usatoday--2020-03-28--Former Sen. Tom Coburn, physician who represented Oklahoma, dies at 72

Former Sen. Tom Coburn , a physician who became a powerful force in Congress on fiscal matters , died early Saturday morning after a long fight with prostate cancer .
He was 72 .
Coburn , a Republican , represented Oklahoma in the Senate from 2005 to 2015 and in the House of Representatives from 1995 to 2001 .
After leaving the Senate , he pushed for a constitutional convention and advocated for a range of conservative fiscal causes .
A statement from Coburn 's family on Saturday morning said , `` Because of his strong faith , he rested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 11 verse 25 where Jesus said , ' I am the resurrection and the life .
The one who believes in me , will live , even though they die . '
Today he lives in heaven . ''
A memorial service will be held at a later date and will be announced , the family stated .
`` He ’ s been fighting up to the very end , '' a friend said Saturday .
`` He was fighting for all of the things he still believed in . ''
Coburn , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , won a House seat in 1994 in the Republican wave year that gave the GOP a House majority for the first time in decades .
He limited himself to three terms and did not run for re-election in 2000 .
Four years later , he ran for the Senate , entering the race relatively late , but he still easily beat the Republican field and then defeated former Rep. Brad Carson in the general election .
He was in the same freshman class as former President Barack Obama , and the two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ When Coburn announced his resignation in 2014 , Obama , a Democrat , said , `` Tom and I entered the Senate at the same time , becoming friends after our wives struck up a conversation at an orientation dinner .
And even though we haven ’ t always agreed politically , we ’ ve found ways to work together — to make government more transparent , cut down on earmarks , and fight to reduce wasteful spending and make our tax system fairer .
The people of Oklahoma have been well-served by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the past nine years . ''
In the House and Senate , Coburn relentlessly attacked spending of all kinds from both parties , and likely had more influence than any other member in killing off the pork barrel system that gave lawmakers millions of dollars each to spread around their districts .
He engaged in battles big and small over spending , blocking new programs that he considered duplicative and proposing major changes to Medicare and Social Security .
He was dubbed `` Dr. No '' because he blocked so many bills .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Wastebook '' of spending items they considered frivolous .
Republican Sen. James Lankford , who won Coburn 's seat in 2014 , said Saturday , “ Oklahoma has lost a tremendous leader , and I lost a great friend today .
Dr. Coburn was an inspiration to many in our state and our nation .
He was unwavering in his conservative values , but he had deep and meaningful friendships with people from all political and personal backgrounds .
He was truly respected by people on both sides of the aisle .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ by many around the country for his work in Congress , but in Oklahoma , he will be remembered as a physician , a Sunday School teacher , and a mentor .
He delivered over 4,000 babies and cared for thousands of moms in Muskogee .
His greatest joy was his wife Carolyn and his daughters Callie , Katie , and Sarah and their families .
Cindy and I pray for the Coburn family as they walk through this incredibly hard journey .
They have lost a husband , father , and grandfather @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a leader .
”

Former Sen. Tom Coburn, physician who represented Oklahoma, dies at 72
Show Caption Hide Caption Former Senator Tom Coburn on Trump, health care, waste in government Former Oklahoma Senator Tom Coburn said we need market forces in health care. Video provided by TheStreet Newslook
Former Sen. Tom Coburn, a physician who became a powerful force in Congress on fiscal matters, died early Saturday morning after a long fight with prostate cancer. He was 72.
Coburn, a Republican, represented Oklahoma in the Senate from 2005 to 2015 and in the House of Representatives from 1995 to 2001. After leaving the Senate, he pushed for a constitutional convention and advocated for a range of conservative fiscal causes.
A statement from Coburn's family on Saturday morning said, "Because of his strong faith, he rested in the hope found in John chapter 11 verse 25 where Jesus said, 'I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me, will live, even though they die.' Today he lives in heaven."
A memorial service will be held at a later date and will be announced, the family stated.
"He’s been fighting up to the very end," a friend said Saturday. "He was fighting for all of the things he still believed in."
Coburn, whose medical practice focused primarily on obstetrics, won a House seat in 1994 in the Republican wave year that gave the GOP a House majority for the first time in decades. He limited himself to three terms and did not run for re-election in 2000.
Four years later, he ran for the Senate, entering the race relatively late, but he still easily beat the Republican field and then defeated former Rep. Brad Carson in the general election. He was in the same freshman class as former President Barack Obama, and the two senators and their wives became friends.
When Coburn announced his resignation in 2014, Obama, a Democrat, said, "Tom and I entered the Senate at the same time, becoming friends after our wives struck up a conversation at an orientation dinner. And even though we haven’t always agreed politically, we’ve found ways to work together — to make government more transparent, cut down on earmarks, and fight to reduce wasteful spending and make our tax system fairer. The people of Oklahoma have been well-served by this 'country doctor from Muskogee' over the past nine years."
In the House and Senate, Coburn relentlessly attacked spending of all kinds from both parties, and likely had more influence than any other member in killing off the pork barrel system that gave lawmakers millions of dollars each to spread around their districts.
He engaged in battles big and small over spending, blocking new programs that he considered duplicative and proposing major changes to Medicare and Social Security. He was dubbed "Dr. No" because he blocked so many bills. He and his staff compiled an annual "Wastebook" of spending items they considered frivolous.
Republican Sen. James Lankford, who won Coburn's seat in 2014, said Saturday, “Oklahoma has lost a tremendous leader, and I lost a great friend today. Dr. Coburn was an inspiration to many in our state and our nation. He was unwavering in his conservative values, but he had deep and meaningful friendships with people from all political and personal backgrounds. He was truly respected by people on both sides of the aisle.
“Dr. Coburn will be remembered by many around the country for his work in Congress, but in Oklahoma, he will be remembered as a physician, a Sunday School teacher, and a mentor. He delivered over 4,000 babies and cared for thousands of moms in Muskogee. His greatest joy was his wife Carolyn and his daughters Callie, Katie, and Sarah and their families. Cindy and I pray for the Coburn family as they walk through this incredibly hard journey. They have lost a husband, father, and grandfather; we have lost a friend and a leader.”


usatoday--2020-03-30--Republican governors could be at odds with President Donald Trump on coronavirus response

