usatoday--2020-03-17--Ahead of Florida primary, 1.4 million former felons unsure whether they can vote in 2020

MIAMI — It 's been 16 months since Floridians voted to restore voting rights for roughly 1.4 million felons who had been permanently banned from casting a ballot by a law passed during the Jim Crow era , yet the vast majority of those felons will not be able to vote in Florida 's primary Tuesday and may not be able to vote come November , either .
The reason ?
Florida 's Republican-controlled Legislature and its Republican governor passed a law last year that , they said , was designed to implement the voters ' will by requiring that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — be paid before felons can vote .
Civil rights and advocacy groups sued the state arguing that requiring court costs be paid in full was unconstitutional , tantamount to a poll tax .
That disagreement has thrown the voter registration process into a prolonged legal battle that may not be resolved until it 's decided by the U.S. Supreme Court .
The clash has led to accusations of racism against GOP legislators in Tallahassee , the unusual situation of state attorneys trying to help register people they had previously locked away , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the middle with little clarity on who can and ca n't vote .
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit gave felons a legal victory last month , ruling that the state can not bar felons from registering to vote based solely on their failure to pay all of their court costs and fees .
But the ongoing legal battle has left many confused and resulted in a small number of felons successfully registering to vote .
That means hundreds of thousands of potential voters are unable to participate in an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ race in a state notorious for its slim voting margins .
`` We 're thinking what everybody else is thinking : What is going on in Florida ? ''
said Desmond Meade , a former homeless man who founded the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition that led the charge to regain voting right for felons .
Even if all 1.4 million eventually return to the voter rolls , political experts are unsure which party will benefit the most .
About a third of those felons are African American , and it 's unclear how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ felons lean politically .
`` There ’ s a tendency to make it seem like they ’ re all minorities , they ’ re all Democrats , '' said Susan MacManus , a professor emeritus at the University of South Florida who has studied Florida 's politics for decades .
`` But be careful , there 's a lot of diversity in that population . ''
The debate over felons ' voting rights has a long and ugly history that dates back to the years following the Civil War , when some states @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rolls after the abolition of slavery .
One of the ways they did so was barring people convicted of felonies from ever voting again .
Over the decades , most states limited or eliminated those laws , freeing up more felons to cast their votes .
In many states , felons automatically regain their voting rights the moment they complete their prison sentence .
And in some states like Maine and Vermont , felons can even vote from prison .
But Florida 's law banning felons from the ballot box endured , making @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in voter disenfranchisement .
As of 2016 , there were 3.1 million people across the nation who had completed their prison sentences but remained ineligible to vote .
Nearly half of those — 48 percent — were in Florida , according to a report from The Sentencing Project , a Washington , D.C. , -based group that advocates for criminal justice reform .
In 2018 , it appeared that would come to an end when 65 % of Florida voters approved Amendment 4 to the state 's constitution .
The bill allowed all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or sexual offenses , to regain their voting rights .
But the ensuing legal and moral debate over what voters intended when they approved that amendment came down to one phrase in the ballot question .
Voters were asked if the state should restore voting rights for felons `` after they complete all terms of their sentence including parole or probation . ''
To many , the message seemed clear : do your time and you can regain your right to vote .
But Republican legislators argued that `` all terms of their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of their sentence , such as restitution to victims , fines , courts costs and fees .
Florida does not have an income tax , so courts are largely funded by court costs and fees paid by defendants that can cost $ 500 per case at the minimum .
GOP members of the state Legislature , who control both chambers by sizable margins , set out to craft an `` implementation bill '' that requires felons to pay off every nickel they owe before they can regain their right to vote .
Democrats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ victims , but complained that requiring courts costs and fees be paid in full was a Republican attempt to get around the will of the voters .
They , along with the ACLU , the NAACP and other groups , argued that the payment requirement represented a `` modern-day poll tax '' that was forbidden by the Civil Rights Act of 1965 and deemed unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court the following year .
Republicans denied those accusations , saying they were simply trying to formalize an undefined process called for in Amendment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' office did not respond to a request for comment .
But the bill 's sponsor , GOP state Rep. James Grant of Tampa , said it 's been exhausting and insulting to hear people repeatedly call him a racist .
He said just showing his family 's Christmas card , which includes children from `` all over the world '' adopted by his relatives , would be all the proof people need to know he 's not a racist .
