usatoday--2020-05-04--North Korean media says Kim Jong Un appeared in public, though there was no independent confirmation

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump declined to comment on the health of Kim Jung Un Friday as North Korea 's state news agency claimed the country 's leader made his first public appearance in weeks .
North Korea 's state-controlled news agency reported that Kim attended a public ceremony at a fertilizer plant on Saturday , North Korean time , amid rampant speculation that he was ill and possibly even near death .
Independent news agencies could not confirm the North Korean report .
The news outlet later released photos from the event , but the images could not be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health on Friday , Trump said : `` I 'd rather not comment on it yet .
... We 'll have something to say about it at the appropriate time . ''
When asked if he knew whether Kim was alive , Trump responded : `` I do n't want to talk about it . ''
Pandemic related ?
: South Korean official says Kim Jong Un may be avoiding public due to 'coronavirus concerns' Kim did not attend an April 15 celebration of his grandfather 's birthday , an important national holiday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his rise to power in 2011 .
Last week , a Seoul-based website called Daily NK reported that the North Korean leader had undergone heart surgery on April 12 and was recuperating at a villa outside the capital , Pyongyang .
The Daily NK 's story was based on a single source inside North Korea .
Other media outlets , including CNN , have reported that Kim 's health may be in `` grave danger .
``  South Korean government officials dismissed those accounts , and one minister suggested Kim might be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus pandemic .
Other North Korea experts echoed that assessment amid the news of Kim 's reported reemergence .
 '' He most likely was taking steps to ensure his health or may have been impacted in some way personally by the virus , '' said Harry Kazianis , senior director of Korean studies at the Center for the National Interest , a foreign policy think tank .
Trump has teased reporters in recent weeks amid reports that Kim was near death , but has never publicly declared what his intelligence services are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Trump told reporters he knew how Kim was doing but could n't divulge that information : `` I do have a very good idea , but I ca n't talk about it now .
I just wish him well . ''
' A near impossibility ' : Experts doubt North Korea 's claim of zero coronavirus cases Told by a reporter that Kim made some kind of statement last Saturday , Trump replied : `` He did n't say anything last Saturday .
Nobody knows where he is so he obviously could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ breaking news that Kim Jong Un made a statement on Saturday .
I do n't think so . ''
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has suggested the U.S. was preparing for a transition in case Kim 's health was in jeopardy .
`` We know we ’ ve not been able to identify a public appearance of his for now a little over two weeks – not unheard of , but unusual , '' Pompeo told a radio interviewer on Thursday .
`` But beyond that , I don ’ t have much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are working to make sure we ’ re prepared for whatever eventuality there is . ''
Where is he ?
: Kim Jong Un 'alive and well , ' South Korean official says amid new reports North Korean leader is ill

Deirdre Shesgreen, David Jackson and Michael Collins, USA TODAY

North Korean media says Kim Jong Un appeared in public, though there was no independent confirmation
Show Caption Hide Caption Kim Jong Un: Mixed reports on the North Korean leader's health Media reports say North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is believed to be in "grave danger" after surgery, but officials in South Korea believe otherwise. USA TODAY, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump declined to comment on the health of Kim Jung Un Friday as North Korea's state news agency claimed the country's leader made his first public appearance in weeks.
North Korea's state-controlled news agency reported that Kim attended a public ceremony at a fertilizer plant on Saturday, North Korean time, amid rampant speculation that he was ill and possibly even near death.
Independent news agencies could not confirm the North Korean report. The news outlet later released photos from the event, but the images could not be independently verified.
Asked about Kim's health on Friday, Trump said: "I'd rather not comment on it yet. ... We'll have something to say about it at the appropriate time."
When asked if he knew whether Kim was alive, Trump responded: "I don't want to talk about it."
Pandemic related?: South Korean official says Kim Jong Un may be avoiding public due to 'coronavirus concerns'
Kim did not attend an April 15 celebration of his grandfather's birthday, an important national holiday that he had not previously missed since his rise to power in 2011.
Last week, a Seoul-based website called Daily NK reported that the North Korean leader had undergone heart surgery on April 12 and was recuperating at a villa outside the capital, Pyongyang. The Daily NK's story was based on a single source inside North Korea. Other media outlets, including CNN, have reported that Kim's health may be in "grave danger."
South Korean government officials dismissed those accounts, and one minister suggested Kim might be isolating himself to avoid infection amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Other North Korea experts echoed that assessment amid the news of Kim's reported reemergence.
"He most likely was taking steps to ensure his health or may have been impacted in some way personally by the virus," said Harry Kazianis, senior director of Korean studies at the Center for the National Interest, a foreign policy think tank.
Trump has teased reporters in recent weeks amid reports that Kim was near death, but has never publicly declared what his intelligence services are saying about the situation.
On Monday, Trump told reporters he knew how Kim was doing but couldn't divulge that information: "I do have a very good idea, but I can't talk about it now. I just wish him well."
'A near impossibility': Experts doubt North Korea's claim of zero coronavirus cases
Trump: 'Very good idea' on Kim Jong Un's health Rumors have been circulating for days about the health of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. President Donald Trump says he has a “very good idea" about Kim's health, but couldn't talk about it. (April 27) AP
Told by a reporter that Kim made some kind of statement last Saturday, Trump replied: "He didn't say anything last Saturday. Nobody knows where he is so he obviously couldn't have said it. This is breaking news that Kim Jong Un made a statement on Saturday. I don't think so."
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has suggested the U.S. was preparing for a transition in case Kim's health was in jeopardy.
"We know we’ve not been able to identify a public appearance of his for now a little over two weeks – not unheard of, but unusual," Pompeo told a radio interviewer on Thursday. "But beyond that, I don’t have much that I can share. ... We are working to make sure we’re prepared for whatever eventuality there is."
Where is he?: Kim Jong Un 'alive and well,' South Korean official says amid new reports North Korean leader is ill
Contributing: Associated Press


usatoday--2020-05-05--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--2020-05-06--Justice Ginsburg hospitalized for gallbladder condition and infection, Supreme Court announces

WASHINGTON – Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was hospitalized Tuesday for `` a benign gallbladder condition '' that caused @ @ @ @ @ Court spokeswoman announced .
Ginsburg , 87 , underwent `` non-surgical treatment '' for acute @ @ @ @ @ to remain at Johns Hopkins Hospital for a day or two .
The spokeswoman said @ @ @ @ @ the telephone arguments on Wednesday , just as she did Monday and Tuesday .
Ginsburg @ @ @ @ @ after oral arguments and received outpatient tests at Sibley Memorial Hospital , which confirmed that @ @ @ @ @ her cystic duct that resulted in an infection .
This story is breaking and will @ @ @

Justice Ginsburg released from hospital after treatment for gallbladder condition
Show Caption Hide Caption Ruth Bader Ginsburg is tougher than she looks There's a reason Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is called Notorious RBG. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was released from the hospital Wednesday, one day after being admitted for a benign gallbladder condition that caused an infection, the Supreme Court announced.
Ginsburg, 87, had "non-surgical treatment" for acute cholecystitis, and spent the night in the hospital. A statement from the court's spokeswoman Kathleen Arberg reads that Ginsburg "is doing well and glad to be home."
"The Justice will return to The Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, for follow-up outpatient visits over the next few weeks to eventually remove the gallstone non-surgically," Arberg continued.
More: NY's Democratic presidential primary reinstated after Yang, Sanders sue
Ginsburg initially sought medical care Monday after oral arguments and received outpatient tests at Sibley Memorial Hospital in Washington, D.C. The tests confirmed that she had a gallstone blocking her cystic duct that resulted in an infection.
Ginsburg, also referred to as the "Notorious RBG" by her fans, is a leader of the court's minority of liberal judges. She has battled several health problems over the years.
She most recently was hospitalized to treat a malignant tumor found on her pancreas in August, for which she underwent a three-week course of radiation therapy.
More: Trump looks to wind down coronavirus task force as early as this month, Pence says
She was diagnosed with colon cancer in 1999 and was treated for pancreatic cancer in 2009. She had surgery in late 2018 when cancerous nodules were discovered in her lungs after she fell and fractured three ribs. That marked the first time she had missed a day in her 26 years on the Supreme Court.
The court is hearing oral arguments by telephone this week because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The high court also offered a live audio stream of an oral argument for the first time, going far beyond its usual protocol and giving advocates of greater transparency hope it will become a trend.
De Blasio: Trump enjoys 'stabbing his home town in the back' by demeaning state bailouts
Free coverage for contraceptives? Supreme Court again considers religious exemptions
The high court's oldest justice joined the court's telephonic debate Wednesday morning from the hospital to hear a case concerning whether the Affordable Care Act can force religious objectors to provide cost-free insurance coverage for contraceptives.
The Trump administration sides with the religious objectors, led by Little Sisters of the Poor, against the position taken by the Obama administration. It has sought to exempt groups with religious or moral objections but has been blocked by federal courts. The Supreme Court, previously deadlocked, now has a solidly conservative majority.
And the leader of the court's liberal minority didn't mince words on Wednesday.
“You have just tossed entirely to the wind what Congress thought was essential,” she told U.S. Solicitor General Noel Francisco, who was defending the new exemption that lower courts have blocked temporarily. "The women end up getting nothing. They are required to do just what Congress didn’t want.”
Contributing: Richard Wolf, Jeanine Santucci


usatoday--2020-05-06--NY's Democratic presidential primary reinstated after Yang, Sanders sue