Faced with the prospect of a cratering economy and a looming election , President Donald Trump has said he wants to lift the extreme measures used to contain the coronavirus within a few weeks .
“ This cure is worse than the problem , ” he said during a Fox News town hall Tuesday .
“ In my opinion , more people are going to die if we allow this to continue .
We have to go back to work .
Our people want to go back to work.
” If the president were to ease his administration ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public health officials say he should — governors across the country will be forced to decide whether to follow the guidance of the nation ’ s president or epidemiologists as they enact their own policies .
Republican governors , in particular , could face mounting pressure to abandon the sometimes-sweeping orders they ’ ve made to close businesses and schools if they end up at odds with the president ’ s guidance .
'This can not be our final bill ' : Pelosi looks ahead while Republicans want to see effects of $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Reynolds , a Republican , responded to the president 's comments at a news conference , saying she also would like to see a speedy return to life as usual .
“ I think we all have that shared goal , ” she said Wednesday .
“ I just want to make sure that I ’ m protecting Iowans and I ’ m making the decisions on the right data points.
” But even as the president was downplaying the possibility that much of the country would have to remain closed and in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ took steps to expand and extend statewide closures .
“ The more we do now to mitigate the spread of the virus , the sooner we will get through this so life and business can get back to normal , ” she said Thursday .
Already , views about the pandemic and the threat it poses are split firmly along party lines .
According to a Pew Research Poll in mid-March , 59 % of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents said the coronavirus outbreak is a major threat to the nation ’ s health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Republican-leaning independents said the same .
At that point , there were already thousands of confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in the U.S .
Since then , the number of the infected in the country has grown to more than 100,000 .
More : States are playing an outsized role in fighting coronavirus , but they are far from united Majorities of both Republicans and Democrats told pollsters they were confident in the health officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and in their state and local officials to handle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more polarizing .
Seventy-nine percent of Democrats and Democrat-leaners said he hadn ’ t taken the risks seriously enough .
Just 22 % of Republicans and Republican-leaners said the same .
“ I think that ’ s a direct result of the president saying for weeks that this was not a problem , ” said Republican political consultant Eric Woolson .
Woolson , who has worked for several campaigns in Iowa , acknowledged that Republican governors may feel some pressure from their Republican constituents to avoid some of the more drastic measures Democratic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said , he thinks they ’ ll rely more heavily on the advice of public health officials than the political pressure .
More : 'An unprecedented situation ' : Coronavirus clamps down on statehouses as legislatures scramble to adapt “ I ’ ve just always found that governors , in times like these — whether it ’ s tornadoes or blizzards or now this outbreak — they have always , whether Democrat or Republican , really put public safety first , ” he said .
Although the president can set agendas and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the leaders of each state to decide how best to handle the outbreak .
Many of their responses have also split along ideological lines , with Democratic governors of blue states like California and New York acting far more aggressively .
Of the 24 governors who had issued statewide stay-at-home orders as of Friday afternoon , just seven are Republicans .
Those orders vary but generally require residents to stay inside their homes except to seek essential services like groceries and medications .
The orders are the most aggressive measures states have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus .
Ohio Gov .
Mike DeWine , a Republican , became the seventh governor to enact such an order on March 22 .
“ We are at war , ” DeWine said at the time .
“ And in a time of war , we have to make sacrifices.
” DeWine acted swiftly and more aggressively than many of his Republican counterparts who have resisted such austere measures .
More : 'We ’ re basing this on science ' : Ohio emerges as leader in U.S. coronavirus response A hyper-partisan battle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had confirmed more than 2,800 cases of COVID-19 as of Friday afternoon .
There , Democrats have urged Republican Gov .
Ron DeSantis to issue a stay at home order , though he has refused .
While Reynolds has publicly and repeatedly urged Iowans to stay home , she has stopped short of mandating it .
`` It 's important , also , that we keep Iowa open for business in a responsible way that protects the health of our people and our economy , '' she said at a recent news conference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resisted calls to issue a formal stay-at-home order , Reynolds has recommended schools shutter and mandated businesses close while limiting public gatherings to 10 people .
On Thursday , she expanded those orders further .
She also ordered statewide closures of stores that sell books , jewelry , luggage , beauty supplies , furniture , shoes and clothes and other non-essential goods .
And she called for an end to elective surgeries and dental procedures .
“ These additional steps , along with those we ’ ve already taken , are equivalent to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ orders , ” she said Thursday .
Charlie Baker , the Republican governor of Massachusetts , has taken similar steps — closing non-essential businesses and formally advising residents to stay in their homes but refusing to mandate it .
“ I do not believe I can or should order U.S. citizens to be confined to their home for days on end , ” he said .
“ It doesn ’ t make sense from a public health point of view , and it ’ s not realistic.
” And on Thursday , Idaho @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ordered residents to remain at home for the next three weeks after the state discovered community spread of the virus in one of its most populous areas .
Even if Republican leaders do end up at odds with the president , many have already found ways to distance themselves from his views without ever veering into criticism .
“ I love the president ’ s optimism .
I really do appreciate that , ” Sen. Joni Ernst , R-Iowa , said Thursday when asked about Trump ’ s desire to reopen the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think the sentiment is out there across America that , if it were possible , we ’ d love to see it .
I think it ’ s best that we turn to the folks at the CDC as well as Dr. Fauci and listen to those medical professionals and use their determination as our guidepost.
” In the midst of a crisis , angering a notoriously capricious president could put access to medical equipment , federal funding and more at risk .
Leaders of both parties have been trying to carefully navigate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ administration .
“ I can ’ t afford to have a fight with the White House , '' Michigan Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer , a Democrat , told the Associated Press .
Brianne Pfannenstiel is the chief politics reporter for the Register .
Reach her at bpfann @ dmreg.com or follow her on Twitter at @ brianneDMR