`` You either let liars and frauds affect you or you do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Grant said he sponsored the bill because the amendment approved by voters clearly stated that all terms of a sentence must be completed , and court costs and fees are part of any sentence , written into sentencing documents and approved by judges .
His bill passed in 2019 along a party-line vote that required all payment of all financial obligations before felons could register to vote .
`` I do n't see a scenario where we 're wrong , '' Grant said .
DeSantis signed the bill into law and within @ @ @ @ @ @ @ federal lawsuit challenging the law .
In October , felons got their first legal victory when U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle called the bill `` an administrative nightmare , '' issued a temporary injunction and ordered the state to fix it .
Republican leaders appealed that ruling and asked for an advisory opinion from the state Supreme Court , which sided with the GOP leadership in Tallahassee .
But in February , a 3-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit upheld Hinkle 's injunction , finding that punishing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off their court costs is an unconstitutional punishment .
`` These plaintiffs are punished more harshly than those who committed precisely the same crime — by having their right to vote taken from them likely for their entire lives , '' the justices wrote .
`` And this punishment is linked not to their culpability , but rather to the exogenous fact of their wealth . ''
The state has vowed to appeal that ruling , and a full trial is scheduled for April in Tallahassee .
In the meantime , voters and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what comes next .
`` We 're not getting any guidance from the secretary of state , '' Stephen Todd , a lawyer representing the Hillsborough County supervisor of elections , said during a court hearing last month .
`` We have an election in a month .
We 're trying to register people . ''
In the midst of that confusion , felons have gotten support from an unlikely source — state prosecutors .
In Florida 's largest counties , state attorneys have been working to remove court costs and fees from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Beach County , State Attorney Dave Aronberg has already changed his sentencing documents so future court costs are not tied to sentences , and is helping felons remove existing courts fees from sentences already imposed .
`` The state law was more about voter suppression than about fulfilling the intent of the electorate , '' said Aronberg , who previously served as a Democrat senator in the state Legislature .
`` The amendment did not need enacting .
It was self-enacting .
The Legislature went out of their way to throw a huge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ populous county — Miami-Dade — State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle convened a grand jury to study the effects of Amendment 4 .
It found that felons who regain their right to vote commit fewer crimes and become more active members of their communities .
That 's why her office has been allowing felons to modify their sentences to remove , or restructure , their courts costs and fees so they can register .
`` Restoring eligible felons ' right to vote is not just permitted , but right , just and smart , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ current level of confusion , only about 300 felons have regained their voting rights in Miami-Dade County , according to the county supervisor of elections office .
It 's impossible to know how many others have registered across Florida because the state has no centralized database of felons and no easy way of knowing who owes courts costs .
Meade , the head of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition , estimates that up to 50,000 people have tried to register so far across the state and he hopes to get 100,000 signed up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does n't know how many of those attempts have been successful and what impact they 'll have come November .
For now , Meade said he will continue fighting .
His organization is urging felons to approach the court to try and modify their sentences to remove their court costs to free them up to register to vote .
For those who ca n't , the organization is raising money — over $ 500,000 so far — to pay off their court costs so they can register to vote .
`` We celebrate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a returning citizen registering to vote , '' he said .
`` That means we 're spreading our democracy one vote at a time . ''
And after successfully registering himself last year , Meade is looking forward to Nov. 3 when he 'll finally cast his first vote .
`` It 's going down , '' he said with a chuckle .
`` It 's happening . ''

Ahead of Florida primary, 1.4 million former felons unsure whether they can vote in 2020
Show Caption Hide Caption Felons emotional as they register to vote in Florida The right to vote was restored for most Florida felons as of Tuesday, increasing the pool of eligible voters by as many as 1.4 million people in a battleground state infamous for its narrow margins in key elections (Jan. 8) AP
MIAMI — It's been 16 months since Floridians voted to restore voting rights for roughly 1.4 million felons who had been permanently banned from casting a ballot by a law passed during the Jim Crow era, yet the vast majority of those felons will not be able to vote in Florida's primary Tuesday and may not be able to vote come November, either.
The reason? Florida's Republican-controlled Legislature and its Republican governor passed a law last year that, they said, was designed to implement the voters' will by requiring that all prison terms — and court costs — be paid before felons can vote. Civil rights and advocacy groups sued the state arguing that requiring court costs be paid in full was unconstitutional, tantamount to a poll tax.