ALBANY - The Democratic presidential primary in New York is back on .
A federal judge in Manhattan ruled late Tuesday that New York must hold the primary on June 23 , contending that canceling it would be unconstitutional and take away the ability of the candidates to receive delegates for the party 's convention in August .
Removing the candidates from the ballot and `` canceling the presidential primary denied them the chance to run , and denied voters the right to cast ballots for their candidate and their political beliefs , '' U.S. District Judge Analisa Torres ruled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of former presidential candidates Bernie Sanders and Andrew Yang , who argued in a lawsuit April 28 that it was illegal for New York to cancel the primary '' Yes – the people of New York will be able to vote in the Democratic presidential primary , '' Yang wrote on Twitter .
John Conklin , a spokesman for the state Board of Elections , declined comment on the ruling or whether the state would appeal , saying it was under review by the board 's attorneys .
The state 's Democratic election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presidential candidates from the ballot except Joe Biden , the only actively campaigning candidate and presumptive nominee .
The vote came after a new measure in state law that allows the board to remove candidates from the ballot if a candidate publicly suspends his or her campaign .
Lawsuit : Andrew Yang is challenging New York over its decision to cancel Democratic primary Primaries for state and federal elections were still being held , but the commissioners said it was best to end the presidential primary due to the coronavirus pandemic .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is required for a variety of reasons , including delegates selected by the primary `` to compete for the chance to become Convention delegates . ''
`` That Delegate Plaintiffs ’ rights are tied to those of Yang and other presidential candidates does not diminish Delegate Plaintiffs ’ importance , or their standing to sue when their ability to run – which rises and falls on their presidential candidates ’ viability– is threatened , '' Torres ruled .

NY's Democratic presidential primary reinstated after Yang, Sanders sue
Show Caption Hide Caption Bernie Sanders endorses Biden in remote meet-up: 'We need you' in WH During a livestream event, Senator Bernie Sanders explains to former Vice President Joe Biden why he's endorsing him for president. USA TODAY
ALBANY - The Democratic presidential primary in New York is back on.
A federal judge in Manhattan ruled late Tuesday that New York must hold the primary on June 23, contending that canceling it would be unconstitutional and take away the ability of the candidates to receive delegates for the party's convention in August.
Removing the candidates from the ballot and "canceling the presidential primary denied them the chance to run, and denied voters the right to cast ballots for their candidate and their political beliefs," U.S. District Judge Analisa Torres ruled.
The lawsuit was brought on behalf of former presidential candidates Bernie Sanders and Andrew Yang, who argued in a lawsuit April 28 that it was illegal for New York to cancel the primary
"Yes – the people of New York will be able to vote in the Democratic presidential primary," Yang wrote on Twitter.
Yes - the people of New York will be able to vote in the Democratic presidential primary! 👍🇺🇸 https://t.co/y3xRIJKeMB https://t.co/ZaBSdpmI68 — Andrew Yang🧢🇺🇸 (@AndrewYang) May 5, 2020
John Conklin, a spokesman for the state Board of Elections, declined comment on the ruling or whether the state would appeal, saying it was under review by the board's attorneys.
The state's Democratic election commissioners voted last week to remove 10 presidential candidates from the ballot except Joe Biden, the only actively campaigning candidate and presumptive nominee.
The vote came after a new measure in state law that allows the board to remove candidates from the ballot if a candidate publicly suspends his or her campaign.
Lawsuit: Andrew Yang is challenging New York over its decision to cancel Democratic primary
Primaries for state and federal elections were still being held, but the commissioners said it was best to end the presidential primary due to the coronavirus pandemic.
But the judge ruled the Democratic presidential primary is required for a variety of reasons, including delegates selected by the primary "to compete for the chance to become Convention delegates."
"That Delegate Plaintiffs’ rights are tied to those of Yang and other presidential candidates does not diminish Delegate Plaintiffs’ importance, or their standing to sue when their ability to run – which rises and falls on their presidential candidates’ viability– is threatened," Torres ruled.
Follow Joseph Spector on Twitter: @GannettAlbany


usatoday--2020-05-06--President Trump confirms coronavirus task force will wind down operations

President Trump confirms , during a roundtable in Phoenix , Ariz. , that the coronavirus task force , headed by @ @ @ @ @ wind down this month .

President Trump confirms coronavirus task force will wind down operations
President Trump confirms, during a roundtable in Phoenix, Ariz., that the coronavirus task force, headed by VP Mike Pence, will wind down this month.
USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-05-06--Michigan man in now-famous Capitol protest photo: 'I didn't scream in anybody's face'

DETROIT – As photographs of gun-carrying protesters in Michigan 's Capitol building made the rounds nationally , one has emerged as a defining image of last week 's demonstration over the governor 's orders amid the coronavirus pandemic .
An unmasked man , mid-scream , yelling within inches of two police officers .
There have been memes and chatter on social media about the screaming protester , even misidentifications of him as a Los Angeles activist .
But he is n't from California .
He is from New Hudson , Michigan .
And his name is Brian Cash .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 52-year-old flooring installer told the Free Press on Monday when asked to confirm whether he is the man in the photo , taken by Jeff Kowalsky , a photographer working for Agence France-Presse ( AFP ) .
Cash , who said he has now been to four protests in Lansing in the past month , said he was demonstrating against the inequities of the governor 's executive orders , which he called `` just ridiculous . ''
Fact check : Michigan protester is not a known white supremacist from LA 'Very good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Whitmer to talk to protesters Cash said he was n't yelling at the state troopers seen in the photo – `` I did n't scream in anybody 's face '' – but at an officer positioned behind them who he said he saw assault a woman the day before .
Three women were removed from the public gallery for the state House of Representatives on April 29 .
The incident was caught on video , showing a woman being forcibly removed .
The incident prompted an announcement by the Michigan State Police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ individuals and House police .
The next day , when the now-infamous photo of him was taken , Cash said he was in the Capitol when he saw the officer .
`` I was there chanting , 'Let us in , ' and I saw that guy and I just , I just kind of lost it a little bit , '' Cash said .
He said that he was asking the man , whom he called a `` red coat , '' a reference to the red coats they wear , `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me around like he did that girl yesterday . ''
The protests have been criticized .
Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer on Friday called the protests , which featured some people holding rifles , `` disturbing , '' and now the state is considering a ban on guns inside of the Capitol .
Dr. Deborah Birx , the coordinator for White House coronavirus response , called the protests `` devastatingly worrisome '' in a Fox News Sunday interview .
Cash , who said he was not armed at the protest , said he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ troopers in the photo , not at them .
But the photo was criticized online .
`` These are the same people who tell you to 'respect the police , ' `` one Twitter user posted .
Another wrote : `` Would officers show this much restraint if black men were yelling in their faces ? ''
Cash , who described himself as a longtime marijuana activist having worked on efforts to legalize it in Michigan , was upset with accusations that protesters were racist and blamed the media , which he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his experience that day was `` awesome '' and said `` anybody of any color should have the right to do what I did . ''
But Whitmer on Friday said : `` Yesterday ’ s scene at the Capitol was disturbing , to be quite honest .
Swastikas and confederate flags , nooses and automatic rifles do not represent who we are as Michiganders .
This state has a rich history of people coming together in times of crisis.
” Cash , said he has received hundreds of Facebook Messenger messages since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he has received support and also negative attention for the photograph , but he does n't care .
`` I love it .
It 's great , '' he said .
Cash added that people have `` their right to disagree and call me names . ''
Cash said he plans to attend more protests in Lansing and he likes the national attention they have garnered .
`` I love it , '' he said .
`` We got the ball rolling . ''

