” Trump announced Linick was being removed from his post Friday evening , explaining @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ability to do the job .
Engel and other Democratic lawmakers have called for an investigation into Linick 's termination , suggesting the move was part of a larger pattern of the Trump administration blocking independent oversight .
Pompeo said Monday that there did not need to be a reason for Linick 's termination .
“ The president obviously has the right to have an inspector general , ” he said .
“ Just like every presidentially confirmed position , I can terminate them .
They serve at his pleasure for any reason @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pelosi , D-Calif. , acknowledged the president 's right to fire an official , but said , `` if it looks like it 's in retaliation for something that the inspector general is doing , that could be unlawful . ''
Democrats have also said Linick was investigating a declaration of a national security emergency in 2019 to justify an $ 8.1 billion arms sale to Saudi Arabia , which Pompeo did not discuss in his interview with The Post .
In a letter to Trump on Monday , Pelosi said it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may have to do with the arms sale investigation and that Congress must be aware of a `` clear and substantial cause '' to fire an inspector general .
`` It is alarming to see news reports that your action may have been in response to Inspector General Linick nearing completion of an investigation into the approval of billions of dollars in arms sales to Saudi Arabia , '' Pelosi wrote .
`` Therefore , I am asking that you provide detailed and substantial justification for the removal of Inspector General Linick before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''

Mike Pompeo says he had no knowledge State Department IG was investigating him, firing was not retaliation
Show Caption Hide Caption Barr: Criminal probes of Biden, Obama unlikely Insisting the criminal justice system won't be used for political ends, Attorney General William Barr says he doesn't expect a review into the Russia investigation origins to lead to criminal probes of Joe Biden or former President Barack Obama. (May 18) AP
WASHINGTON — Secretary of State Mike Pompeo denied that he recommended the firing of the department's watchdog because of an investigation into Pompeo's conduct, saying instead that the official was "undermining" the State Department's mission.
Pompeo told the Washington Post, in an interview posted Monday, he was unaware that the ousted Inspector General Steve Linick was investigating him for allegedly using a staffer to run his personal errands. He acknowledged asking President Donald Trump to fire Linick but declined to name any specific instances of Linick's "undermining" the State Department, the outlet reported.
"I went to the president and made clear to him that Inspector General Linick wasn’t performing a function in a way that we had tried to get him to, that was additive for the State Department, very consistent with what the statute says he’s supposed to be doing," Pompeo said. "The kinds of activities he’s supposed to undertake to make us better, to improve us."
Rep. Eliot Engel: Fired inspector general was investigating 2019 Saudi Arabia arms deal
Pompeo wouldn't respond to the Post's questioning about the allegation whether he enlisted an aide to run his errands, according to the posted interview. "I’m not going to answer the host of unsubstantiated allegations about any of that," he said.
Rep. Eliot Engel, the Democratic chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said that he had learned of the investigation into Pompeo on Saturday, and said it suggested Linick's firing "is an unlawful act of retaliation."
“It is not possible that this decision, or my recommendation rather, to the president rather, was based on any effort to retaliate for any investigation that was going on or is currently going on,” Pompeo told The Post. “Because I simply don’t know. I’m not briefed on it. I usually see these investigations in final draft form 24 hours, 48 hours before the IG is prepared to release them. So it’s simply not possible for this to be an act of retaliation. End of story.”
Trump announced Linick was being removed from his post Friday evening, explaining a loss of confidence in Linick's ability to do the job. Engel and other Democratic lawmakers have called for an investigation into Linick's termination, suggesting the move was part of a larger pattern of the Trump administration blocking independent oversight.
Pompeo said Monday that there did not need to be a reason for Linick's termination.
“The president obviously has the right to have an inspector general,” he said. “Just like every presidentially confirmed position, I can terminate them. They serve at his pleasure for any reason or no reason.”
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., acknowledged the president's right to fire an official, but said, "if it looks like it's in retaliation for something that the inspector general is doing, that could be unlawful."
Democrats have also said Linick was investigating a declaration of a national security emergency in 2019 to justify an $8.1 billion arms sale to Saudi Arabia, which Pompeo did not discuss in his interview with The Post.
In a letter to Trump on Monday, Pelosi said it was "alarming" that Linick's firing may have to do with the arms sale investigation and that Congress must be aware of a "clear and substantial cause" to fire an inspector general.
"It is alarming to see news reports that your action may have been in response to Inspector General Linick nearing completion of an investigation into the approval of billions of dollars in arms sales to Saudi Arabia," Pelosi wrote. "Therefore, I am asking that you provide detailed and substantial justification for the removal of Inspector General Linick before the end of the 30 day period."
Contributing: Will Cummings, Deirdre Shesgreen


usatoday--2020-05-18--House tells Supreme Court its investigation into possible impeachable offenses isn't over