That disagreement has thrown the voter registration process into a prolonged legal battle that may not be resolved until it's decided by the U.S. Supreme Court. The clash has led to accusations of racism against GOP legislators in Tallahassee, the unusual situation of state attorneys trying to help register people they had previously locked away, and county supervisors of election stuck in the middle with little clarity on who can and can't vote.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit gave felons a legal victory last month, ruling that the state cannot bar felons from registering to vote based solely on their failure to pay all of their court costs and fees.
But the ongoing legal battle has left many confused and resulted in a small number of felons successfully registering to vote. That means hundreds of thousands of potential voters are unable to participate in an election that could swing the 2020 presidential race in a state notorious for its slim voting margins.
"We're thinking what everybody else is thinking: What is going on in Florida?" said Desmond Meade, a former homeless man who founded the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition that led the charge to regain voting right for felons.
Even if all 1.4 million eventually return to the voter rolls, political experts are unsure which party will benefit the most. About a third of those felons are African American, and it's unclear how they or the other 66% of felons lean politically.
"There’s a tendency to make it seem like they’re all minorities, they’re all Democrats," said Susan MacManus, a professor emeritus at the University of South Florida who has studied Florida's politics for decades. "But be careful, there's a lot of diversity in that population."
The debate over felons' voting rights has a long and ugly history that dates back to the years following the Civil War, when some states tried to keep black citizens off voter rolls after the abolition of slavery. One of the ways they did so was barring people convicted of felonies from ever voting again.
Over the decades, most states limited or eliminated those laws, freeing up more felons to cast their votes. In many states, felons automatically regain their voting rights the moment they complete their prison sentence. And in some states like Maine and Vermont, felons can even vote from prison.
But Florida's law banning felons from the ballot box endured, making the Sunshine State the nation's leader in voter disenfranchisement. As of 2016, there were 3.1 million people across the nation who had completed their prison sentences but remained ineligible to vote. Nearly half of those — 48 percent — were in Florida, according to a report from The Sentencing Project, a Washington, D.C.,-based group that advocates for criminal justice reform.
In 2018, it appeared that would come to an end when 65% of Florida voters approved Amendment 4 to the state's constitution. The bill allowed all felons, except those convicted of murder or sexual offenses, to regain their voting rights.
Electoral College vs. the popular vote, explained President Trump and President George W. Bush won the electoral vote during the election, but not the popular vote. How does the electoral college work? Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
But the ensuing legal and moral debate over what voters intended when they approved that amendment came down to one phrase in the ballot question. Voters were asked if the state should restore voting rights for felons "after they complete all terms of their sentence including parole or probation."
To many, the message seemed clear: do your time and you can regain your right to vote.
But Republican legislators argued that "all terms of their sentence" also included all monetary portions of their sentence, such as restitution to victims, fines, courts costs and fees. Florida does not have an income tax, so courts are largely funded by court costs and fees paid by defendants that can cost $500 per case at the minimum.
GOP members of the state Legislature, who control both chambers by sizable margins, set out to craft an "implementation bill" that requires felons to pay off every nickel they owe before they can regain their right to vote.
Democrats agreed that restitution should be paid to victims, but complained that requiring courts costs and fees be paid in full was a Republican attempt to get around the will of the voters. They, along with the ACLU, the NAACP and other groups, argued that the payment requirement represented a "modern-day poll tax" that was forbidden by the Civil Rights Act of 1965 and deemed unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court the following year.
Republicans denied those accusations, saying they were simply trying to formalize an undefined process called for in Amendment 4. Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis' office did not respond to a request for comment. But the bill's sponsor, GOP state Rep. James Grant of Tampa, said it's been exhausting and insulting to hear people repeatedly call him a racist.
He said just showing his family's Christmas card, which includes children from "all over the world" adopted by his relatives, would be all the proof people need to know he's not a racist. "You either let liars and frauds affect you or you don't," he said.
Instead, Grant said he sponsored the bill because the amendment approved by voters clearly stated that all terms of a sentence must be completed, and court costs and fees are part of any sentence, written into sentencing documents and approved by judges.
His bill passed in 2019 along a party-line vote that required all payment of all financial obligations before felons could register to vote.
"I don't see a scenario where we're wrong," Grant said.
DeSantis signed the bill into law and within hours, civil rights groups filed a federal lawsuit challenging the law.