Brianne Pfannenstiel, Des Moines Register

Republican governors could be at odds with President Donald Trump on coronavirus response
Show Caption Hide Caption Governor Reynolds insists Iowa does not need shelter in place order In a news conference on Sunday, March 22, 2020, Governor Kim Reynolds says a shelter in place order is not needed in Iowa during coronavirus outbreak. Kelsey Kremer, kkremer@dmreg.com
Faced with the prospect of a cratering economy and a looming election, President Donald Trump has said he wants to lift the extreme measures used to contain the coronavirus within a few weeks.
“This cure is worse than the problem,” he said during a Fox News town hall Tuesday. “In my opinion, more people are going to die if we allow this to continue. We have to go back to work. Our people want to go back to work.”
If the president were to ease his administration’s recommendations in mid-April — well before most public health officials say he should — governors across the country will be forced to decide whether to follow the guidance of the nation’s president or epidemiologists as they enact their own policies.
Republican governors, in particular, could face mounting pressure to abandon the sometimes-sweeping orders they’ve made to close businesses and schools if they end up at odds with the president’s guidance.
'This cannot be our final bill': Pelosi looks ahead while Republicans want to see effects of $2 trillion package
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, a Republican, responded to the president's comments at a news conference, saying she also would like to see a speedy return to life as usual.
“I think we all have that shared goal,” she said Wednesday. “I just want to make sure that I’m protecting Iowans and I’m making the decisions on the right data points.”
But even as the president was downplaying the possibility that much of the country would have to remain closed and in isolation for a long time, Reynolds took steps to expand and extend statewide closures.
“The more we do now to mitigate the spread of the virus, the sooner we will get through this so life and business can get back to normal,” she said Thursday.
Party ID shapes perception of pandemic
Already, views about the pandemic and the threat it poses are split firmly along party lines.
According to a Pew Research Poll in mid-March, 59% of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents said the coronavirus outbreak is a major threat to the nation’s health. But only 33% of Republicans and Republican-leaning independents said the same.
At that point, there were already thousands of confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in the U.S. Since then, the number of the infected in the country has grown to more than 100,000.
More: States are playing an outsized role in fighting coronavirus, but they are far from united
Majorities of both Republicans and Democrats told pollsters they were confident in the health officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and in their state and local officials to handle the pandemic. But Trump is far more polarizing.
Seventy-nine percent of Democrats and Democrat-leaners said he hadn’t taken the risks seriously enough. Just 22% of Republicans and Republican-leaners said the same.
“I think that’s a direct result of the president saying for weeks that this was not a problem,” said Republican political consultant Eric Woolson.
Woolson, who has worked for several campaigns in Iowa, acknowledged that Republican governors may feel some pressure from their Republican constituents to avoid some of the more drastic measures Democratic governors are enacting. But ultimately, he said, he thinks they’ll rely more heavily on the advice of public health officials than the political pressure.
More: 'An unprecedented situation': Coronavirus clamps down on statehouses as legislatures scramble to adapt
“I’ve just always found that governors, in times like these — whether it’s tornadoes or blizzards or now this outbreak — they have always, whether Democrat or Republican, really put public safety first,” he said.
Patchwork response
Although the president can set agendas and issue recommendations, it’s up to the leaders of each state to decide how best to handle the outbreak. Many of their responses have also split along ideological lines, with Democratic governors of blue states like California and New York acting far more aggressively.
Of the 24 governors who had issued statewide stay-at-home orders as of Friday afternoon, just seven are Republicans. Those orders vary but generally require residents to stay inside their homes except to seek essential services like groceries and medications. The orders are the most aggressive measures states have yet taken to combat the spread of the virus.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, a Republican, became the seventh governor to enact such an order on March 22.
“We are at war,” DeWine said at the time. “And in a time of war, we have to make sacrifices.”
DeWine acted swiftly and more aggressively than many of his Republican counterparts who have resisted such austere measures.
More: 'We’re basing this on science': Ohio emerges as leader in U.S. coronavirus response
A hyper-partisan battle is playing out in Florida, which had confirmed more than 2,800 cases of COVID-19 as of Friday afternoon. There, Democrats have urged Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis to issue a stay at home order, though he has refused.
While Reynolds has publicly and repeatedly urged Iowans to stay home, she has stopped short of mandating it.
"It's important, also, that we keep Iowa open for business in a responsible way that protects the health of our people and our economy," she said at a recent news conference.
But even as she’s resisted calls to issue a formal stay-at-home order, Reynolds has recommended schools shutter and mandated businesses close while limiting public gatherings to 10 people.
On Thursday, she expanded those orders further. She also ordered statewide closures of stores that sell books, jewelry, luggage, beauty supplies, furniture, shoes and clothes and other non-essential goods. And she called for an end to elective surgeries and dental procedures.
“These additional steps, along with those we’ve already taken, are equivalent to the goals of many of the shelter-in-place orders,” she said Thursday.
Charlie Baker, the Republican governor of Massachusetts, has taken similar steps — closing non-essential businesses and formally advising residents to stay in their homes but refusing to mandate it.
“I do not believe I can or should order U.S. citizens to be confined to their home for days on end,” he said. “It doesn’t make sense from a public health point of view, and it’s not realistic.”
And on Thursday, Idaho Gov. Brad Little, a Republican, ordered residents to remain at home for the next three weeks after the state discovered community spread of the virus in one of its most populous areas.
Even if Republican leaders do end up at odds with the president, many have already found ways to distance themselves from his views without ever veering into criticism.
“I love the president’s optimism. I really do appreciate that,” Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, said Thursday when asked about Trump’s desire to reopen the country by Easter. “And I think the sentiment is out there across America that, if it were possible, we’d love to see it. I think it’s best that we turn to the folks at the CDC as well as Dr. Fauci and listen to those medical professionals and use their determination as our guidepost.”
In the midst of a crisis, angering a notoriously capricious president could put access to medical equipment, federal funding and more at risk. Leaders of both parties have been trying to carefully navigate their relationships with the president and his administration.
“I can’t afford to have a fight with the White House," Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat, told the Associated Press.
Brianne Pfannenstiel is the chief politics reporter for the Register. Reach her at bpfann@dmreg.com or follow her on Twitter at @brianneDMR


usatoday--2020-03-30--Biden leads Trump by nine points in latest Fox News poll

WASHINGTON – Former Vice President Joe Biden is leading President Donald Trump by nine points in a new Fox News poll .
In a head-to-head matchup , Biden leads Trump by 49 % to 40 % , which is outside the poll ’ s margin of sampling error .
The margin is basically unchanged since the last Fox News poll , which was conducted in February , when Biden led Trump 49 % to 41 % .
Besides gaining support from liberals , non-whites and moderates , Biden bested Trump in two categories critical to his re-election : suburban women @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump to Mike Pence : 'Do n't call the woman in Michigan , ' aka Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer Trump largely won the support of conservatives , white men , and whites without a college degree , as well as white evangelical Christians and those who regularly attend religious services .
A majority of voters polled also approved of Biden 's promise to pick a female running-mate .
Adding diversity to the Democratic ticket is widely seen as a priority for a party that now has two white men , both in their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ primary candidates .
During the last Democratic debate , Biden said : `` My administration will look like the country and I commit that I will in fact pick a woman to be vice president .
There are a number of women who are qualified to be president tomorrow .
I will pick a woman as my vice president . ''
About 63 % in the Fox News poll approved of this promise , while 20 % disapproved , and 17 % were unsure .
More : Veteran political strategist , a Joe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ died , family says There was no gender gap with this question , but those under the age 45 were 10 points more likely to approve .
Trump 's approval rating , according to this poll , was 48 % compared with 51 % who disapprove .
According to Fox News , the poll was conducted from March 21-24 , 2020 under the joint direction of Beacon Research ( D ) and Shaw & Company ( R ) , and included interviews with 1,011 randomly chosen registered voters nationwide .
The poll has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plus or minus 3 percentage points .

Biden leads Trump by nine points in latest Fox News poll
Show Caption Hide Caption Difference between caucus and primary, explained The 2020 election is nearing and with that, comes the caucuses and primary elections. But what’s the difference? Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – Former Vice President Joe Biden is leading President Donald Trump by nine points in a new Fox News poll.
In a head-to-head matchup, Biden leads Trump by 49% to 40%, which is outside the poll’s margin of sampling error.
The margin is basically unchanged since the last Fox News poll, which was conducted in February, when Biden led Trump 49% to 41%.
Besides gaining support from liberals, non-whites and moderates, Biden bested Trump in two categories critical to his re-election: suburban women and voters ages 65 and older.
Trump to Mike Pence: 'Don't call the woman in Michigan,' aka Gov. Gretchen Whitmer
Trump largely won the support of conservatives, white men, and whites without a college degree, as well as white evangelical Christians and those who regularly attend religious services.
A majority of voters polled also approved of Biden's promise to pick a female running-mate.
Adding diversity to the Democratic ticket is widely seen as a priority for a party that now has two white men, both in their late 70s, as its last two primary candidates.
During the last Democratic debate, Biden said: "My administration will look like the country and I commit that I will in fact pick a woman to be vice president. There are a number of women who are qualified to be president tomorrow. I will pick a woman as my vice president."
About 63% in the Fox News poll approved of this promise, while 20% disapproved, and 17% were unsure.
More: Veteran political strategist, a Joe Biden confidant, had COVID-19 when he died, family says
There was no gender gap with this question, but those under the age 45 were 10 points more likely to approve.
Trump's approval rating, according to this poll, was 48% compared with 51% who disapprove.
According to Fox News, the poll was conducted from March 21-24, 2020 under the joint direction of Beacon Research (D) and Shaw & Company (R), and included interviews with 1,011 randomly chosen registered voters nationwide. The poll has a margin of a sampling error of plus or minus 3 percentage points.


usatoday--2020-03-28--Trump objects to oversight provisions of coronavirus law, setting stage for new front with Democrats