WASHINGTON – House Democrats told the Supreme Court that it needs grand jury evidence from the Russia probe as they continue to investigate whether President Donald Trump had committed additional impeachable offenses .
In a court filing Monday , the House Judiciary Committee said the secret grand jury evidence gathered by former special counsel Robert Mueller 's Russia investigation `` is central '' to its inquiry into possible obstruction of justice by the president .
`` If this material reveals new evidence supporting the conclusion that President Trump committed impeachable offenses ... the Committee will proceed accordingly – including , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recommend new articles of impeachment , '' Douglas Letter , the House 's general counsel , wrote .
Letter said the committee is also looking into improper political influence in the Justice Department 's handling of the cases of Roger Stone and Michael Flynn , two presidential allies who were indicted as a result of the Mueller investigation .
Court sides with Congress : DC appeals court allows release of secret Mueller grand jury testimony to Congress House Democrats and the Justice Department have been locked in a legal battle over the grand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ federal appeals court in Washington , D.C. , ruled that the House committee is entitled to the evidence .
The Justice Department has asked the Supreme Court to review the lower court 's ruling .
Letter told the Supreme Court that the committee still needs the grand jury material even if the impeachment proceedings , which focused on the Trump administration 's dealings with Ukraine , have concluded .
`` The Committee ’ s investigation did not cease with the conclusion of the impeachment trial , '' Letter wrote .
The Justice Department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entitled to grand jury evidence , saying it has failed to explain which specific testimony it needs access to or how it would help its investigation into potential obstruction by the president .
The House committee 's investigation focuses on instances of possible obstruction of justice detailed in Mueller 's voluminous report , released last year .
A separate but related subpoena seeks testimony from former White House counsel Donald McGahn , a key witness on possible obstruction by Trump .
The Trump administration has blocked McGahn from testifying , saying Congress ca @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In February , a three-judge appeals court panel ruled that McGahn does not have to testify , saying the judiciary ca n't be an `` ombudsman '' who resolves disputes between the executive and legislative branches of government .
The full appeals reheard the case last month .
In the Monday filing , Letter suggested that the committee 's investigation has expanded to include the Justice Department 's handling of the cases of Stone and Flynn .
Separation of powers : Trump administration faces tough questions from federal court in separation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ met with swift backlash in February after it backed away from a stiff prison recommendation for Stone , who was convicted in November of lying to Congress and obstructing the Russia investigation to protect Trump and his 2016 presidential campaign .
Four career attorneys who prosecuted Stone left the case in apparent protest .
The Justice Department , again , sparked a political firestorm when it sought to drop the prosecution of Flynn , Trump 's former national security adviser .
Flynn pleaded guilty in 2017 to lying to the FBI about his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Flynn later reversed course , claiming investigators trapped him into making a false statement .
Last week , U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan tapped a retired federal judge to challenge the Justice Department 's bid to dismiss Flynn 's case and to address whether the former Army general committed perjury after claiming innocence from a crime he had earlier admitted .