In October, felons got their first legal victory when U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle called the bill "an administrative nightmare," issued a temporary injunction and ordered the state to fix it. Republican leaders appealed that ruling and asked for an advisory opinion from the state Supreme Court, which sided with the GOP leadership in Tallahassee.
But in February, a 3-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit upheld Hinkle's injunction, finding that punishing felons who cannot afford to pay off their court costs is an unconstitutional punishment.
"These plaintiffs are punished more harshly than those who committed precisely the same crime — by having their right to vote taken from them likely for their entire lives," the justices wrote. "And this punishment is linked not to their culpability, but rather to the exogenous fact of their wealth."
The state has vowed to appeal that ruling, and a full trial is scheduled for April in Tallahassee. In the meantime, voters and election supervisors are struggling to figure out what comes next.
"We're not getting any guidance from the secretary of state," Stephen Todd, a lawyer representing the Hillsborough County supervisor of elections, said during a court hearing last month. "We have an election in a month. We're trying to register people."
In the midst of that confusion, felons have gotten support from an unlikely source — state prosecutors. In Florida's largest counties, state attorneys have been working to remove court costs and fees from the sentences they impose. In Palm Beach County, State Attorney Dave Aronberg has already changed his sentencing documents so future court costs are not tied to sentences, and is helping felons remove existing courts fees from sentences already imposed.
"The state law was more about voter suppression than about fulfilling the intent of the electorate," said Aronberg, who previously served as a Democrat senator in the state Legislature. "The amendment did not need enacting. It was self-enacting. The Legislature went out of their way to throw a huge obstacle."
In Florida's most populous county — Miami-Dade — State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle convened a grand jury to study the effects of Amendment 4. It found that felons who regain their right to vote commit fewer crimes and become more active members of their communities. That's why her office has been allowing felons to modify their sentences to remove, or restructure, their courts costs and fees so they can register.
"Restoring eligible felons' right to vote is not just permitted, but right, just and smart," she said.
But given the current level of confusion, only about 300 felons have regained their voting rights in Miami-Dade County, according to the county supervisor of elections office. It's impossible to know how many others have registered across Florida because the state has no centralized database of felons and no easy way of knowing who owes courts costs.
Meade, the head of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition, estimates that up to 50,000 people have tried to register so far across the state and he hopes to get 100,000 signed up by Election Day. But his coalition doesn't know how many of those attempts have been successful and what impact they'll have come November.
For now, Meade said he will continue fighting. His organization is urging felons to approach the court to try and modify their sentences to remove their court costs to free them up to register to vote. For those who can't, the organization is raising money — over $500,000 so far — to pay off their court costs so they can register to vote.
"We celebrate every day because every day there's a returning citizen registering to vote," he said. "That means we're spreading our democracy one vote at a time."
And after successfully registering himself last year, Meade is looking forward to Nov. 3 when he'll finally cast his first vote.
"It's going down," he said with a chuckle. "It's happening."


usatoday--2020-03-18--"'How bad is this?' It's bad." Trump shows more somber tone as pandemic worsens, crisis hits economy

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump was minutes into his remarks Monday when he turned away from his talking points to put the U.S. response to the coronavirus pandemic in personal terms .
`` I 've spoken , actually , with my son , '' the president said , referencing 13-year-old Barron Trump .
`` He says , 'How bad is this ? '
It 's bad .
It 's bad .
But we 're going to be hopefully a best case , not a worst case . ''
Trump 's invocation of his son underscored the fear millions of Americans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but it was also the latest demonstration of a shift in tone for a president who once described concerns over the public health crisis as a `` hoax '' and who has often mocked the idea of sounding `` presidential . ''
For weeks , Trump compared the coronavirus to the less deadly flu and suggested it might `` miraculously '' disappear this spring .
On March 9 , he wrote on Twitter that even though `` 37,000 Americans died from the common Flu '' last year , `` Nothing is shut down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
He went on to mention that at the time there were only 546 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the U.S. and 22 deaths .
As of Wednesday , though , the U.S. death toll reached 114 and there were more than 6,490 confirmed coronavirus cases .
In recent days , Trump has used near-daily appearances to declare a national emergency over coronavirus , warn that Americans could be cooped up in their homes for months and acknowledge that the U.S. economy could be headed to a recession .