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump used a relatively rare signing statement Friday to object to portions of the $ 2 trillion coronavirus stimulus law , potentially opening a new front with Democrats on the oversight of how that money is spent .
Trump said he would ignore portions of the law demanded by some Democrats to give Congress additional visibility into the stimulus spending , arguing that those requirements would infringe on the separation of powers enshrined in the Constitution .
Congress and the White House moved with stunning speed to pass the massive economic stimulus , the largest in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effort to avoid economic calamity from the coronavirus .
But now that the measure is law , the administration must shell out hundreds of billions of dollars quickly while attempting to avoid controversy .
`` It is a big deal , '' said Danielle Brian with the Project On Government Oversight .
`` I 'm hoping that , given the crisis , Congress will realize this is a line that must not be crossed . ''
A signing statement is a written pronouncement from a president when a bill is signed into law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ explain a president 's position , prod Congress to pass more legislation , or to put the president on record raising constitutional issues .
But the practice has drawn fire from watchdog groups who say presidents have used the documents to rewrite portions of laws they disagreed with rather than vetoing them .
Brian said Congress has acquiesced to the statements since before the Trump administration , but she said they have no legal meaning , and she urged lawmakers to push back against efforts to undermine congressional oversight of the spending .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the $ 2 trillion coronavirus emergency spending bill , and Congressional oversight of this Administration ’ s handling of the funds is absolutely critical , '' Common Cause President Karen Hobert Flynn said in a statement .
`` This attempt by President Trump to bypass oversight is nothing more than a corrupt power grab by an administration known for bending over backwards to shower rewards on its political supporters , '' she added .
Democrats balked at what they saw as a lack of oversight provisions in the initial draft of the measure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , responding to questions about those concerns , he declared that , `` I 'll be the oversight . ''
Lawmakers ultimately OK 'd several new entities , including a new inspector general , to monitor the law 's implementation .
The legislation , designed in part to help businesses and corporations hammered by closures due to the coronavirus pandemic , creates multiple layers of accountability for the billions of dollars in loans , grants and direct cash that will soon flow from the federal government .
The House passed the bill by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ signed it .
President Barack Obama faced similar concerns after the approval of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act in 2009 .
Republicans pilloried the nearly $ 800 billion effort , arguing it was full of `` wasteful government spending . ''
Several GOP lawmakers produced lists highlighting examples they thought were particularly egregious .
Neither House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. , nor Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer , D-N.Y. , immediately responded to questions about Trump 's statement .
“ It ’ s not a surprise to anyone , ” Pelosi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement on MSNBC .
“ Congress will exercise its oversight.
” A Democratic aide speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal strategy said Democrats anticipated the president ’ s move “ so that ’ s why there are multiple layers of strict oversight in this bill.
” The aide pointed to a congressional oversight commission created by the law in addition to the special inspector general and other provisions .
The coronavirus stimulus package , which will send millions of Americans and businesses direct payments or loans , creates several new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaders of a newly created Pandemic Response Accountability Committee to be appointed by the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency with the consultation of congressional leaders .
The council is an independent agency within the executive branch and Trump said in his statement that requiring it to consult with Congress to fill the roles represents an overreach .
Trump wrote that he anticipates consultation would take place , but that it should n't be a requirement .
Another section creates a special inspector general for pandemic recovery within the Treasury @ @ @ @ @ @ @ person to report to Congress if an agency in the administration denies a document request .
Trump said he would not treat the provision as allowing the inspector general to issue reports to Congress without `` presidential supervision . ''
Trump said that other provisions of the law appear to condition the ability of federal agencies to spend money on consultation with congressional committees .
`` These provisions , '' Trump wrote , `` are impermissible forms of congressional aggrandizement with respect to the execution of the laws . ''
Trump said he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the relevant committees '' before taking the actions called for in the law but would not treat `` spending decisions as dependent on prior consultation with or the approval of '' Congress .

Trump objects to oversight provisions of coronavirus law, setting stage for new front with Democrats
Show Caption Hide Caption Coronavirus relief act signed by President Trump worth $2.2 trillion President Trump signs the CARES Act, providing $2.2 trillion in economic relief during the coronavirus pandemic. Associated Press, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump used a relatively rare signing statement Friday to object to portions of the $2 trillion coronavirus stimulus law, potentially opening a new front with Democrats on the oversight of how that money is spent.
Trump said he would ignore portions of the law demanded by some Democrats to give Congress additional visibility into the stimulus spending, arguing that those requirements would infringe on the separation of powers enshrined in the Constitution.
Congress and the White House moved with stunning speed to pass the massive economic stimulus, the largest in the nation's history, in an effort to avoid economic calamity from the coronavirus. But now that the measure is law, the administration must shell out hundreds of billions of dollars quickly while attempting to avoid controversy.
"It is a big deal," said Danielle Brian with the Project On Government Oversight. "I'm hoping that, given the crisis, Congress will realize this is a line that must not be crossed."
A signing statement is a written pronouncement from a president when a bill is signed into law. The document can be used to explain a president's position, prod Congress to pass more legislation, or to put the president on record raising constitutional issues. But the practice has drawn fire from watchdog groups who say presidents have used the documents to rewrite portions of laws they disagreed with rather than vetoing them.
Brian said Congress has acquiesced to the statements since before the Trump administration, but she said they have no legal meaning, and she urged lawmakers to push back against efforts to undermine congressional oversight of the spending.
"Americans expect and deserve accountability for the $2 trillion coronavirus emergency spending bill, and Congressional oversight of this Administration’s handling of the funds is absolutely critical," Common Cause President Karen Hobert Flynn said in a statement.
"This attempt by President Trump to bypass oversight is nothing more than a corrupt power grab by an administration known for bending over backwards to shower rewards on its political supporters," she added.
Democrats balked at what they saw as a lack of oversight provisions in the initial draft of the measure. Trump drew attention this week when, responding to questions about those concerns, he declared that, "I'll be the oversight." Lawmakers ultimately OK'd several new entities, including a new inspector general, to monitor the law's implementation.
More: Trump signs $2 trillion coronavirus stimulus intended to halt economic meltdown
The legislation, designed in part to help businesses and corporations hammered by closures due to the coronavirus pandemic, creates multiple layers of accountability for the billions of dollars in loans, grants and direct cash that will soon flow from the federal government. The House passed the bill by voice vote on Friday and Trump immediately signed it.
President Barack Obama faced similar concerns after the approval of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act in 2009. Republicans pilloried the nearly $800 billion effort, arguing it was full of "wasteful government spending." Several GOP lawmakers produced lists highlighting examples they thought were particularly egregious.
Neither House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., nor Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., immediately responded to questions about Trump's statement.
“It’s not a surprise to anyone,” Pelosi said of the president’s signing statement on MSNBC. “Congress will exercise its oversight.”
A Democratic aide speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal strategy said Democrats anticipated the president’s move “so that’s why there are multiple layers of strict oversight in this bill.” The aide pointed to a congressional oversight commission created by the law in addition to the special inspector general and other provisions.
The coronavirus stimulus package, which will send millions of Americans and businesses direct payments or loans, creates several new oversight entities.
The law requires the leaders of a newly created Pandemic Response Accountability Committee to be appointed by the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency with the consultation of congressional leaders. The council is an independent agency within the executive branch and Trump said in his statement that requiring it to consult with Congress to fill the roles represents an overreach.
Trump wrote that he anticipates consultation would take place, but that it shouldn't be a requirement.
Another section creates a special inspector general for pandemic recovery within the Treasury Department. The new law requires that person to report to Congress if an agency in the administration denies a document request. Trump said he would not treat the provision as allowing the inspector general to issue reports to Congress without "presidential supervision."
Trump said that other provisions of the law appear to condition the ability of federal agencies to spend money on consultation with congressional committees.
"These provisions," Trump wrote, "are impermissible forms of congressional aggrandizement with respect to the execution of the laws."
Trump said he would "make appropriate efforts to notify the relevant committees" before taking the actions called for in the law but would not treat "spending decisions as dependent on prior consultation with or the approval of" Congress.