House tells Supreme Court its investigation into possible impeachable offenses isn't over
Show Caption Hide Caption Chairman Nadler: Fight is 'not just about Mueller report' During the House Judiciary Committee meeting, Chairman Nadler said Congress' fight is "not just about the Mueller report." USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – House Democrats told the Supreme Court that it needs grand jury evidence from the Russia probe as they continue to investigate whether President Donald Trump had committed additional impeachable offenses.
In a court filing Monday, the House Judiciary Committee said the secret grand jury evidence gathered by former special counsel Robert Mueller's Russia investigation "is central" to its inquiry into possible obstruction of justice by the president. "If this material reveals new evidence supporting the conclusion that President Trump committed impeachable offenses ... the Committee will proceed accordingly – including, if necessary, by considering whether to recommend new articles of impeachment," Douglas Letter, the House's general counsel, wrote.
Letter said the committee is also looking into improper political influence in the Justice Department's handling of the cases of Roger Stone and Michael Flynn, two presidential allies who were indicted as a result of the Mueller investigation.
Court sides with Congress: DC appeals court allows release of secret Mueller grand jury testimony to Congress
The Justice Department has argued the House committee isn't entitled to grand jury evidence, saying it has failed to explain which specific testimony it needs access to or how it would help its investigation into potential obstruction by the president.
"Not only does the public have an interest in protecting grand-jury secrecy, but (the House committee) has provided no basis to conclude that it has urgent need of the requested materials for a hypothetical second impeachment," Solicitor General Noel Francisco wrote.
House Democrats and the Justice Department have been locked in a legal battle over the grand jury evidence. In March, a federal appeals court in Washington, D.C., ruled that the House committee is entitled to the evidence. The Justice Department has asked the Supreme Court to review the lower court's ruling.
Letter told the Supreme Court that the committee still needs the grand jury material even if the impeachment proceedings, which focused on the Trump administration's dealings with Ukraine, have concluded.
"The Committee’s investigation did not cease with the conclusion of the impeachment trial," Letter wrote.
The House committee's investigation focuses on instances of possible obstruction of justice detailed in Mueller's voluminous report, released last year. A separate but related subpoena seeks testimony from former White House counsel Donald McGahn, a key witness on possible obstruction by Trump. The Trump administration has blocked McGahn from testifying, saying Congress can't force high-ranking presidential aides to testify.
In February, a three-judge appeals court panel ruled that McGahn does not have to testify, saying the judiciary can't be an "ombudsman" who resolves disputes between the executive and legislative branches of government. The full appeals reheard the case last month.
In the Monday filing, Letter suggested that the committee's investigation has expanded to include the Justice Department's handling of the cases of Stone and Flynn.
Separation of powers: Trump administration faces tough questions from federal court in separation of powers disputes with Congress
The department was met with swift backlash in February after it backed away from a stiff prison recommendation for Stone, who was convicted in November of lying to Congress and obstructing the Russia investigation to protect Trump and his 2016 presidential campaign. Four career attorneys who prosecuted Stone left the case in apparent protest.
The Justice Department, again, sparked a political firestorm when it sought to drop the prosecution of Flynn, Trump's former national security adviser. Flynn pleaded guilty in 2017 to lying to the FBI about his communications with a former Russian ambassador. Flynn later reversed course, claiming investigators trapped him into making a false statement.
Last week, U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan tapped a retired federal judge to challenge the Justice Department's bid to dismiss Flynn's case and to address whether the former Army general committed perjury after claiming innocence from a crime he had earlier admitted.


usatoday--2020-05-18--Rubio named acting Senate Intelligence chairman amid FBI probe into Sen. Richard Burr

WASHINGTON – Sen. Marco Rubio has been named the acting chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee , replacing North Carolina GOP Sen. Richard Burr , who stepped aside while he 's under federal investigation for stock sales made ahead of a coronavirus-driven market crash .
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , R-Ky. , handed Rubio the gavel on Monday , calling the Florida Republican a `` talented and experienced '' leader and noted his work on subjects ranging from China and Iran to Russia and North Korea .
McConnell noted Rubio 's appointment was only temporarily and it 's unclear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Burr may return to leading the panel .
`` The senior senator for Florida is a talented and experienced Senate leader with expertise in foreign affairs and national security matters , '' McConnell said in a statement .
`` Senator Rubio was the natural choice for this temporary assignment on the basis of accumulated committee service .
His proven leadership on pertinent issues only made the decision easier . ''
McConnell noted that the post is crucial because while the nation 's intelligence officials are `` dedicated , hard-working men and women '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recent years have made painfully clear with respect to federal law enforcement , we also need proactive leadership from within and thorough oversight from Congress to keep partisan bias and political interference out of these sensitive activities . ''
Rubio , in a statement , said he looked forward to leading the committee .
`` I am grateful to Leader McConnell for his confidence in me to lead the Senate Intelligence Committee during Senator Burr ’ s absence from the Chairmanship , '' Rubio said .
`` The Committee has long been one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I look forward to continuing that tradition . ''
The Florida Republican and 2016 presidential candidate serving his second term in the Senate has generally defended the work of U.S. intelligence agencies and has been a foreign policy hawk on Russia and China .
Last year , he sponsored legislation requiring Chinese companies to provide certain financial information if they are publicly traded in U.S. markets .
His ascension is not expected to alter the panel 's bipartisan handling of security issues forged under Burr and the top Democrat on the committee , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ panel receives classified briefings and oversees the activities of the nation 's intelligence operations .
Sen. Richard Burr : Burr steps down as chairman of Intelligence Committee as FBI seizes phone in investigation As a member of the Intelligence Committee , Rubio has forcefully countered President Donald Trump ’ s claim that Russia did not meddle in the U.S. election .
He also voted for a bill to make sure Trump could not dial back economic sanctions against Moscow without congressional approval .
And he ’ s publicly wished the president took a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which Rubio has championed .
The post could give Rubio , 47 , a more expansive Capitol Hill resume should he decide to run for president again as many expect he will .
Burr gave up the chairmanship of the Intelligence Commission Thursday , amid questions that he illegally sold the stocks after receiving information obtained as a member of the committee on the severity of the oncoming COVID-19 pandemic .
Burr and his wife sold up to $ 1.6 million in February , and said they did so based only on public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called his decision to step side `` necessary to allow the Committee to continue its essential work free of external distractions . ''
He also has asked the Ethics Committee to review the matter .
Bromance : They insulted each other on the campaign trail , but now Trump and Rubio are chummy With the investigation intensifying , McConnell , said in a statement Thursday that he and Burr agreed that it would be in `` the bests interests '' of the Intelligence Committee for the North Carolina Republican to step down as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Other senators including Jim Inhofe , R-Okla. Kelly Loeffler , R-Ga. and Dianne Feinstein , D-Calif. , and their spouses or advisers sold stocks around the same time lawmakers received briefings about the severity of the coronavirus , financial disclosure forms showed .
But none have been as scrutinized as Burr whose cellphone was seized by federal investigators as part of the probe .