That marked a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ address only a week ago when the president offered scant details about how the nation would respond .
While he has publicly conceded hard realities about the virus , Trump has also embraced a more urgent tone and somber mien that is less overtly political than the rough-and-tumble approach cheered by his supporters .
He has read more from prepared remarks , sometimes flipping the pages of his statement .
He has often deferred to the public health officials who he brings on stage with him every day to discuss the virus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ work with him on a `` big , bold '' stimulus package to counter the economic damage from the coronavirus pandemic and backed the idea of sending cash to Americans to help them pay their bills .
`` We don ’ t want airlines going out of business or people losing their jobs and not having money to live , ” he told a news conference .
Trump also urged Americans to remain vigilant and limit gatherings to 10 people for at least two more weeks .
`` We have to fight that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but we are getting to know it quickly , '' he said .
`` One day we will be standing up here and be saying , 'Well , we won . '
'' Some Democrats and critics of the president have given him credit for the shift , while also arguing it took too long for Trump to get on board with public health officials .
Can Washington come together ?
Asked if a bitterly divided Washington can unite to craft legislation that meets the moment , Sen. Doug Jones , D-Ala. , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make a difference .
`` It 's going to be a lot easier than people think now that the president has finally started looking at this as ... serious as it is , '' Jones told reporters in a conference call .
`` You ’ re going to see people coming together . ''
The coronavirus represents a dire threat to the U.S. economy , which in turn could have profound effect on Trump 's reelection chances this year .
Trump has felt an obligation to encourage Americans to remain optimistic , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of anonymity , but that effort has been complicated by the daily gyrations on Wall Street including Monday 's major selloff .
Still , Trump critics questioned how long the more measured approach would last .
`` We heard new words from the White House yesterday – better ones – but at this point , words alone are n't enough .
We should judge actions , '' said Ron Klain , who served as President Barack Obama 's point on the 2014 Ebola outbreak .
Trump has not abandoned his trademark finger-pointing .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus as the `` Chinese virus , '' a phrase critics say is xenophobic and aimed at riling up anger at Beijing to shift the conversation away from flaws in the U.S. response .
`` For the people that are now out of work because of the important and necessary containment policies , for instance the shutting down of hotels , bars and restaurants , money will soon be coming to you .
The onslaught of the Chinese Virus is not your fault ! ''
Trump tweeted Wednesday .
He slammed what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ narrative that he has n't taken the crisis seriously enough and was slow to mobilize the full force of the federal government to respond to it .
`` I always treated the Chinese Virus very seriously , '' he wrote on Twitter .
Asked at Tuesday 's news conference if he was stigmatizing Chinese citizens by repeatedly using that phrase , Trump accused Beijing of spreading false information about the origins of the virus .
`` I have to call it where it came from , '' Trump said .
The president has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opponents , including some he will need to work with to address the coronavirus .
He slammed New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo in a tweet on Monday , arguing he needed to `` do more '' to confront a spike in cases outside of New York City .
On Tuesday he argued that `` failing '' Michigan Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer `` must work harder and be much more proactive . ''
Trump 's criticism of Whitmer came after the Democratic governor said the federal government was unprepared for the virus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the animosity and lower swords with opponents .
In a turnaround Tuesday , Trump said he had spoken to Cuomo hours earlier and that they had a `` great '' conversation at that both were `` doing a really good job . ''
Trump added that he felt Albany and Washington were on the `` same track . ''
Trump dismissed the idea that his rhetoric had changed and denied reports that a sobering European study released this week altered his sense of the seriousness of virus .
“ I have seen that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Trump said of reports about his more somber tone .
`` There was no difference yesterday from days before .
I feel the tone is similar , but some people said it was n't . ''

John Fritze and David Jackson, USA TODAY

'How bad is this?' It's bad.' Trump shifts tone as pandemic worsens, crisis hits economy
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
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump was minutes into his remarks Monday when he turned away from his talking points to put the U.S. response to the coronavirus pandemic in personal terms.
"I've spoken, actually, with my son," the president said, referencing 13-year-old Barron Trump. "He says, 'How bad is this?' It's bad. It's bad. But we're going to be hopefully a best case, not a worst case."
Trump's invocation of his son underscored the fear millions of Americans have felt as they confront COVID-19, but it was also the latest demonstration of a shift in tone for a president who once described concerns over the public health crisis as a "hoax" and who has often mocked the idea of sounding "presidential."