usatoday--2020-03-27--Stimulus check: What we know (and don't)

President Donald Trump has signed a $ 2 trillion relief package that aims to soften the blow of the coronavirus pandemic on the economy .
Now the Trump administration must rapidly pump hundreds of billions of dollars into the economy in the form of direct payments , loans and grants to hard-hit industries such as the airlines .
The stimulus package will provide $ 1,200 checks to many Americans – and more for families – while making available hundreds of billions of dollars for companies to maintain payroll through the crisis .
It significantly expands the nation ’ s unemployment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infusion of cash to hospitals and other medical facilities on the front line of fighting the pandemic .
Here 's what we know – and do n't .
Details are subject to change .
We will update , as needed .
What we know : How the $ 2T coronavirus stimulus will affect you and the economy Your money is important : All the money tips and advice delivered right to your inbox .
Sign up here How much would each person get ?
Individuals with an adjusted gross income of $ 75,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to $ 1,200 ( $ 2,400 for joint tax returns ) and $ 500 for each qualifying child .
Those with little or no tax liability also will get $ 1,200 ( $ 2,400 for joint returns ) .
The payments will start to phase out for Americans who earn more than $ 75,000 , or $ 150,000 for a joint return .
The amount you receive will be decreased by 5 % of the amount your income exceeds $ 75,000 .
For example , a single person with an $ 85,000 salary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % of $ 10,000 , or $ 500 .
The payments will phase out completely for single filers with incomes exceeding $ 99,000 , $ 136,500 for head of household filers with one child , and $ 198,000 for joint filers with no children .
If you 've already filed your 2019 taxes , the IRS will use those returns to determine your rebate .
If not , your 2018 returns will be used to calculate your check .
Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin last week said on Fox Business that `` as soon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get this out in three weeks . ''
However , specific dates would most likely change during the appropriations process in Congress .
Individuals who have set up a direct deposit with the IRS can expect the sum quicker than those who have to wait for a check in the mail .
The last time the federal government sent checks to Americans was in 2008 , under President George W. Bush .
The Economic Stimulus Act was signed into law on Feb. 13 , 2008 , and provided individual tax relief in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as $ 600 for individuals , $ 1,200 for married couples , and additional rebates for families with children .
But the money did n't start going out until late April .
Where is this money coming from ?
The previous bill signed by Trump on is known as `` phase two . ''
The stimulus checks come as part of the $ 2-trillion `` phase three '' package .
What other financial assistance efforts is the government putting forward ?
The Senate agreed to an expansion of unemployment benefits that would extend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a four-month enhancement of benefits and include freelancers , furloughed employees and the self-employed .
The previous aid bill signed by Trump provides paid sick and family leave , offers free coronavirus testing and bolsters unemployment insurance .
As reported by USA TODAY 's Chris Quitana : The federal government will no longer withhold portions of borrowers ' tax returns and Social Security payments , the Education Department said Wednesday .
And borrowers whose paychecks were garnished will be entitled to their full wage — although their employers must make the change to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the Department of Housing and Urban Development would suspend foreclosures and evictions on FHA-insured mortgages .

Stimulus check: What we know (and don't)
Show Caption Hide Caption Coronavirus: What to expect in a recession, depression The coronavirus (COVID-19) is impacting the global economy and raising fears of a recession. What causes a recession and what are the signs? Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
President Donald Trump has signed a $2 trillion relief package that aims to soften the blow of the coronavirus pandemic on the economy.
Now the Trump administration must rapidly pump hundreds of billions of dollars into the economy in the form of direct payments, loans and grants to hard-hit industries such as the airlines.
The stimulus package will provide $1,200 checks to many Americans – and more for families – while making available hundreds of billions of dollars for companies to maintain payroll through the crisis. It significantly expands the nation’s unemployment safety net and it directs a huge infusion of cash to hospitals and other medical facilities on the front line of fighting the pandemic.
Here's what we know – and don't. Details are subject to change. We will update, as needed.
What we know: How the $2T coronavirus stimulus will affect you and the economy
Your money is important: All the money tips and advice delivered right to your inbox. Sign up here
How much would each person get?
Individuals with an adjusted gross income of $75,000 or less will be eligible for up to $1,200 ($2,400 for joint tax returns) and $500 for each qualifying child. Those with little or no tax liability also will get $1,200 ($2,400 for joint returns).
The payments will start to phase out for Americans who earn more than $75,000, or $150,000 for a joint return. The amount you receive will be decreased by 5% of the amount your income exceeds $75,000. For example, a single person with an $85,000 salary would get $700 after subtracting 5% of $10,000, or $500.
The payments will phase out completely for single filers with incomes exceeding $99,000, $136,500 for head of household filers with one child, and $198,000 for joint filers with no children.
If you've already filed your 2019 taxes, the IRS will use those returns to determine your rebate. If not, your 2018 returns will be used to calculate your check.
When would checks arrive?
Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin last week said on Fox Business that "as soon as Congress passes this, we will get this out in three weeks."
However, specific dates would most likely change during the appropriations process in Congress.
Individuals who have set up a direct deposit with the IRS can expect the sum quicker than those who have to wait for a check in the mail.
The last time the federal government sent checks to Americans was in 2008, under President George W. Bush. The Economic Stimulus Act was signed into law on Feb. 13, 2008, and provided individual tax relief in the form of tax rebates – as much as $600 for individuals, $1,200 for married couples, and additional rebates for families with children. But the money didn't start going out until late April.
Where is this money coming from?
Taxes, in short.
The previous bill signed by Trump on is known as "phase two." The stimulus checks come as part of the $2-trillion "phase three" package.
What other financial assistance efforts is the government putting forward?
The Senate agreed to an expansion of unemployment benefits that would extend jobless insurance by 13 weeks and include a four-month enhancement of benefits and include freelancers, furloughed employees and the self-employed.
The previous aid bill signed by Trump provides paid sick and family leave, offers free coronavirus testing and bolsters unemployment insurance.
As reported by USA TODAY's Chris Quitana: The federal government will no longer withhold portions of borrowers' tax returns and Social Security payments, the Education Department said Wednesday. And borrowers whose paychecks were garnished will be entitled to their full wage — although their employers must make the change to their paycheck.
McConnell added last week that the Department of Housing and Urban Development would suspend foreclosures and evictions on FHA-insured mortgages.
Contributing: Nicholas Wu
Follow Josh Rivera on Twitter: @Josh1Rivera


usatoday--2020-03-27--EPA suspends some public health monitoring and enforcement because of coronavirus crisis