Ledyard King and Christal Hayes, USA TODAY

Rubio named acting Senate Intelligence chairman amid FBI probe into Sen. Richard Burr
Show Caption Hide Caption Burr: Probe is a distraction to Intel Committee Sen. Richard Burr said the probe into his stock sales has become a distraction to the "important" work of the Senate Intelligence Committee. He's stepped aside as chairman of the panel after the FBI served a search warrant for his phone. (May 14) AP
WASHINGTON – Sen. Marco Rubio has been named the acting chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, replacing North Carolina GOP Sen. Richard Burr, who stepped aside while he's under federal investigation for stock sales made ahead of a coronavirus-driven market crash.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., handed Rubio the gavel on Monday, calling the Florida Republican a "talented and experienced" leader and noted his work on subjects ranging from China and Iran to Russia and North Korea. McConnell noted Rubio's appointment was only temporarily and it's unclear whether it could become permanent or whether Burr may return to leading the panel.
"The senior senator for Florida is a talented and experienced Senate leader with expertise in foreign affairs and national security matters," McConnell said in a statement. "Senator Rubio was the natural choice for this temporary assignment on the basis of accumulated committee service. His proven leadership on pertinent issues only made the decision easier."
McConnell noted that the post is crucial because while the nation's intelligence officials are "dedicated, hard-working men and women" they also need oversight. "As recent years have made painfully clear with respect to federal law enforcement, we also need proactive leadership from within and thorough oversight from Congress to keep partisan bias and political interference out of these sensitive activities."
Rubio, in a statement, said he looked forward to leading the committee.
"I am grateful to Leader McConnell for his confidence in me to lead the Senate Intelligence Committee during Senator Burr’s absence from the Chairmanship," Rubio said. "The Committee has long been one that conducts its work seriously, and I look forward to continuing that tradition."
The Florida Republican and 2016 presidential candidate serving his second term in the Senate has generally defended the work of U.S. intelligence agencies and has been a foreign policy hawk on Russia and China. Last year, he sponsored legislation requiring Chinese companies to provide certain financial information if they are publicly traded in U.S. markets.
His ascension is not expected to alter the panel's bipartisan handling of security issues forged under Burr and the top Democrat on the committee, Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia. The panel receives classified briefings and oversees the activities of the nation's intelligence operations.
Over 11 months ago,I offered bill requiring all foreign companies,including from #CHINA,to provide audit information if they are listed on U.S. stock exchange
We still need this law
But happy to see @POTUS is looking at executive action on this as well https://t.co/l1oHuSvFN6 — Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) May 14, 2020
Sen. Richard Burr: Burr steps down as chairman of Intelligence Committee as FBI seizes phone in investigation
As a member of the Intelligence Committee, Rubio has forcefully countered President Donald Trump’s claim that Russia did not meddle in the U.S. election. He also voted for a bill to make sure Trump could not dial back economic sanctions against Moscow without congressional approval. And he’s publicly wished the president took a harder stance on global human rights, which Rubio has championed.
The post could give Rubio, 47, a more expansive Capitol Hill resume should he decide to run for president again as many expect he will.
Burr gave up the chairmanship of the Intelligence Commission Thursday, amid questions that he illegally sold the stocks after receiving information obtained as a member of the committee on the severity of the oncoming COVID-19 pandemic.
Burr and his wife sold up to $1.6 million in February, and said they did so based only on public news reports about the coronavirus. He called his decision to step side "necessary to allow the Committee to continue its essential work free of external distractions." He also has asked the Ethics Committee to review the matter.
Bromance: They insulted each other on the campaign trail, but now Trump and Rubio are chummy
With the investigation intensifying, McConnell, said in a statement Thursday that he and Burr agreed that it would be in "the bests interests" of the Intelligence Committee for the North Carolina Republican to step down as its chairman. He will remain on the panel.
Other senators including Jim Inhofe, R-Okla. Kelly Loeffler, R-Ga. and Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., and their spouses or advisers sold stocks around the same time lawmakers received briefings about the severity of the coronavirus, financial disclosure forms showed. But none have been as scrutinized as Burr whose cellphone was seized by federal investigators as part of the probe.
Contributing: Kevin Johnson