Michigan man in now-famous Capitol protest photo: 'I didn't scream in anybody's face'
Show Caption Hide Caption Michigan anti-lockdown protesters crowd inside state capitol The Michigan protestors yelled “free the people” and chanted “let us in” inside the state capitol during an ongoing legislative session. USA TODAY, Storyful
DETROIT – As photographs of gun-carrying protesters in Michigan's Capitol building made the rounds nationally, one has emerged as a defining image of last week's demonstration over the governor's orders amid the coronavirus pandemic.
An unmasked man, mid-scream, yelling within inches of two police officers.
There have been memes and chatter on social media about the screaming protester, even misidentifications of him as a Los Angeles activist.
But he isn't from California. He is from New Hudson, Michigan. And his name is Brian Cash.
"Yes, that's me," the 52-year-old flooring installer told the Free Press on Monday when asked to confirm whether he is the man in the photo, taken by Jeff Kowalsky, a photographer working for Agence France-Presse (AFP).
Cash, who said he has now been to four protests in Lansing in the past month, said he was demonstrating against the inequities of the governor's executive orders, which he called "just ridiculous."
Fact check: Michigan protester is not a known white supremacist from LA
'Very good people': Trump urges Michigan Gov. Whitmer to talk to protesters
Cash said he wasn't yelling at the state troopers seen in the photo – "I didn't scream in anybody's face" – but at an officer positioned behind them who he said he saw assault a woman the day before. Three women were removed from the public gallery for the state House of Representatives on April 29. The incident was caught on video, showing a woman being forcibly removed. The incident prompted an announcement by the Michigan State Police that it was investigating the confrontation between individuals and House police.
The next day, when the now-infamous photo of him was taken, Cash said he was in the Capitol when he saw the officer.
"I was there chanting, 'Let us in,' and I saw that guy and I just, I just kind of lost it a little bit," Cash said. He said that he was asking the man, whom he called a "red coat," a reference to the red coats they wear, "if he wanted to try to throw me around like he did that girl yesterday."
The protests have been criticized. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Friday called the protests, which featured some people holding rifles, "disturbing," and now the state is considering a ban on guns inside of the Capitol. Dr. Deborah Birx, the coordinator for White House coronavirus response, called the protests "devastatingly worrisome" in a Fox News Sunday interview.
Cash, who said he was not armed at the protest, said he was yelling between the two Michigan State Police troopers in the photo, not at them. But the photo was criticized online. "These are the same people who tell you to 'respect the police,' " one Twitter user posted. Another wrote: "Would officers show this much restraint if black men were yelling in their faces?"
Cash, who described himself as a longtime marijuana activist having worked on efforts to legalize it in Michigan, was upset with accusations that protesters were racist and blamed the media, which he said "twists everything."
He said his experience that day was "awesome" and said "anybody of any color should have the right to do what I did."
But Whitmer on Friday said: "Yesterday’s scene at the Capitol was disturbing, to be quite honest. Swastikas and confederate flags, nooses and automatic rifles do not represent who we are as Michiganders. This state has a rich history of people coming together in times of crisis.”
Cash, said he has received hundreds of Facebook Messenger messages since the photo was published. He said he has received support and also negative attention for the photograph, but he doesn't care.
"I love it. It's great," he said. Cash added that people have "their right to disagree and call me names."
Cash said he plans to attend more protests in Lansing and he likes the national attention they have garnered.
"I love it," he said. "We got the ball rolling."
Contributing: First Draft. Follow Gina Kaufman @ReporterGinaon Twitter:


usatoday--2020-05-05--Sen. Rand Paul won't wear mask, says he has immunity to coronavirus despite lack of evidence

WASHINGTON – As the Senate reconvened this week for the first time in more than a month , many lawmakers expressed varying levels of anxiety and concern for their health as coronavirus continues to ravage the country .
While most U.S. senators donned face masks while walking in the halls , including some with patterns representing their states , at least two chose not to wear face coverings in the U.S. Capitol : Republican Sens .
Rand Paul of Kentucky and Ron Johnson of Wisconsin .
Johnson explained on Monday he was not wearing one because he did n't think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a mask when I go into grocery stores , that type of thing , '' he told Politico .
`` I think around here we probably wo n't have to .
They 're not pleasant to wear , are they ? ''
On Tuesday , the Wisconsin Republican changed course and was spotted wearing a mask by reporters .
His office did not respond to a request for comment .
Paul , who recovered after contracting COVID-19 in March , said he was immune from the disease and could not contract the illness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say are still unproven .
`` I have immunity .
I 've already had the virus so I ca n't get it again and I ca n't give it to anybody , '' he said Tuesday at the Capitol .
More : Which members of Congress have tested positive for COVID-19 ?
Paul dismissed news of a possible new strain of the virus , which he may still be susceptible to , saying there was no evidence of such new strains .
`` It 's not true , '' he said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nor can I transmit it , so of all the people you 'll meet here I 'm about the only safe person in Washington you 'll meet . ''
While experts say it 's reasonable to assume that once you 've recovered from COVID-19 that you may be immune , there remains to be scientific evidence that this is assured .
Since the virus and the disease that follows is so new , researchers are examining whether one does become immune and for how long .
`` There 's an assumption – a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an antibody that you are protected against reinfection , but that has not been proven for this particular virus , '' Dr. Anthony Fauci , the nation 's top infectious disease expert , said on ABC News late last month .
The World Health Organization has also expressed caution on the notion of immunity .
`` There is currently no evidence that people who have recovered from COVID-19 and have antibodies are protected from a second infection , '' the WHO said late last month , explaining that in studies many individuals have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have not .
The organization stressed more examination was needed .
The Los Angeles Times on Tuesday noted that scientists have discovered a new strain of the coronavirus that appears more contagious than its predecessor and makes people more susceptible to a second infection .
The Times reported the new strain migrated from Europe in February and has become the dominant strain affecting people across the globe , differing from the first strain that spread earlier this year .
When asked about the uncertainty over whether people who contract the illness are indeed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have shown the opposite .
`` Plenty of studies indicate the opposite of what you ’ re claiming , and are backed up by various experts including Dr. Fauci , '' said Sergio Gor , deputy chief of staff for Paul .
Gor added that `` based on science and medical history , we can safely assume Dr. Fauci is correct , even though exhaustive studies aren ’ t available , instead of spreading fear . ''

Sen. Rand Paul won't wear mask, says he has immunity to coronavirus despite lack of evidence
Show Caption Hide Caption Coronavirus: Prevent the spread of germs with a homemade face mask If you can't purchase a mask, here's how to make one from a t-shirt. ProblemSolved, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – As the Senate reconvened this week for the first time in more than a month, many lawmakers expressed varying levels of anxiety and concern for their health as coronavirus continues to ravage the country.
While most U.S. senators donned face masks while walking in the halls, including some with patterns representing their states, at least two chose not to wear face coverings in the U.S. Capitol: Republican Sens. Rand Paul of Kentucky and Ron Johnson of Wisconsin.
Johnson explained on Monday he was not wearing one because he didn't think it was needed.
"I wear a mask when I go into grocery stores, that type of thing," he told Politico. "I think around here we probably won't have to. They're not pleasant to wear, are they?"
On Tuesday, the Wisconsin Republican changed course and was spotted wearing a mask by reporters. His office did not respond to a request for comment.
Paul, who recovered after contracting COVID-19 in March, said he was immune from the disease and could not contract the illness nor spread it — claims that experts say are still unproven.
"I have immunity. I've already had the virus so I can't get it again and I can't give it to anybody," he said Tuesday at the Capitol.
More: Rand Paul's coronavirus infection sends shockwaves through Senate during major stimulus debate
More: Which members of Congress have tested positive for COVID-19?
Paul dismissed news of a possible new strain of the virus, which he may still be susceptible to, saying there was no evidence of such new strains.
"It's not true," he said. "I can't get it again, nor can I transmit it, so of all the people you'll meet here I'm about the only safe person in Washington you'll meet."
While experts say it's reasonable to assume that once you've recovered from COVID-19 that you may be immune, there remains to be scientific evidence that this is assured. Since the virus and the disease that follows is so new, researchers are examining whether one does become immune and for how long.
"There's an assumption – a reasonable assumption – that when you have an antibody that you are protected against reinfection, but that has not been proven for this particular virus," Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's top infectious disease expert, said on ABC News late last month.
More: Mike Pence appears to violate Mayo Clinic mask-wearing policy during visit
The World Health Organization has also expressed caution on the notion of immunity. "There is currently no evidence that people who have recovered from COVID-19 and have antibodies are protected from a second infection," the WHO said late last month, explaining that in studies many individuals have shown antibodies to the virus but others have not. The organization stressed more examination was needed.
The Los Angeles Times on Tuesday noted that scientists have discovered a new strain of the coronavirus that appears more contagious than its predecessor and makes people more susceptible to a second infection.
The Times reported the new strain migrated from Europe in February and has become the dominant strain affecting people across the globe, differing from the first strain that spread earlier this year.
When asked about the uncertainty over whether people who contract the illness are indeed immune, Paul's office said studies have shown the opposite.
"Plenty of studies indicate the opposite of what you’re claiming, and are backed up by various experts including Dr. Fauci," said Sergio Gor, deputy chief of staff for Paul.
Gor added that "based on science and medical history, we can safely assume Dr. Fauci is correct, even though exhaustive studies aren’t available, instead of spreading fear."