For weeks, Trump compared the coronavirus to the less deadly flu and suggested it might "miraculously" disappear this spring.
On March 9, he wrote on Twitter that even though "37,000 Americans died from the common Flu" last year, "Nothing is shut down, life & the economy go on." He went on to mention that at the time there were only 546 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the U.S. and 22 deaths. As of Wednesday, though, the U.S. death toll reached 114 and there were more than 6,490 confirmed coronavirus cases.
So last year 37,000 Americans died from the common Flu. It averages between 27,000 and 70,000 per year. Nothing is shut down, life & the economy go on. At this moment there are 546 confirmed cases of CoronaVirus, with 22 deaths. Think about that! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 9, 2020
In recent days, Trump has used near-daily appearances to declare a national emergency over coronavirus, warn that Americans could be cooped up in their homes for months and acknowledge that the U.S. economy could be headed to a recession.
'Invisible enemy'
That marked a strong contrast to a rushed Oval Office address only a week ago when the president offered scant details about how the nation would respond.
While he has publicly conceded hard realities about the virus, Trump has also embraced a more urgent tone and somber mien that is less overtly political than the rough-and-tumble approach cheered by his supporters. He has read more from prepared remarks, sometimes flipping the pages of his statement. He has often deferred to the public health officials who he brings on stage with him every day to discuss the virus.
On Tuesday, Trump urged Congress to work with him on a "big, bold" stimulus package to counter the economic damage from the coronavirus pandemic and backed the idea of sending cash to Americans to help them pay their bills.
"We don’t want airlines going out of business or people losing their jobs and not having money to live,” he told a news conference.
'It's very safe to fly': Trump assures public during coronavirus meeting with airline execs
Recession risk: Trump acknowledges U.S. 'may be' headed toward economic downturn over coronavirus
Trump also urged Americans to remain vigilant and limit gatherings to 10 people for at least two more weeks.
"We have to fight that invisible enemy, I guess unknown, but we are getting to know it quickly," he said. "One day we will be standing up here and be saying, 'Well, we won.'"
Some Democrats and critics of the president have given him credit for the shift, while also arguing it took too long for Trump to get on board with public health officials.
Can Washington come together?
Asked if a bitterly divided Washington can unite to craft legislation that meets the moment, Sen. Doug Jones, D-Ala., said Trump's shift in tone could make a difference.
"It's going to be a lot easier than people think now that the president has finally started looking at this as...serious as it is," Jones told reporters in a conference call. "You’re going to see people coming together."
The coronavirus represents a dire threat to the U.S. economy, which in turn could have profound effect on Trump's reelection chances this year. Trump has felt an obligation to encourage Americans to remain optimistic, said White House aides speaking on the condition of anonymity, but that effort has been complicated by the daily gyrations on Wall Street including Monday's major selloff.
Markets recovered slightly on Tuesday, posting gains.
Still, Trump critics questioned how long the more measured approach would last.
"We heard new words from the White House yesterday – better ones – but at this point, words alone aren't enough. We should judge actions," said Ron Klain, who served as President Barack Obama's point on the 2014 Ebola outbreak.
Trump has not abandoned his trademark finger-pointing. He has continued to refer repeatedly to the coronavirus as the "Chinese virus," a phrase critics say is xenophobic and aimed at riling up anger at Beijing to shift the conversation away from flaws in the U.S. response.
"For the people that are now out of work because of the important and necessary containment policies, for instance the shutting down of hotels, bars and restaurants, money will soon be coming to you. The onslaught of the Chinese Virus is not your fault!" Trump tweeted Wednesday.
I always treated the Chinese Virus very seriously, and have done a very good job from the beginning, including my very early decision to close the “borders” from China - against the wishes of almost all. Many lives were saved. The Fake News new narrative is disgraceful & false! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 18, 2020
He slammed what he called the "Fake News" narrative that he hasn't taken the crisis seriously enough and was slow to mobilize the full force of the federal government to respond to it.
"I always treated the Chinese Virus very seriously," he wrote on Twitter.
Broadsides against political foes
Asked at Tuesday's news conference if he was stigmatizing Chinese citizens by repeatedly using that phrase, Trump accused Beijing of spreading false information about the origins of the virus.
"I have to call it where it came from," Trump said.