usatoday--2020-05-18--Rep. Eliot Engel: Fired inspector general was investigating 2019 Saudi Arabia arms deal

The State Department watchdog whom President Donald Trump fired last week was investigating a declaration of a national security emergency in 2019 to justify an $ 8.1 billion arms sale to Saudi Arabia , according to Rep. Eliot Engel , D-N.Y. , chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee .
Trump removed Inspector General Steve Linick on Friday evening in a letter explaining he had lost confidence in Linick 's ability to do the job .
A bipartisan group of lawmakers decried the move , arguing the law requires a more detailed justification for the removal of an inspector general @ @ @ @ @ @ @ D-N.J. , in calling for an investigation into Linick 's firing .
Saturday , Engel said he learned Linick was investigating Secretary of State Mike Pompeo .
`` Mr. Linick ’ s firing amid such a probe strongly suggests that this is an unlawful act of retaliation , '' Engel said in a tweet .
A Democratic aide , who was not authorized to speak on the record , said the inspector general was probing allegations that Pompeo used a political appointee at the State Department `` to perform personal tasks for himself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A threat to accountable democracy ' : Some Republicans object to Trump dismissal of federal watchdog Engel said he thought his request for an investigation into the arms sale in 2019 could also have been a factor in Linick 's removal .
`` I have learned that there may be another reason for Mr. Linick ’ s firing , '' Engel said in a statement .
`` His office was investigating – at my request – Trump ’ s phony declaration of an emergency so he could send weapons to Saudi Arabia .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ full picture yet , but it ’ s troubling that Secretary Pompeo wanted Mr. Linick pushed out before this work could be completed .
The administration should comply with the probe I launched with Senator Menendez and turn over all the records requested from the Department by Friday . ''
Pompeo said in an interview with The Washington Post on Monday that his recommendation for the inspector general 's removal was not an act of political retaliation , as he had no knowledge that Linick was investigating him .
In May , Pompeo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Saudi Arabia and its allies constituted a national security emergency because of `` Iranian aggression . ''
Republicans and Democrats on Capitol Hill objected to the sale over human rights concerns regarding Saudi Arabia 's role in Yemen 's civil war and the regime '' s alleged involvement in the murder of Jamal Khashoggi , a columnist for The Washington Post .
Lawmakers , including Engel and Menendez , denounced the emergency declaration as `` an end run around the Congress . ''
Senate Republicans joined Democrats to pass `` resolutions of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Trump vetoed the resolutions and went forward with the deal .
Linick was appointed in 2013 by President Barack Obama after serving other senior roles in the U.S. government .
The State Department announced that Stephen Akard , an aide to Mike Pence when he was governor of Indiana , would replace Linick as the agency 's inspector general .
Akard has served in other State Department roles , including as a political officer at the U.S. Embassy in Brussels .
He worked as an economic adviser for Pence , when the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Trump 's critics said the firing of Linick , the fourth federal watchdog the president has removed in three weeks , is part of a pattern of the administration refusing to allowed independent oversight .
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. , told CBS News on Sunday that `` the president has the right to fire any federal employee . ''
`` But the fact is , if it looks like it 's in retaliation for something that the inspector general is doing , that could be unlawful , '' she said @