usatoday--2020-05-05--De Blasio: Trump enjoys 'stabbing his home town in the back' by demeaning state bailouts

WASHINGTON – New York Mayor Bill de Blasio said President Donald Trump “ seems to enjoy stabbing his home town in the back ” after Trump dismissed interest in bailing out Democratic states , such as New York .
In a tweet on Monday morning , the president asked : `` Why should the people and taxpayers of America be bailing out poorly run states ( like Illinois , as example ) and cities , in all cases Democrat run and managed , when most of the other states are not looking for bailout help ?
I am open to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' He also tweeted Tuesday that , `` Well run States should not be bailing out poorly run States , using CoronaVirus as the excuse ! ''
More : HHS official Rick Bright says he was ousted after raising concern about coronavirus drug Trump had touted In an interview with the New York Post on Tuesday , Trump elaborated that he believes `` Congress is inclined to do a lot of things but I don ’ t think they ’ re inclined to do bailouts.
” The president said that the states that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ partially because they have Democratic leaders , saying , “ It ’ s not fair to the Republicans because all the states that need help – they ’ re run by Democrats in every case , ” continuing to list New York and California in addition to Illinois .
De Blasio , at a press briefing Tuesday , waved the New York Post 's front page , and said , “ The President of the United States – a former New Yorker who seems to enjoy stabbing his home town in the back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bailout for New York.
” More : Trump may wind down work of coronavirus task force as early as this month , Pence says “ What kind of human being sees the suffering here and decides that people in New York City don ’ t deserve help ?
What kind of person does that ?
” the former 2020 Democratic candidate asked .
New York state , the epicenter of the outbreak in the United States , has been ravaged by coronavirus , with at least 326,606 cases and 25,028 deaths , so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New Yorkers are expected to be unemployed by the end of June , and tax revenues are expected to fall over the current and coming fiscal years by $ 7.4 billion , which would leave an $ 8.7 billion budget gap through summer of 2021 , New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer said Tuesday .
More : Feds arrest 2 men in first fraud case involving PPP loan program for small businesses hurt by coronavirus “ Who cares who runs the states ?
The people need help .
They ’ re Americans who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Blasio said , disputing that essential workers should n't be devalued just because they live in blue states .
“ Does that make them less American in your view , Mr. President ?
” New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo echoed this , also taking issue with the word `` bailout '' on Tuesday , and saying it 's not just a `` blue state issue . ''
`` Because of the coronavirus , we need financial help in restarting the economy , and that 's what we 're asking for from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` How do you call that a bailout ?
Which is such a loaded word .
Such a rhetorical , hyperbolic word . ''
Both de Blasio and Cuomo have dangled massive proposed budget cuts if help from the federal government does n't come .
Congress has been in contention regarding federal funding for states as it prepares for a fourth coronavirus aid package .
Coronavirus : McConnell says he supports states using 'bankruptcy route ' over federal assistance “ Anyone watching and seeing the pain New York City has experienced , anyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many New Yorkers , anyone watching with a heart and soul would say I want to help those people , '' de Blasio said .
“ I ’ ll give him ( Trump ) another chance to show that there ’ s a beating heart there , but these comments today show me something very cold.
” he said of Trump .

De Blasio: Trump enjoys 'stabbing his home town in the back' by demeaning state bailouts
Show Caption Hide Caption NYC issues health alert after 15 children sickened New York City has issued a new health alert after 15 cases of a "multi-system inflammatory condition" were detected in children at city hospitals. (May 5) AP
WASHINGTON – New York Mayor Bill de Blasio said President Donald Trump “seems to enjoy stabbing his home town in the back” after Trump dismissed interest in bailing out Democratic states, such as New York.
In a tweet on Monday morning, the president asked: "Why should the people and taxpayers of America be bailing out poorly run states (like Illinois, as example) and cities, in all cases Democrat run and managed, when most of the other states are not looking for bailout help? I am open to discussing anything, but just asking?"
He also tweeted Tuesday that, "Well run States should not be bailing out poorly run States, using CoronaVirus as the excuse!"
Why should the people and taxpayers of America be bailing out poorly run states (like Illinois, as example) and cities, in all cases Democrat run and managed, when most of the other states are not looking for bailout help? I am open to discussing anything, but just asking? — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 27, 2020
More: HHS official Rick Bright says he was ousted after raising concern about coronavirus drug Trump had touted
In an interview with the New York Post on Tuesday, Trump elaborated that he believes "Congress is inclined to do a lot of things but I don’t think they’re inclined to do bailouts.”
The president said that the states that need financial help shouldn't get cash partially because they have Democratic leaders, saying, “It’s not fair to the Republicans because all the states that need help – they’re run by Democrats in every case,” continuing to list New York and California in addition to Illinois.
De Blasio, at a press briefing Tuesday, waved the New York Post's front page, and said, “The President of the United States – a former New Yorker who seems to enjoy stabbing his home town in the back – [is] talking about no bailout for New York.”
More: Trump may wind down work of coronavirus task force as early as this month, Pence says
“What kind of human being sees the suffering here and decides that people in New York City don’t deserve help? What kind of person does that?” the former 2020 Democratic candidate asked.
NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio begins his briefing railing against Pres. Trump:
"The president of the United States, a former New Yorker who seems to enjoy stabbing his hometown in the back, talking about 'no bailout' for New York" https://t.co/XDh4AXfEz8 pic.twitter.com/qKjnjDsYM7 — CBS News (@CBSNews) May 5, 2020
New York state, the epicenter of the outbreak in the United States, has been ravaged by coronavirus, with at least 326,606 cases and 25,028 deaths, so far.
Around 21% of working New Yorkers are expected to be unemployed by the end of June, and tax revenues are expected to fall over the current and coming fiscal years by $7.4 billion, which would leave an $8.7 billion budget gap through summer of 2021, New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer said Tuesday.
More: Feds arrest 2 men in first fraud case involving PPP loan program for small businesses hurt by coronavirus
“Who cares who runs the states? The people need help. They’re Americans who need help right now,” de Blasio said, disputing that essential workers shouldn't be devalued just because they live in blue states. “Does that make them less American in your view, Mr. President?”
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo echoed this, also taking issue with the word "bailout" on Tuesday, and saying it's not just a "blue state issue."
"Because of the coronavirus, we need financial help in restarting the economy, and that's what we're asking for from the federal government," Cuomo said. "How do you call that a bailout? Which is such a loaded word. Such a rhetorical, hyperbolic word."
More: Trump downplays report forecasting 3,000 coronavirus deaths a day by June 1
Both de Blasio and Cuomo have dangled massive proposed budget cuts if help from the federal government doesn't come.
Congress has been in contention regarding federal funding for states as it prepares for a fourth coronavirus aid package.
Coronavirus: McConnell says he supports states using 'bankruptcy route' over federal assistance
“Anyone watching and seeing the pain New York City has experienced, anyone watching and seeing the heroism of so many New Yorkers, anyone watching with a heart and soul would say I want to help those people," de Blasio said.
“I’ll give him (Trump) another chance to show that there’s a beating heart there, but these comments today show me something very cold.” he said of Trump.


usatoday--2020-05-05--White House considers winding down coronavirus task force

The Coronavirus Task Force has n't held a press briefing since late April , and now a White House official @ @ @ @ @ .