The president has also kept up his broadsides on political opponents, including some he will need to work with to address the coronavirus. He slammed New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo in a tweet on Monday, arguing he needed to "do more" to confront a spike in cases outside of New York City. On Tuesday he argued that "failing" Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer "must work harder and be much more proactive."
Trump's criticism of Whitmer came after the Democratic governor said the federal government was unprepared for the virus.
But Trump also showed capacity to temper the animosity and lower swords with opponents. In a turnaround Tuesday, Trump said he had spoken to Cuomo hours earlier and that they had a "great" conversation at that both were "doing a really good job." Trump added that he felt Albany and Washington were on the "same track."
Trump dismissed the idea that his rhetoric had changed and denied reports that a sobering European study released this week altered his sense of the seriousness of virus.
“I have seen that, where people actually liked it,” Trump said of reports about his more somber tone. "There was no difference yesterday from days before. I feel the tone is similar, but some people said it wasn't."
Contributing: Deborah Barfield Berry


usatoday--2020-03-18--Senate plans to vote on sick leave, coronavirus testing bill - live updates

WASHINGTON – The Coronavirus Task Force will hold a 11:30 a.m. EDT news conference Wednesday to discuss the latest developments on the pandemic .
President Donald Trump also tweeted about holding a news conference with the Food and Drug Administration to `` discuss very important news from the FDA '' about the coronavirus .
His schedule is packed with meetings to discuss responses to the coronavirus .
He has a phone call with airline executives , a business roundtable teleconference , a physician teleconference and a nurse briefing listed on his public schedule .
The Senate is planning to vote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offer billions to bolster unemployment insurance , offer free coronavirus testing and paid sick and family leave for Americans following days of intense negotiations and pleas for lawmakers to quickly approve the legislation .
The bill is expected to pass the Senate and then be sent to President Donald Trump for his signature .
The vote comes after Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin briefed Senate Republicans and appeased some concerns about the ramifications sick and family leave could have on small businesses that are already feeling the economic effects of the virus .
Sen. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to offer an amendment to the legislation before the Senate votes on the measure .
The amendment would offer a way to offset the costs of the bill by using funds that would “ include ending our decades-long involvement in Afghanistan , ” his office said in a statement .
Paul offered a similar proposal earlier this month to offset costs when the Senate took up a bill offering roughly $ 8 billion for states and local entities to prevent the spread of the virus and help bolster efforts to create a vaccine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his Senate colleagues .
More : Coronavirus updates : US death toll reaches 114 as Kansas cancels in-person classes for entire school year More : Biden stays in the driver 's seat , coronavirus changes our elections and other takeaways from Tuesday 's vote The director of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management has resigned , leaving a key vacancy at a time when federal employees – like other work forces around the country – are wresting with how to respond to the coronavirus pandemic .
OPM said in a statement that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a longtime Republican official who President Donald Trump named to the post last year .
Cabaniss battled with John McEntee , who Trump named this year to lead the White House personnel office , according to several reports citing unnamed officials .
McEntee ’ s appointment came at a time when Trump acknowledged he was seeking to elevate White House employees who have proven their loyalty to him .
Federal offices in Washington expected to remain open Wednesday but provided “ maximum telework flexibilities ” to eligible workers because of coronavirus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Americans to work from home whenever possible .
More : ' A big , bold package ' : Trump calls for pumping $ 1 trillion into economy to counter coronavirus hit

Two members of Congress test positive for coronavirus; Trump signs emergency aid package
Show Caption Hide Caption Coronavirus: Donald Trump invokes Defense Production Act President Donald Trump announced he is invoking the Defense Production Act to address the coronavirus crisis. Associated Press, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – Rep. Ben McAdams, D-Utah, became the second U.S. lawmaker to test positive for COVID-19.
McAdams, 45, said that he started developing mild symptoms on Saturday after returning from Washington, D.C., and immediately began isolating himself after consultation with his doctor.
"On Tuesday, my doctor instructed me to get tested for COVID-19 and following his referral, I went to the local testing clinic for the test," he said in a statement "Today I learned that I tested positive.”
McAdams, the only Democratic member of Utah's congressional delegation, said he will self-quarantine until he knows it is safe: “I'm doing my part as all Americans are doing to contain the spread of the virus and mitigate the coronavirus outbreak."
"I urge Utahns to take this seriously and follow the health recommendations we're getting from the CDC and other health experts so that we can recover from this public threat," his statement concludes.