WASHINGTON – The Environmental Protection Agency is temporarily suspending key permitting , enforcement and oversight duties due to the coronavirus crisis , sidelining the nation 's top air , water and soil regulator from some of its key tasks .
The agency said the hiatus announced under the new `` Enforcement Discretion Policy '' would mainly affect the agency 's work `` with routine monitoring and reporting obligations '' disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic and not areas that could pose immediate threats to human health such as the safety of public water systems .
“ EPA is committed to protecting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recognizes challenges resulting from efforts to protect workers and the public from COVID-19 may directly impact the ability of regulated facilities to meet all federal regulatory requirements , ” EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler said in a news release .
Nearly 1,500 people have died in the U.S. after contracting COVID-19 and almost 100,000 more have been infected as of Friday afternoon .
An emphasis on `` social distancing '' to slow the spread of the disease has prompted government agencies and private industries , including laboratories that test toxics , to keep non-essential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decried the decision , saying that the EPA did not have to go as far as it did : in effect , allowing the nation 's top polluters – power plants , chemical manufacturers , oil rigs , and other heavy industry – to employ the honor system and monitor themselves .
“ To use a public health crisis to justify actions that will result in even greater threats to public health is unconscionable , '' said Wenonah Hauter , executive director , Food & Water Action .
States carry out much of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ environment laws but depend on EPA for resources and guidance , especially when conflicts arise between states .
The latest : Coronavirus live updates : $ 2T aid package heads to Trump 's desk ; Boris Johnson tests positive ; US mayors report supplies shortage And the job of monitoring and regulating the federal standards Congress sets for large operations such as refineries , water systems and power plants still falls to Washington to make sure releases of potentially toxic materials are tracked and minimized , if not eliminated .
But during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expect to seek penalties for violations of routine compliance monitoring , integrity testing , sampling , laboratory analysis , training , and reporting or certification obligations '' due to the crisis , according to a memo Thursday from Susan Parker Bodine , the EPA officials overseeing enforcement .
Direct payments : Coronavirus stimulus package : Who will get $ 1,200 checks and when will they be sent out ?
John Rumpler , a senior attorney for Environment America , said the absence of verified monitoring strikes at the heart of environmental compliance , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Refineries release millions of pounds of air pollution – including fugitive emissions or leaks – that would go undetected without stringent monitoring requirements , '' he said .
`` Fracking operations across the country involve several emission-releasing components including drill pads , compressor stations , pipelines , and waste pits – sometimes in close proximity to child care centers , nursing homes , and even hospitals . ''
The new policy does not apply to the hundreds of the nation 's most toxic waste sites that fall under the federal Superfund @ @ @ @ @ @ @ directive on that `` will be addressed in a separate communication . ''
But the EPA said if a facility that regularly generates hazardous waste is unable to meet transfer requirements due to the pandemic , the facility should continue to properly label and store such waste safely until it can be removed .
None of that is comforting to environmental groups that have fiercely opposed the Trump administration 's years-long effort to roll back regulations the administration says have hindered economic growth .
`` This clear giveaway to corporate polluters for an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public health worse , especially for the low income communities and communities of color suffering the most from toxic pollution and the COVID-19 pandemic , '' said Matthew Davis , a former EPA scientist now with the League of Conservation Voters .

EPA suspends some public health monitoring and enforcement because of coronavirus crisis
Show Caption Hide Caption The third coronavirus stimulus deal reaches trillions of dollars . A third coronavirus stimulus package was announced by the Senate, reaching $2 trillion and including direct payments to individuals and hospitals. Alexis Arnold, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – The Environmental Protection Agency is temporarily suspending key permitting, enforcement and oversight duties due to the coronavirus crisis, sidelining the nation's top air, water and soil regulator from some of its key tasks.
The agency said the hiatus announced under the new "Enforcement Discretion Policy" would mainly affect the agency's work "with routine monitoring and reporting obligations" disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic and not areas that could pose immediate threats to human health such as the safety of public water systems.
“EPA is committed to protecting human health and the environment, but recognizes challenges resulting from efforts to protect workers and the public from COVID-19 may directly impact the ability of regulated facilities to meet all federal regulatory requirements,” EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler said in a news release.
Nearly 1,500 people have died in the U.S. after contracting COVID-19 and almost 100,000 more have been infected as of Friday afternoon. An emphasis on "social distancing" to slow the spread of the disease has prompted government agencies and private industries, including laboratories that test toxics, to keep non-essential workers at home.
But environmental groups decried the decision, saying that the EPA did not have to go as far as it did: in effect, allowing the nation's top polluters – power plants, chemical manufacturers, oil rigs, and other heavy industry – to employ the honor system and monitor themselves.
“To use a public health crisis to justify actions that will result in even greater threats to public health is unconscionable," said Wenonah Hauter, executive director, Food & Water Action.
States carry out much of the front-line work of measuring and enforcing environment laws but depend on EPA for resources and guidance, especially when conflicts arise between states.
The latest: Coronavirus live updates: $2T aid package heads to Trump's desk; Boris Johnson tests positive; US mayors report supplies shortage
And the job of monitoring and regulating the federal standards Congress sets for large operations such as refineries, water systems and power plants still falls to Washington to make sure releases of potentially toxic materials are tracked and minimized, if not eliminated.
But during the pandemic, the agency "does not expect to seek penalties for violations of routine compliance monitoring, integrity testing, sampling, laboratory analysis, training, and reporting or certification obligations" due to the crisis, according to a memo Thursday from Susan Parker Bodine, the EPA officials overseeing enforcement.
Direct payments: Coronavirus stimulus package: Who will get $1,200 checks and when will they be sent out?
John Rumpler, a senior attorney for Environment America, said the absence of verified monitoring strikes at the heart of environmental compliance, especially concerning oil and gas industry operations.
"Refineries release millions of pounds of air pollution – including fugitive emissions or leaks – that would go undetected without stringent monitoring requirements," he said. "Fracking operations across the country involve several emission-releasing components including drill pads, compressor stations, pipelines, and waste pits – sometimes in close proximity to child care centers, nursing homes, and even hospitals."
The new policy does not apply to the hundreds of the nation's most toxic waste sites that fall under the federal Superfund Program. The agency said that a directive on that "will be addressed in a separate communication."
But the EPA said if a facility that regularly generates hazardous waste is unable to meet transfer requirements due to the pandemic, the facility should continue to properly label and store such waste safely until it can be removed.
None of that is comforting to environmental groups that have fiercely opposed the Trump administration's years-long effort to roll back regulations the administration says have hindered economic growth.
"This clear giveaway to corporate polluters for an indefinite period of time will only make public health worse, especially for the low income communities and communities of color suffering the most from toxic pollution and the COVID-19 pandemic," said Matthew Davis, a former EPA scientist now with the League of Conservation Voters.
Contributing Elizabeth Weise


usatoday--2020-03-30--COVID-19 claims the life of its first U.S. service member, a New Jersey National Guardsman

WASHINGTON -- A New Jersey National Guardsman is the first U.S. service member to die of COVID-19 , the Pentagon announced Monday night .
The Guardsman died Saturday and had been hospitalized since March 21 .
Earlier Monday , the Pentagon had announced that the number of COVID-19 cases among troops , their families and civilian employees had surpassed 1,000 .
There were 1,043 cases compared with 613 on Friday , a 70 % increase .
The first dependent of a service member died of the disease , according to the Pentagon .
There are 569 troops with the disease @ @ @ @ @ @ @ More : Trump says more than 1 million Americans have been tested for coronavirus No other information was released about the Guard member from New Jersey .
`` Today is a sad day for the Department of Defense as we have lost our first American service member – active , reserve or Guard – to coronavirus , '' Defense Secretary Mark Esper said in a statement .
`` This is a stinging loss for our military community , and our condolences go out to his family , friends , civilian co-workers and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has forced the Pentagon to shutter recruiting facilities , scrap major training exercises , halt travel and enforce social distancing on its posts .
Units that are needed for rapid deployment to hot spots around the globe are being sequestered to keep them from becoming infected .