White House could disband coronavirus task force
The Coronavirus Task Force hasn't held a press briefing since late April, and now a White House official says it may be disbanded.
USA TODAY, Wochit


usatoday--2020-05-05--President Trump disputes report on COVID death toll, Anthony Fauci will go before Senate

President Trump disputes report on death toll , Fauci to talk to Senate Upon his departure from the White House @ @ @ @ @ internal administration report on the potential COVID-19 death toll for May

President Trump disputes report on death toll, Fauci to talk to Senate
Upon his departure from the White House, President Trump discusses an internal administration report on the potential COVID-19 death toll for May
USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-05-05--Trump's intelligence chief nominee navigates questions about coronavirus at surreal Senate hearing

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump 's nominee to be director of national intelligence carefully navigated questions about the origin of the coronavirus Tuesday during a surreal confirmation hearing , during which masked senators took turns questioning – from a distance – Rep. John Ratcliffe , R-Texas , for the post .
In the first in-person Senate hearing since the pandemic , lawmakers took turns in the room , so they would limit their proximity to each other .
Ratcliffe sat alone at the witness table – his family absent to limit possible exposure – as he talked about the threat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that forced such dramatic precautions in the U.S. Capitol On the controversial question of whether the coronavirus escaped from a Chinese lab , as Trump and his allies suggested , or whether it originated in a natural setting after jumping from animal to human , Ratcliffe said he had not seen conclusive evidence of either theory .
The Republican congressman 's equivocal answers put him at odds with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Trump , who suggested the virus came from a lab , perhaps in an accidental release .
The president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evidence to support the assertion .
The U.S. intelligence committee said in an unusual statement last week that it had no evidence the virus was man-made or genetically modified but that officials were probing whether it had escaped from a lab or began through natural transmission .
Ratcliffe said he had not seen any intelligence to prove the coronavirus originated in a lab , nor had he had seen evidence that it originated in a wet market , as Chinese officials said .
In both cases , Ratcliffe cautioned that he had not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic .
He was more definitive when asked what he saw as the greatest threat to the United States .
`` I view China as the great threat actor right now , '' he said .
`` Look where we are with respect to COVID-19 . ''
Senators hardly needed to be reminded as they fiddled with their masks during the questioning and complained that they could hardly see Ratcliffe because he was so far away .
A mask hanging around his neck , Sen. Richard Burr , R-N.C. , the committee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be `` a little bit different '' from the usual elbow-to-elbow confirmation for the nation 's top intelligence position .
He said committee members were asked to watch the hearing from their offices and come to the room only during their allotted time for questions .
Trump says he 's seen evidence coronavirus came from Chinese lab .
US intelligence agencies say it was not man-made Burr and most other senators took their masks off when it was their turn to question Ratcliffe , who did not wear a mask during his testimony @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , D-Colo. , whose questions came out slightly muffled when he pressed Ratcliffe on whether he agreed with Trump that U.S. intelligence agencies have run `` amok '' and need to be reined in .
`` I don ’ t think the men and women of the intelligence community are running amok , '' Ratcliffe told Bennett .
A former federal prosecutor and staunch Trump supporter , Ratcliffe tried to persuade senators that he would not `` shade '' intelligence assessments to fit the president 's views or policies .
`` I will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president and members of Congress , Ratcliffe told the committee .
'Dangerous dynamic ' : Coronavirus threatens new 'Cold War ' between US and China The full Senate reconvened Monday for the first time in five weeks despite concerns about lawmakers ’ possible exposure to the virus .
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , R-Ky. , said Congress needed to “ continue conducting our nation ’ s business.
” The Capitol ’ s normally buzzing marble hallways were mostly quiet , marked with signs and floor tape warning the few reporters and staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other .
“ We ’ re all anxious , ” Sen. Richard Shelby , R-Ala. , said Monday through a University of Alabama patterned mask .
“ We realized the danger to us , but there ’ s also danger to everybody in America and in the world , ” Shelby said .
“ We ’ ve got work to do.
” Some Democrats complained that McConnell forced the Senate back into session even though there ’ s a deadlock over the next coronavirus rescue package .
Instead , the chamber is voting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s amazing to me that McConnell brought us back and not a thing about COVID is on the floor , ” said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer , whose home state of New York has been among the hardest hit in the nation .
Burr said he wanted to move Ratcliffe 's nomination quickly .
Trump nominated him for the intelligence post , which oversees 17 U.S. intelligence committee , in February – six months after the Texas congressman took his name out of the running for the job .
Ratcliffe initially withdrew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after Democrats and some Republicans raised questions about whether he had exaggerated his work as a federal prosecutor of terrorism .
Critics brought up Ratcliffe 's lack of experience in the intelligence arena and expressed doubts that he would give the president unvarnished advice on Russia , among other contentious subjects , given his strong partisan views .
Trump said he thought Ratcliffe `` was being treated very unfairly . ''
Trump installed a loyalist , Richard Grenell , as the acting director of national intelligence .
Grenell , who had been serving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no intelligence experience .
The intelligence position has been without a permanent director since Dan Coats , a former Indiana senator who held the job since 2017 , stepped down in August 2019 .
Disagreements between Coats and Trump on Russia , North Korea and other matters often spilled into public view .

Trump's intelligence chief nominee navigates questions about coronavirus at surreal Senate hearing
Show Caption Hide Caption Trump pushes reopening, calls Americans 'warriors' Heading to Arizona to visit a Honeywell factory that makes respirator masks, President Donald Trump urged Americans to consider themselves "as warriors," in the fight against the coronavirus. "Our country has to open," Trump said. (May 5) AP
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump's nominee to be director of national intelligence carefully navigated questions about the origin of the coronavirus Tuesday during a surreal confirmation hearing, during which masked senators took turns questioning – from a distance – Rep. John Ratcliffe, R-Texas, for the post.
In the first in-person Senate hearing since the pandemic, lawmakers took turns in the room, so they would limit their proximity to each other. Ratcliffe sat alone at the witness table – his family absent to limit possible exposure – as he talked about the threat of a rising China and the virus that forced such dramatic precautions in the U.S. Capitol
On the controversial question of whether the coronavirus escaped from a Chinese lab, as Trump and his allies suggested, or whether it originated in a natural setting after jumping from animal to human, Ratcliffe said he had not seen conclusive evidence of either theory.
The Republican congressman's equivocal answers put him at odds with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Trump, who suggested the virus came from a lab, perhaps in an accidental release. The president and Pompeo said they cannot divulge evidence to support the assertion.
The U.S. intelligence committee said in an unusual statement last week that it had no evidence the virus was man-made or genetically modified but that officials were probing whether it had escaped from a lab or began through natural transmission.
Ratcliffe said he had not seen any intelligence to prove the coronavirus originated in a lab, nor had he had seen evidence that it originated in a wet market, as Chinese officials said.
In both cases, Ratcliffe cautioned that he had not been briefed on the latest intelligence about the pandemic.
He was more definitive when asked what he saw as the greatest threat to the United States.
"I view China as the great threat actor right now," he said. "Look where we are with respect to COVID-19."
Senators hardly needed to be reminded as they fiddled with their masks during the questioning and complained that they could hardly see Ratcliffe because he was so far away.
A mask hanging around his neck, Sen. Richard Burr, R-N.C., the committee's chairman, noted the hearing would be "a little bit different" from the usual elbow-to-elbow confirmation for the nation's top intelligence position.
He said committee members were asked to watch the hearing from their offices and come to the room only during their allotted time for questions.
Burr and most other senators took their masks off when it was their turn to question Ratcliffe, who did not wear a mask during his testimony. One exception was Sen. Michael Bennett, D-Colo., whose questions came out slightly muffled when he pressed Ratcliffe on whether he agreed with Trump that U.S. intelligence agencies have run "amok" and need to be reined in.
"I don’t think the men and women of the intelligence community are running amok," Ratcliffe told Bennett.
A former federal prosecutor and staunch Trump supporter, Ratcliffe tried to persuade senators that he would not "shade" intelligence assessments to fit the president's views or policies.
"I will deliver the unvarnished truth" to the president and members of Congress, Ratcliffe told the committee.
'Dangerous dynamic': Coronavirus threatens new 'Cold War' between US and China
The full Senate reconvened Monday for the first time in five weeks despite concerns about lawmakers’ possible exposure to the virus. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said Congress needed to “continue conducting our nation’s business.”
The Capitol’s normally buzzing marble hallways were mostly quiet, marked with signs and floor tape warning the few reporters and staff to stay 6 feet away from each other.
“We’re all anxious,” Sen. Richard Shelby, R-Ala., said Monday through a University of Alabama patterned mask.
“We realized the danger to us, but there’s also danger to everybody in America and in the world,” Shelby said. “We’ve got work to do.”
Some Democrats complained that McConnell forced the Senate back into session even though there’s a deadlock over the next coronavirus rescue package. Instead, the chamber is voting on Trump nominees.
“It’s amazing to me that McConnell brought us back and not a thing about COVID is on the floor,” said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, whose home state of New York has been among the hardest hit in the nation.
Burr said he wanted to move Ratcliffe's nomination quickly. Trump nominated him for the intelligence post, which oversees 17 U.S. intelligence committee, in February – six months after the Texas congressman took his name out of the running for the job.
Ratcliffe initially withdrew his bid to become the spy chief after Democrats and some Republicans raised questions about whether he had exaggerated his work as a federal prosecutor of terrorism. Critics brought up Ratcliffe's lack of experience in the intelligence arena and expressed doubts that he would give the president unvarnished advice on Russia, among other contentious subjects, given his strong partisan views.
Trump said he thought Ratcliffe "was being treated very unfairly."
Trump installed a loyalist, Richard Grenell, as the acting director of national intelligence. Grenell, who had been serving as U.S. ambassador to Germany, has no intelligence experience.
The intelligence position has been without a permanent director since Dan Coats, a former Indiana senator who held the job since 2017, stepped down in August 2019. Disagreements between Coats and Trump on Russia, North Korea and other matters often spilled into public view.
Contributing: Christal Hayes, Michael Collins and David Jackson


usatoday--2020-05-05--Trump downplays report forecasting 3,000 coronavirus deaths a day by June 1