Rep. Eliot Engel: Fired inspector general was investigating 2019 Saudi Arabia arms deal
Show Caption Hide Caption House passes yet another stimulus package but may not go far See what the controversial package includes for essential workers and every American household. USA TODAY, Wochit
The State Department watchdog whom President Donald Trump fired last week was investigating a declaration of a national security emergency in 2019 to justify an $8.1 billion arms sale to Saudi Arabia, according to Rep. Eliot Engel, D-N.Y., chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
Trump removed Inspector General Steve Linick on Friday evening in a letter explaining he had lost confidence in Linick's ability to do the job. A bipartisan group of lawmakers decried the move, arguing the law requires a more detailed justification for the removal of an inspector general.
Engel joined Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., in calling for an investigation into Linick's firing. Saturday, Engel said he learned Linick was investigating Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.
"Mr. Linick’s firing amid such a probe strongly suggests that this is an unlawful act of retaliation," Engel said in a tweet.
A Democratic aide, who was not authorized to speak on the record, said the inspector general was probing allegations that Pompeo used a political appointee at the State Department "to perform personal tasks for himself and Mrs. Pompeo."
'A threat to accountable democracy': Some Republicans object to Trump dismissal of federal watchdog
More: State Department watchdog critical of Trump moves fired
I have learned that the Office of the Inspector General had opened an investigation into Secretary Pompeo. Mr. Linick’s firing amid such a probe strongly suggests that this is an unlawful act of retaliation. https://t.co/rcpiBDShDz — Eliot Engel (@RepEliotEngel) May 16, 2020
Engel said he thought his request for an investigation into the arms sale in 2019 could also have been a factor in Linick's removal.
"I have learned that there may be another reason for Mr. Linick’s firing," Engel said in a statement. "His office was investigating – at my request – Trump’s phony declaration of an emergency so he could send weapons to Saudi Arabia.
"We don’t have the full picture yet, but it’s troubling that Secretary Pompeo wanted Mr. Linick pushed out before this work could be completed. The administration should comply with the probe I launched with Senator Menendez and turn over all the records requested from the Department by Friday."
Pompeo said in an interview with The Washington Post on Monday that his recommendation for the inspector general's removal was not an act of political retaliation, as he had no knowledge that Linick was investigating him.
In May, Pompeo announced the administration deemed the arms sale to Saudi Arabia and its allies constituted a national security emergency because of "Iranian aggression."
Republicans and Democrats on Capitol Hill objected to the sale over human rights concerns regarding Saudi Arabia's role in Yemen's civil war and the regime''s alleged involvement in the murder of Jamal Khashoggi, a columnist for The Washington Post. Lawmakers, including Engel and Menendez, denounced the emergency declaration as "an end run around the Congress."
Ousted: The Trump administration moves to remove 4 government watchdogs
Senate Republicans joined Democrats to pass "resolutions of disapproval" to block the pending sale. Trump vetoed the resolutions and went forward with the deal.
Linick was appointed in 2013 by President Barack Obama after serving other senior roles in the U.S. government.
The State Department announced that Stephen Akard, an aide to Mike Pence when he was governor of Indiana, would replace Linick as the agency's inspector general.
Akard has served in other State Department roles, including as a political officer at the U.S. Embassy in Brussels. He worked as an economic adviser for Pence, when the vice president was Indiana's chief executive.
Trump's critics said the firing of Linick, the fourth federal watchdog the president has removed in three weeks, is part of a pattern of the administration refusing to allowed independent oversight.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., told CBS News on Sunday that "the president has the right to fire any federal employee."
"But the fact is, if it looks like it's in retaliation for something that the inspector general is doing, that could be unlawful," she said.
Contributing: Deirdre Shesgreen, Christal Hayes and Ledyard King


usatoday--2020-05-18--Gov. Andrew Cuomo gets tested for coronavirus on live television

The New York governor was tested after announcing that all people experiencing flu-like symptoms are eligible for coronavirus testing .

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo takes coronavirus test on live TV
The New York governor was tested after announcing that all people experiencing flu-like symptoms are eligible for coronavirus testing.
Associated Press, USA TODAY