COVID-19 claims the life of its first US service member, a New Jersey National Guardsman
Show Caption Hide Caption Coronavirus: Social distancing key to fighting COVID-19 Social distancing matters. Here is how to do it and how it can help curb the COVID-19 pandemic. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON -- A New Jersey National Guardsman is the first U.S. service member to die of COVID-19, the Pentagon announced Monday night.
The Guardsman died Saturday and had been hospitalized since March 21.
Earlier Monday, the Pentagon had announced that the number of COVID-19 cases among troops, their families and civilian employees had surpassed 1,000. There were 1,043 cases compared with 613 on Friday, a 70% increase.
The first dependent of a service member died of the disease, according to the Pentagon. There are 569 troops with the disease, 26 of whom are hospitalized.
More: Trump says more than 1 million Americans have been tested for coronavirus
No other information was released about the Guard member from New Jersey.
"Today is a sad day for the Department of Defense as we have lost our first American service member – active, reserve or Guard – to coronavirus," Defense Secretary Mark Esper said in a statement. "This is a stinging loss for our military community, and our condolences go out to his family, friends, civilian co-workers and the entire National Guard community. "
The disease has forced the Pentagon to shutter recruiting facilities, scrap major training exercises, halt travel and enforce social distancing on its posts. Units that are needed for rapid deployment to hot spots around the globe are being sequestered to keep them from becoming infected.


usatoday--2020-03-31--'Much of it was junk': Trump, Pelosi claim credit for beating back bad ideas in coronavirus stimulus

WASHINGTON – To hear President Donald Trump tell it , the $ 2 trillion-plus coronavirus stimulus he signed into law was in shambles until he got involved , loaded up with `` junk '' Democrats wanted that would n't have done much to jump start the economy .
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. , has been making a similar argument , suggesting Senate Republicans ' initial proposal was a corporate giveaway saved only by political `` jujitsu '' to place the emphasis on helping American workers .
Robbed of the benefit of time and forced to appear generous in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both sides are eager to frame the stimulus they know will be unpopular with some constituents – even if it does stave off a major economic meltdown .
While the particulars are different , the message is the same : It could have been worse if the other side had gotten its way .
`` We were literally going to have to walk away and start all over again they had so much junk in there and it was junk , '' Trump told Fox News on Monday .
`` Much of it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in fact , agreed on the major provisions of the stimulus : Direct payments for families , a historic expansion of unemployment benefits , loans and grants to businesses large and small – all in an effort to avoid a catastrophic economic collapse that some economists have predicted could rival the Great Depression .
Q & A : How could the $ 2 trillion coronavirus economic recovery package benefit you ?
The measure passed with wide bipartisan margins in both chambers and Trump rapidly signed the measure into law on Friday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ been touting not only their victories but also accentuating the parts of the initial drafts they thought were fundamentally flawed .
“ We did jujitsu , '' Pelosi told reporters .
`` It went from a corporate-first proposal that the Republicans put forth in the Senate to a Democratic worker-first legislation . ''
Here 's a look at some of the provisions that both sides jettisoned : ► Trump and other Republicans accused Democrats of trying to slip a `` Green New Deal '' into the stimulus .
While that 's a stretch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approach to climate change – it is true that some Democrats sought environmental provisions in the measure .
Chief among them : Requiring airlines to lower carbon emissions .
House language would have made payments to airline companies contingent on their willingness to cut emissions in half over the next three decades .
Air travel makes up roughly 2.5 % of carbon dioxide emissions .
Another measure pushed by Democrats set aside $ 100 million to develop sustainable aviation fuels .
► Trump has repeatedly accused Democrats of trying to change voting laws @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had pushed for same-day voter registration requirements and requiring states to have at least 15 days of early voting .
Their initial bill set aside $ 4 billion to help states pull off elections during the pandemic .
Republicans started with a much small smaller proposed grant for elections , about $ 140 million .
The final bill signed by Trump included $ 400 million .
The other mandates were dropped , and Pelosi said Democrats would attempt to pursue them later .
More : 'We 've sent them a lot of stuff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NY partly why Gov .
Cuomo has high poll numbers ► Democrats had sought a major infusion of cash for the U.S .
Postal Service , which is considered an `` essential '' business but which may suffer during the pandemic as fewer businesses send mail .
The Democratic proposal would have set aside $ 25 billion over two years to the struggling Postal Service while wiping way $ 11 billion in debt that has been a major challenge for the independent entity for years .
The stimulus Trump signed into law eliminated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the measure will allow USPS to borrow another $ 10 billion from the U.S. Treasury .
Democrats , including Rep. Gerry Connolly of Virginia , have argued that the Postal Service could have to close its doors as early as June without more help .
► Republicans attached few strings to the billions of dollars they were proposing for large corporations , including the airline industry .
Democrats , recalling the controversial stock buybacks and corporate bonuses paid out following the 2009 stimulus bill , insisted that wouldn ’ t happen again .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ultimately acknowledging he would be fine if the bill prohibited measures to raise stock prices .
Democrats also pushed back on what they saw as a lack of oversight in the massive spending measure .
They pushed for and won a special inspector general in charge of overseeing the Treasury Department ’ s handling of loans , loan guarantees and other financial lifelines to the airlines and other industries , as well as a congressional oversight panel .
However , Trump said he would ignore oversight provisions upon signing the measure .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forth that there ’ d be a $ 50 billion slush fund for the Secretary of Treasury with no accountability whatsoever ?
” Pelosi said .
`` Are you kidding ? ''
► Democrats ripped what they saw as meager treatment of the newly unemployed in the initial GOP bill .
So they worked in a provision to boost unemployment insurance by $ 600 per week for four months .
The package also extends how long Americans can receive the payments .
Some GOP senators vehemently objected to the boost , describing it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arguing it would encourage people to stay unemployed because they could make more money out of work than on the job .
But Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin quickly shot down that line of argument , asserting that the administration wanted `` enhanced '' benefits and that the plan was `` the only way we could assure that the money gets out quickly in a fair way.
” ► Democrats also rejected payments to states and hospitals that they viewed as inadequate .
Republicans wanted to put aside $ 75 billion for hospitals and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but were able to leverage their votes to double the amount to $ 150 billion .
That money can be used for a wide range of needs , including desperately needed medical equipment and personnel .
The stimulus measure also provides states and local governments on the front lines of the pandemic response with another $ 150 billion in aid .
That is far more than what Republicans wanted but not as much as the $ 200 billion Democrats requested .
What made it in ?
► As with any legislation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both Democrats and Republicans managed to work in some pet projects .
Several individual industries won carve outs in the bill , most notably sunscreen manufacturers.The provision is intended to speed Food and Drug Administration review of new sunscreen ingredients .
The bill also provided a tax break for feminine hygiene products , a provision that had long been sought to equalize tax treatment for products used by men and women but that will also represent a boon for the industry .
The legislation also offered a benefit to casinos .
Though the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ similar relief packages in the past , Congress chose to allow casinos to apply for small business loans under $ 10 million and larger amounts available through the Treasury Department .
► The stimulus includes a provision setting aside $ 17 billion in loans and loan guarantees “ critical to maintaining national security.
” That ’ s in addition to the $ 29 billion set aside for passengers and cargo airlines .
No company is named in the provision but the main beneficiary has been widely interpreted to be Boeing , the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ key driver of the U.S. economy .
But Boeing might never take advantage of the money because it would trigger the federal government taking an equity stake in the company .
That ’ s a step Boeing CEO David Calhoun told FOX Business last week he wasn ’ t interested in seeing his company take .
► Trump has repeatedly faced questions about a $ 25 million grant for the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington , D.C. , which has canceled performances through May because of the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fumed at the expense and blamed Democrats for loading up the bill with “ wish list ” items .
Supporters noted that , unlike most other arts venues , the Kennedy Center was created by an act of Congress .
Trump described the spending as a Democratic request but added that he didn ’ t mind the request .
“ This thing has been devastating to it , ” the president said last week .
“ So I did n't have a big problem with it .
”