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump is downplaying a data analysis within his own administration that projects the number of coronavirus deaths could reach 3,000 daily by June 1 .
Trump told reporters on Tuesday that the analysis , based on data collected by several federal agencies , assumes no mitigation efforts would be in place to control the spread of the disease .
“ But we ’ re doing a lot of mitigation , ” he said before departing the White House for a trip to Phoenix .
The analysis projects the prospect of a steady rise in the number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to an internal document obtained by The New York Times .
The projections forecast about 200,000 new cases each day by the end of the month , up from about 25,000 cases now .
The White House , which has been encouraging states to begin reopening their economies , immediately challenged the report and said it had not been presented to the coronavirus task force or gone through interagency vetting .
“ That report is a no mitigation report – and we are mitigating , ” Trump said , adding that people are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they ’ re going to be washing their hands , they ’ re going to be doing the things you ’ re supposed to do.
” Cold war : 'Dangerous dynamic ' : Coronavirus threatens new 'Cold War ' between U.S. and China Covid vaccine : Do n't count on getting a coronavirus vaccine in 2021 .
Testing and production take time .

Michael Collins, David Jackson and John Fritze, USA TODAY

Trump downplays report forecasting 3,000 coronavirus deaths a day by June 1
Show Caption Hide Caption President Donald Trump claims authority over states When asked about states' rights to decide when to reopen schools and businesses, Trump said, "The president of the United States calls the shots." USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump is downplaying a data analysis within his own administration that projects the number of coronavirus deaths could reach 3,000 daily by June 1.
Trump told reporters on Tuesday that the analysis ,based on data collected by several federal agencies, assumes no mitigation efforts would be in place to control the spread of the disease.
“But we’re doing a lot of mitigation,” he said before departing the White House for a trip to Phoenix.
The analysis projects the prospect of a steady rise in the number of coronavirus cases and deaths, according to an internal document obtained by The New York Times. The projections forecast about 200,000 new cases each day by the end of the month, up from about 25,000 cases now.
The White House, which has been encouraging states to begin reopening their economies, immediately challenged the report and said it had not been presented to the coronavirus task force or gone through interagency vetting.
“That report is a no mitigation report – and we are mitigating,” Trump said, adding that people are “going to be social distancing, they’re going to be washing their hands, they’re going to be doing the things you’re supposed to do.”
Cold war: 'Dangerous dynamic': Coronavirus threatens new 'Cold War' between U.S. and China
Covid vaccine: Don't count on getting a coronavirus vaccine in 2021. Testing and production take time.


usatoday--2020-05-06--Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg hospitalized for gallbladder condition and infection

WASHINGTON – Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was hospitalized Tuesday for `` a benign gallbladder condition '' that caused an infection , a Supreme Court spokeswoman announced .
Ginsburg , 87 , underwent `` non-surgical treatment '' for acute cholecystitis , and is expected to remain at Johns Hopkins Hospital for a day or two where she is '' resting comfortably . ''
The spokeswoman said Ginsburg plans to participate in arguments via telephone on Wednesday , just as she did Monday and Tuesday .
Ginsburg initially sought medical care Monday after oral arguments and received outpatient tests at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The tests confirmed that she had a gallstone blocking her cystic duct that resulted in an infection .
Ginsburg , also referred to as the `` Notorious RBG '' by her fans , is a leader of the court 's minority of liberal judges .
She has battled several health problems over the years .
She most recently was hospitalized to treat a malignant tumor found on her pancreas in August , for which she underwent a three-week course of radiation therapy .
More : Trump looks to wind down coronavirus task force @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says She was diagnosed with colon cancer in 1999 and was treated for pancreatic cancer in 2009 .
She underwent surgery in late 2018 when cancerous nodules were discovered in her lungs after she fell and fractured three ribs .
That marked the first time she had missed a day in her 26 years on the Supreme Court .
The court is hearing oral arguments by telephone this week due to the coronavirus pandemic .
The high court also offered a live audio stream of an oral argument for the first time , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ giving advocates of greater transparency hope it will become a trend .
De Blasio : Trump enjoys 'stabbing his home town in the back ' by demeaning state bailouts On Wednesday , the justices are scheduled to hear a case concerning whether the Affordable Care Act can force religious objectors to provide insurance coverage for contraceptives .
The Trump administration sides with the religious objectors , led by Little Sisters of the Poor , against the position taken by the Obama administration .
It has sought to exempt groups with religious or moral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ courts .
The Supreme Court , previously deadlocked , now has a solidly conservative majority .


usatoday--2020-05-07--Justice Ginsburg released from hospital after treatment for gallbladder condition

WASHINGTON – Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was released from the hospital Wednesday , one day after being admitted for a benign gallbladder condition that caused an infection , the Supreme Court announced .
Ginsburg , 87 , had `` non-surgical treatment '' for acute cholecystitis , and spent the night in the hospital .
A statement from the court 's spokeswoman Kathleen Arberg reads that Ginsburg `` is doing well and glad to be home . ''
`` The Justice will return to The Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore , Maryland , for follow-up outpatient visits over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gallstone non-surgically , '' Arberg continued .
Ginsburg initially sought medical care Monday after oral arguments and received outpatient tests at Sibley Memorial Hospital in Washington , D.C .
The tests confirmed that she had a gallstone blocking her cystic duct that resulted in an infection .
Ginsburg , also referred to as the `` Notorious RBG '' by her fans , is a leader of the court 's minority of liberal judges .
She has battled several health problems over the years .
She most recently was hospitalized to treat a malignant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , for which she underwent a three-week course of radiation therapy .
More : Trump looks to wind down coronavirus task force as early as this month , Pence says She was diagnosed with colon cancer in 1999 and was treated for pancreatic cancer in 2009 .
She had surgery in late 2018 when cancerous nodules were discovered in her lungs after she fell and fractured three ribs .
That marked the first time she had missed a day in her 26 years on the Supreme Court .
The court is hearing oral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus pandemic .
The high court also offered a live audio stream of an oral argument for the first time , going far beyond its usual protocol and giving advocates of greater transparency hope it will become a trend .
De Blasio : Trump enjoys 'stabbing his home town in the back ' by demeaning state bailouts The high court 's oldest justice joined the court 's telephonic debate Wednesday morning from the hospital to hear a case concerning whether the Affordable Care Act can force religious objectors to provide cost-free insurance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sides with the religious objectors , led by Little Sisters of the Poor , against the position taken by the Obama administration .
It has sought to exempt groups with religious or moral objections but has been blocked by federal courts .
The Supreme Court , previously deadlocked , now has a solidly conservative majority .
And the leader of the court 's liberal minority did n't mince words on Wednesday .
“ You have just tossed entirely to the wind what Congress thought was essential , ” she told U.S .
Solicitor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the new exemption that lower courts have blocked temporarily .
`` The women end up getting nothing .
They are required to do just what Congress didn ’ t want .
”


usatoday--2020-05-07--Ohio county gets $94.4 million in federal money but can't spend most of it

AKRON , Ohio – Summit County in Ohio has received nearly $ 100 million in funding from the federal government during the coronavirus pandemic but ca n't spend most of it .
The funding came from the more than $ 2 trillion Coronavirus Aid , Relief , and Economic Securit Act that Congress approved in March .
It established the $ 150 billion Coronavirus Relief Fund , providing for payments to state , local and tribal governments navigating the effects of COVID-19 .
According to the U.S. Department of the Treasury , the funds can only be used to cover @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crisis and incurred between March and Dec. 30 that were not in the entity ’ s most recent budget .
Brian Nelsen , chief of staff to Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro , said that means the county is limited on how it can use the $ 94.4 million it received , even as it faces millions in lost revenue because of the economic downturn .
“ All $ 94.4 million is sitting there right now while we figure out if and how we can use it , ” Nelsen said .
Coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how the CARES Act affects retirement withdrawals and IRAs Summit County was eligible for a direct payment of the CARES Act funds because its population exceeds 500,000 .
The county created a special fund for the money and is awaiting clearer guidance from the Treasury Department .
“ Our single biggest true need is revenue replacement , from all of the lost sales tax dollars , property conveyance taxes , lack of building permit activities , ” he said .
The county intended to distribute a majority of the money to the county @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to help offset revenue losses .
Ohio ’ s city and village governments are among the worst-positioned in the nation to ride out the financial impact of the coronavirus downturn because of the state ’ s unique system of funding communities primarily with income taxes , some experts say .
But Nelsen said the CARES Act money can not be used as a revenue replacement , nor can it be used for employee wages or overtime not already included in budgets .
As of now , the county believes it can only use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 530,000 it provided for a coronavirus emergency relief grant program for small businesses , the roughly $ 75,000 cost of purchasing computer equipment for county employees to work from home , and the costs of cleaning supplies and thermometers purchased because of the coronavirus pandemic .
Because the county is “ on the hook for anybody we give that money to , ” Nelsen said the county is creating a web portal and process for local communities to submit expenditures to the county for reimbursement using CARES Act funding .
Communities that seek @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sign a contract making them liable for repaying the county if they ’ re deemed not to be eligible as reimbursement costs .
“ I think it 's unfortunate that the federal government will not treat us the same way that they are willing to treat private business , and I think it 's a little unfortunate that we 're kind of caught in the political crosshairs that are going on at the federal level , ” Nelsen said .
“ It is interesting to me that $ 94 million , we could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and that would be perfectly fine under the Treasury guidelines because they do n't seem to care if those businesses have made poor financial decisions .
They just do n't like state and local governments across the country that have made decisions that some members do n't agree with.
” Given the limitations on how the federal funding can be used , Nelsen said the county is considering expanding the COVID-19 Small Business Emergency Relief Grant Program to provide funding to all businesses that applied .
In the initial round , 311 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eligible applicants , received a total of $ 1.546 million The county also is considering a potential second round of funding , with expanded criteria for eligible businesses .
In addition , he said the county is considering a similar program for nonprofits .
Nelsen noted the county ’ s local congressional delegation and Ohio ’ s U.S. senators , Democrat Sherrod Brown and Republican Rob Portman , have been “ extremely supportive of getting relief to local governments and making that money usable as revenue replacement.
” Brown and Portman sent a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mnuchin last month asking the Treasury Department to issue additional guidance on how state and local governments can use funding secured in the CARES Act , including as revenue replacement .
Republican senators have signaled openness to broadening how states can use the funds already passed under the CARES Act since there is such a need , while Democrats are more focused on passing additional funds .
“ If communities have to lay off police , firefighters , first responders , the federal government will end up paying for them one way or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unemployment lines where they 're sitting home , not working , or whether they choose to do the right thing and come through and fund local government so that we can continue to provide essential services , ” Nelsen said .

Ohio county gets $94.4 million in federal money but can’t spend most of it
Show Caption Hide Caption Small business owners share struggle with receiving PPP loans Small business owners share their difficult and confusing journeys in applying for the Paycheck Protection Program loan. USA TODAY
AKRON, Ohio – Summit County in Ohio has received nearly $100 million in funding from the federal government during the coronavirus pandemic but can't spend most of it.
The funding came from the more than $2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Securit Act that Congress approved in March. It established the $150 billion Coronavirus Relief Fund, providing for payments to state, local and tribal governments navigating the effects of COVID-19.
According to the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the funds can only be used to cover expenses caused by the ongoing public health crisis and incurred between March and Dec. 30 that were not in the entity’s most recent budget.
Brian Nelsen, chief of staff to Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro, said that means the county is limited on how it can use the $94.4 million it received, even as it faces millions in lost revenue because of the economic downturn.
“All $94.4 million is sitting there right now while we figure out if and how we can use it,” Nelsen said.
Coronavirus relief: We answer your questions about how the CARES Act affects retirement withdrawals and IRAs
Summit County was eligible for a direct payment of the CARES Act funds because its population exceeds 500,000.
The county created a special fund for the money and is awaiting clearer guidance from the Treasury Department.
“Our single biggest true need is revenue replacement, from all of the lost sales tax dollars, property conveyance taxes, lack of building permit activities,” he said.
The county intended to distribute a majority of the money to the county’s cities, villages and townships to help offset revenue losses.
Ohio’s city and village governments are among the worst-positioned in the nation to ride out the financial impact of the coronavirus downturn because of the state’s unique system of funding communities primarily with income taxes, some experts say.
But Nelsen said the CARES Act money cannot be used as a revenue replacement, nor can it be used for employee wages or overtime not already included in budgets.
As of now, the county believes it can only use its CARES Act money to reimburse $530,000 it provided for a coronavirus emergency relief grant program for small businesses, the roughly $75,000 cost of purchasing computer equipment for county employees to work from home, and the costs of cleaning supplies and thermometers purchased because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Because the county is “on the hook for anybody we give that money to,” Nelsen said the county is creating a web portal and process for local communities to submit expenditures to the county for reimbursement using CARES Act funding.
Communities that seek reimbursements from the county will have to sign a contract making them liable for repaying the county if they’re deemed not to be eligible as reimbursement costs.
“I think it's unfortunate that the federal government will not treat us the same way that they are willing to treat private business, and I think it's a little unfortunate that we're kind of caught in the political crosshairs that are going on at the federal level,” Nelsen said.
“It is interesting to me that $94 million, we could give it all away to small business, and that would be perfectly fine under the Treasury guidelines because they don't seem to care if those businesses have made poor financial decisions. They just don't like state and local governments across the country that have made decisions that some members don't agree with.”
Given the limitations on how the federal funding can be used, Nelsen said the county is considering expanding the COVID-19 Small Business Emergency Relief Grant Program to provide funding to all businesses that applied. In the initial round, 311 small businesses, or 51% of eligible applicants, received a total of $1.546 million The county also is considering a potential second round of funding, with expanded criteria for eligible businesses.
In addition, he said the county is considering a similar program for nonprofits.
Nelsen noted the county’s local congressional delegation and Ohio’s U.S. senators, Democrat Sherrod Brown and Republican Rob Portman, have been “extremely supportive of getting relief to local governments and making that money usable as revenue replacement.”
Brown and Portman sent a joint letter to Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin last month asking the Treasury Department to issue additional guidance on how state and local governments can use funding secured in the CARES Act, including as revenue replacement.
Republican senators have signaled openness to broadening how states can use the funds already passed under the CARES Act since there is such a need, while Democrats are more focused on passing additional funds.
“If communities have to lay off police, firefighters, first responders, the federal government will end up paying for them one way or another, whether it's on the unemployment lines where they're sitting home, not working, or whether they choose to do the right thing and come through and fund local government so that we can continue to provide essential services,” Nelsen said.


usatoday--2020-05-07--Biden leads Trump in national poll as voters are split on Tara Reade's sexual assault claim

WASHINGTON – After former Vice President Joe Biden denied an allegation of sexual assault against him , Americans are split on whether they believe the presumptive Democratic nominee or the woman who accused him .
But he still leads with voters against President Donald Trump , according to a new poll .
A Monmouth University poll released Wednesday found that Biden rose above Trump in a poll among registered voters 50 % -41 % , while 3 % said they would back an independent candidate and 5 % were undecided .
The vast majority of registered voters surveyed , 86 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allegation , which Tara Reade brought forward in March but gained national attention in recent weeks .
She claimed Biden assaulted her in 1993 when she was his Senate staffer .
`` This never happened , '' Biden countered .
Asked in the survey whether they thought the allegation was probably true or not , 37 % said the assault allegation was probably true , 32 % said it was probably not true and 31 % volunteered that they had no opinion on the matter .
The results were largely divided along party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and more Republicans believing Reade .
Half of Republicans surveyed said the claim was probably true , while 17 % said it probably was not .
Of Democrats surveyed , 20 % said it was probably true and 55 % said the opposite .
Independents were also more likely to believe the allegation , with 43 % saying it was probably true and 22 % not .
'This never happened ' : Joe Biden denies sexual assault allegation , calls on National Archives to release records What we know : Former staffer Tara @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 1993 It 's the first major poll to take Americans ' temperature on the Biden campaign amid Reade 's claim .
The vast majority of those who disbelieved the allegation were supporters of Biden over Trump , 79 % -14 % .
Of those who believed it , 59 % were Trump supporters and 32 % backed Biden .
Voters with no opinion on the assault were split between Trump , 45 % and Biden , 43 % .
“ We don ’ t know what impact this allegation will have in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who believe the charge , it is still not enough to override their desire to oust Trump , '' Monmouth Polling Institute Director Patrick Murray said .
`` The outlook is murkier for those who don ’ t have an opinion on it .
This group includes a number of Democratic-leaning independents who could potentially be swayed if this story grows in importance . ''
Will voters care ?
: Political experts weigh in after Biden addresses assault allegation The search for records : Secretary of Senate says ca n't comply with Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Reade complaint A Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted earlier this week found that Biden 's edge over Trump is narrowing , however .
That survey did not include an opinion question on Reade 's allegation , but 53 % said they were `` somewhat '' or `` very '' familiar with it .
Registered voters were split 43 % -41 % between Biden and Trump , respectively , falling within the margin of error of the survey .
The Monmouth survey was conducted April 30 through May 4 , and the question about the sexual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public denial the morning of May 1 .
It surveyed 739 registered voters and has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.6 percentage points .
Questions about Reade 's claim were asked of 586 voters with a margin of error of plus or minus 4.1 points .