'Much of it was junk’: Trump, Pelosi claim credit for beating back bad ideas in coronavirus stimulus
Show Caption Hide Caption The third coronavirus stimulus deal reaches trillions of dollars . A third coronavirus stimulus package was announced by the Senate, reaching $2 trillion and including direct payments to individuals and hospitals. Alexis Arnold, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – To hear President Donald Trump tell it, the $2 trillion-plus coronavirus stimulus he signed into law was in shambles until he got involved, loaded up with "junk" Democrats wanted that wouldn't have done much to jump-start the economy.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., has made a similar argument, suggesting Senate Republicans' initial proposal was a corporate giveaway saved only by political "jujitsu" to place the emphasis on helping American workers.
Robbed of the benefit of time and forced to appear generous in their negotiations during a national crisis, both sides are eager to frame the stimulus they know will be unpopular with some constituents – even if it does stave off a major economic meltdown. Though the particulars are different, the message is the same: It could have been worse if the other side had gotten its way.
"We were literally going to have to walk away and start all over again, they had so much junk in there, and it was junk," Trump told Fox News on Monday. "Much of it was junk."
Republicans and Democrats, in fact, agreed on the major provisions of the stimulus: direct payments for families, a historic expansion of unemployment benefits, loans and grants to businesses large and small – all in an effort to avoid a catastrophic economic collapse that some economists predicted could rival the Great Depression.
Q&A: How could the $2 trillion coronavirus economic recovery package benefit you?
The measure passed with wide bipartisan margins in both chambers, and Trump rapidly signed the measure into law Friday. Ever since, both sides have not only touted their victories but also accentuated the parts of the initial drafts they said were fundamentally flawed.
“We did jujitsu," Pelosi said. "It went from a corporate-first proposal that the Republicans put forth in the Senate to a Democratic worker-first legislation."
Here's a look at some of the provisions that both sides jettisoned:
What Republicans beat back
► Trump and other Republicans accused Democrats of trying to slip a "Green New Deal" into the stimulus. Though that's a stretch – the bill never included a wholesale approach to climate change – it is true that some Democrats sought environmental provisions in the measure.
Chief among them: requiring airlines to lower carbon emissions.
Coronavirus: How much families can expect from the stimulus package? Families across the U.S. will get a portion of money from the federal government's sweeping $2 trillion stimulus package. But how much? Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
House language would have made payments to airline companies contingent on their willingness to cut emissions in half over the next three decades. Air travel makes up roughly 2.5% of carbon dioxide emissions. Another measure pushed by Democrats set aside $100 million to develop sustainable aviation fuels.
► Trump has repeatedly accused Democrats of trying to change voting laws through the coronavirus bill. The Democrats pushed for same-day voter registration requirements and for states to have at least 15 days of early voting. Their initial bill set aside $4 billion to help states pull off elections during the pandemic.
Republicans started with a much small smaller proposed grant for elections, about $140 million. The final bill signed by Trump included $400 million. The other mandates were dropped, and Pelosi said Democrats would attempt to pursue them later.
'We've sent them a lot of stuff': Trump says federal help to NY partly why Gov. Cuomo has high poll numbers
► Democrats sought a major infusion of cash for the U.S. Postal Service, which is considered an "essential" business but may suffer during the pandemic as fewer businesses send mail. The Democratic proposal would have set aside $25 billion over two years to the struggling Postal Service while wiping way $11 billion in debt that has been a major challenge for the independent entity for years.
The stimulus Trump signed into law eliminated most of that money. Instead, the measure will allow USPS to borrow $10 billion from the U.S. Treasury. Democrats, including Rep. Gerry Connolly of Virginia, argued that the Postal Service could have to close its doors as early as June without more help.
Coronavirus: Congress warns Postal Service ‘will not survive’ summer A Congresswoman warns that due to the pandemic, the U.S. Postal Service could be gone by June if action isn’t taken. Buzz60
What Democrats beat back
► Republicans attached few strings to the billions of dollars they proposed for large corporations, including the airline industry. Democrats, recalling the controversial stock buybacks and corporate bonuses paid out after the 2009 stimulus bill, insisted that wouldn’t happen again. Trump eventually acknowledged he would be fine if the bill prohibited measures to raise stock prices.
Democrats pushed back on what they called a lack of oversight in the massive spending measure. They won a special inspector general in charge of overseeing the Treasury Department’s handling of loans, loan guarantees and other financial lifelines to the airlines and other industries, as well as a congressional oversight panel. Trump said he would ignore oversight provisions upon signing the measure.
"There was this idea that they put forth that there’d be a $50 billion slush fund for the Secretary of Treasury with no accountability whatsoever?” Pelosi said. "Are you kidding?"
Want to talk more about politics? Join our Facebook group ‘Across the Aisle, Across the Nation.’
► Democrats ripped what they criticized as meager treatment of the newly unemployed in the initial GOP bill. They worked in a provision to boost unemployment insurance by $600 per week for four months. The package extends how long Americans can receive the payments.
Some GOP senators vehemently objected to the boost, describing it as a "drafting error" and arguing it would encourage people to stay unemployed because they could make more money out of work than on the job. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin shot down that line of argument, asserting that the administration wanted "enhanced" benefits and that the plan was "the only way we could assure that the money gets out quickly in a fair way.”
► Democrats rejected payments that they deemed inadequate to states and hospitals. Republicans wanted to put aside $75 billion for hospitals and medical providers. Democrats wanted far more but were able to leverage their votes to double the amount to $150 billion. That money can be used for a wide range of needs, including desperately needed medical equipment and personnel.
The stimulus measure provides states and local governments on the front lines of the pandemic response with another $150 billion in aid. That is far more than what Republicans wanted but not as much as the $200 billion Democrats requested.
What made it in?
► As in any legislation of the scope of the coronavirus stimulus, both Democrats and Republicans managed to work in some pet projects. Several individual industries won carve-outs in the bill, most notably sunscreen manufacturers.The provision is intended to speed Food and Drug Administration review of new sunscreen ingredients.
The bill provides a tax break for feminine hygiene products, a provision that had long been sought to equalize tax treatment for products used by men and women and that will be a boon for the industry.
The legislation offers a benefit to casinos. Though the gaming industry has been cut out of similar relief packages, Congress chose to allow casinos to apply for small-business loans less than $10 million and larger amounts available through the Treasury Department.
► The stimulus includes a provision setting aside $17 billion in loans and loan guarantees “critical to maintaining national security.” That’s in addition to the $29 billion set aside for passengers and cargo airlines.
No company is named in the provision, but the main beneficiary could be Boeing, the world’s largest aerospace company and a driver of the U.S. economy.
Boeing might never take advantage of the money because it would trigger the federal government taking an equity stake in the company.
That’s a step Boeing CEO David Calhoun told FOX Business last week he wasn’t interested in seeing his company take.
► Trump has repeatedly faced questions about a $25 million grant for the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, which canceled performances through May because of the coronavirus. Republican talking heads and some lawmakers fumed at the expense and blamed Democrats for loading up the bill with “wish list” items.
Supporters noted that, unlike most other arts venues, the Kennedy Center was created by an act of Congress. Trump described the spending as a Democratic request but said he didn’t mind it.
“This thing has been devastating to it,” the president said last week. “So I didn't have a big problem with it.”
Contributing: Christal Hayes