Biden leads Trump in national poll as voters are split on Tara Reade's sexual assault claim
Show Caption Hide Caption Joe Biden denies Tara Reade sexual assault allegation Former vice president and Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden addressed the sexual assault allegation made against him for the first time on MSNBC. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – After former Vice President Joe Biden denied an allegation of sexual assault against him, Americans are split on whether they believe the presumptive Democratic nominee or the woman who accused him. But he still leads with voters against President Donald Trump, according to a new poll.
A Monmouth University poll released Wednesday found that Biden rose above Trump in a poll among registered voters 50%-41%, while 3% said they would back an independent candidate and 5% were undecided.
The vast majority of registered voters surveyed, 86%, had heard about the assault allegation, which Tara Reade brought forward in March but gained national attention in recent weeks. She claimed Biden assaulted her in 1993 when she was his Senate staffer. "This never happened," Biden countered.
Asked in the survey whether they thought the allegation was probably true or not, 37% said the assault allegation was probably true, 32% said it was probably not true and 31% volunteered that they had no opinion on the matter. The results were largely divided along party lines, with more Democrats believing Biden and more Republicans believing Reade.
Half of Republicans surveyed said the claim was probably true, while 17% said it probably was not. Of Democrats surveyed, 20% said it was probably true and 55% said the opposite. Independents were also more likely to believe the allegation, with 43% saying it was probably true and 22% not.
'This never happened': Joe Biden denies sexual assault allegation, calls on National Archives to release records
What we know: Former staffer Tara Reade says Joe Biden sexually assaulted her in 1993
It's the first major poll to take Americans' temperature on the Biden campaign amid Reade's claim. The vast majority of those who disbelieved the allegation were supporters of Biden over Trump, 79%-14%. Of those who believed it, 59% were Trump supporters and 32% backed Biden. Voters with no opinion on the assault were split between Trump, 45% and Biden, 43%.
“We don’t know what impact this allegation will have in the long run. For some voters who believe the charge, it is still not enough to override their desire to oust Trump," Monmouth Polling Institute Director Patrick Murray said. "The outlook is murkier for those who don’t have an opinion on it. This group includes a number of Democratic-leaning independents who could potentially be swayed if this story grows in importance."
Will voters care?: Political experts weigh in after Biden addresses assault allegation
The search for records: Secretary of Senate says can't comply with Biden request to release records on alleged Tara Reade complaint
A Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted earlier this week found that Biden's edge over Trump is narrowing, however. That survey did not include an opinion question on Reade's allegation, but 53% said they were "somewhat" or "very" familiar with it. Registered voters were split 43%-41% between Biden and Trump, respectively, falling within the margin of error of the survey.
The Monmouth survey was conducted April 30 through May 4, and the question about the sexual assault allegation was added after Biden's public denial the morning of May 1. It surveyed 739 registered voters and has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.6 percentage points. Questions about Reade's claim were asked of 586 voters with a margin of error of plus or minus 4.1 points.


usatoday--2020-05-06--Trump vetoes measure to limit his war powers against Iran, slams Republicans who supported it

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump vetoed a bipartisan resolution Wednesday that would limit his ability to unilaterally launch a military attack in Iran , arguing that the measure was an election year ploy by Democrats to divide Republicans .
The resolution , which the House had approved in March , marked a rare bipartisan effort to curb Trump 's powers and underscored lingering concerns among some lawmakers that tensions with Tehran could escalate into a war .
Supporters have acknowledged they do not have enough support to override Trump 's veto , the seventh of his presidency .
Though the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leveled unexpectedly harsh criticism at members of his own party who supported it .
Trump described the resolution as `` very insulting '' and dismissed it as a `` strategy to win an election . ''
`` The few Republicans who voted for it , '' Trump said , `` played right into their hands . ''
Six Republicans in the House joined 220 Democrats in supporting the war powers resolution .
The measure cleared the Senate with eight Republicans and all Democrats .
The Senate plans to vote Thursday on whether to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mitch McConnell said .
Trump made his predecessor 's posture toward Iran a centerpiece of his 2016 campaign , suggesting that a nuclear agreement worked out by President Barack Obama on behalf of the USA and five other nations was too soft on the country .
Tensions have flared significantly since then , culminating in a U.S. drone strike that killed Iranian Major General Qasem Soleimani near Baghdad International Airport in January .
Trump has frequently touted the killing of Soleimani on the campaign trail .
Lawmakers who supported the measure conceded they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to override a veto in either chamber .
But the House and Senate votes were a rebuke to Trump and signaled disapproval of his Iran policy .
`` The American people do n't want war with Iran .
The Congress has not authorized war with Iran .
That should be crystal clear , '' Rep. Eliot Engel , chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee , said during the House debate in March .
Engel , D-N.Y. , and other Democrats said Trump brought the United States to the brink of war with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against Soleimani on Jan. 2 .
Iran responded by launching ballistic missiles at an Iraqi air base housing American troops , which left more than 100 service members with traumatic brain injuries .
Tensions have eased recently as both countries turn their attention to battling the coronavirus pandemic .

John Fritze and Deirdre Shesgreen, USA TODAY

Trump vetoes measure to limit his war powers against Iran, slams Republicans who supported it
Show Caption Hide Caption Trump pushes reopening, calls Americans 'warriors' Heading to Arizona to visit a Honeywell factory that makes respirator masks, President Donald Trump urged Americans to consider themselves "as warriors," in the fight against the coronavirus. "Our country has to open," Trump said. (May 5) AP
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump vetoed a bipartisan resolution Wednesday that would limit his ability to unilaterally launch a military attack in Iran, arguing that the measure was an election year ploy by Democrats to divide Republicans.
The resolution, which the House had approved in March, marked a rare bipartisan effort to curb Trump's powers and underscored lingering concerns among some lawmakers that tensions with Tehran could escalate into a war. Supporters have acknowledged they do not have enough support to override Trump's veto, the seventh of his presidency.
Though the veto was expected, Trump's statement leveled unexpectedly harsh criticism at members of his own party who supported it. Trump described the resolution as "very insulting" and dismissed it as a "strategy to win an election."
"The few Republicans who voted for it," Trump said, "played right into their hands."
More: House approves measure to limit Trump's war powers against Iran
Six Republicans in the House joined 220 Democrats in supporting the war powers resolution. The measure cleared the Senate with eight Republicans and all Democrats.
The Senate plans to vote Thursday on whether to override the veto, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said.
Trump made his predecessor's posture toward Iran a centerpiece of his 2016 campaign, suggesting that a nuclear agreement worked out by President Barack Obama on behalf of the USA and five other nations was too soft on the country. Tensions have flared significantly since then, culminating in a U.S. drone strike that killed Iranian Major General Qasem Soleimani near Baghdad International Airport in January.
Trump has frequently touted the killing of Soleimani on the campaign trail.
Lawmakers who supported the measure conceded they do not have the two-thirds majority needed to override a veto in either chamber. But the House and Senate votes were a rebuke to Trump and signaled disapproval of his Iran policy.
"The American people don't want war with Iran. The Congress has not authorized war with Iran. That should be crystal clear," Rep. Eliot Engel, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said during the House debate in March.
Engel, D-N.Y., and other Democrats said Trump brought the United States to the brink of war with Iran when he green-lighted the deadly strike against Soleimani on Jan. 2. Iran responded by launching ballistic missiles at an Iraqi air base housing American troops, which left more than 100 service members with traumatic brain injuries.
Tensions have eased recently as both countries turn their attention to battling the coronavirus pandemic.
Contributing: Christal Hayes