Earlier Wednesday, Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Fla., announced that he had tested positive for COVID-19, becoming the first known member of Congress to contract the virus.
– Savannah Behrmann
Trump signs coronavirus emergency aid package
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump signed a sweeping multibillion-dollar emergency aid package Wednesday night that will provide paid sick leave for Americans who are in quarantine, helping a family member who is infected with COVID-19 or have children whose schools have closed as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.
The bill also offers free testing for coronavirus and boosts unemployment insurance, food assistance and federal funding for Medicaid as part of an ongoing effort by Washington to combat the rapid spread of the pandemic.
"Today, I have signed into law H.R. 6201, the "Families First Coronavirus Response Act" (the "Act")," the president said in a statement. "The Act makes emergency supplemental appropriations and other changes to law to help the Nation respond to the coronavirus outbreak."
Trump noted a provision in the measure that requires the secretary of agriculture to submit a report to Congress that includes legislative recommendations. The president said he would "treat this provision in a manner consistent with Article II, section 3 of the Constitution," which provides him "exclusive authority" to make recommendations to Congress.
The president signed the bill hours after the Senate approved the bill, which was the result of days of negotiations between the White House and Congress.
– Courtney Subramanian
Florida Republican is first member of Congress to test positive for COVID-19
Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Fla., announced Wednesday that he tested positive for COVID-19, becoming the first known member of Congress to contract the rapidly spreading virus.
Diaz-Balart, who represents parts of Miami and South Florida, said in a statement that he decided to self-quarantine in Washington on Friday because his wife has pre-existing conditions, and thus is more susceptible to contracting the coronavirus. Diaz-Balart said the following day, he started to show symptoms that included a fever and headache.
He was notified on Wednesday that he tested positive for the coronavirus.
"I want everyone to know that I am feeling much better," he said in a statement. "However, it is important that everyone take this extremely seriously and follow CDC guidelines in order to avoid getting sick and mitigate the spread of this virus. We must continue to work together to emerge stronger as a country during these trying times."
I'm feeling much better. However, it's important that everyone take this seriously and follow @CDCgov guidelines in order to avoid getting sick & mitigate the spread of this virus. We must continue to work together to emerge stronger as a country during these trying times. pic.twitter.com/g5W5vSQIyH — Mario Diaz-Balart (@MarioDB) March 18, 2020
Members of Congress have been worried about the prospects of contracting the virus, with some arguing that lawmakers should be able to vote remotely to avoid traveling back and forth to Washington. At least 15 lawmakers so far have gone into self-quarantine after coming into contact or being in the vicinity of someone who has tested positive for the virus.
Both Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi have shot down the idea. Both chambers have instead moved to make voting safer by attempting to limit the numbers of lawmakers on the floor of the House and Senate. Many lawmakers have also told their staff to work remotely in hopes of limiting interaction.
The infection comes as Congress begins work on a third legislative package that will offer more help for Americans and businesses that are hurting due to the virus.
– Christal Hayes
RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel tests negative for coronavirus
Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel has tested negative for coronavirus, a party official said Wednesday.
McDaniel, 46, lives in Northville, Michigan, and is a former chairwoman of the Michigan Republican Committee. She went to a local hospital in Michigan on Friday after coming down with flu-like symptoms.
On Wednesday afternoon, Michael Ahrens, communications director for the RNC, posted on Twitter the results, saying, "On the advice of her doctor, @GOPChairwoman was administered a test for COVID-19. That test has fortunately come back negative."
On the advice of her doctor, @GOPChairwoman was administered a test for COVID-19.
That test has fortunately come back negative. — Michael Ahrens (@michaelahrens) March 18, 2020
Last Saturday, the RNC announced that McDaniel had been tested. But she remained active while awaiting test results, posting on social media during last Sunday's Democratic presidential debate and on other issues.
– Todd Spangler, Detroit Free Press
Warren asks CDC director for clarification about COVID-19 testing
Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., sent a letter to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr. Robert Redfield on Wednesday requesting clarification on whether the CDC has authority to cover the cost of COVID-19 testing and treatment.
Warren said that Redfield could "authorize payment for the care, and treatment of individuals subject to medical examination, quarantine, (and) isolation," regarding those who have or are suspected of having coronavirus, adding that, “This means that the CDC could pay for all costs not covered by any form of insurance for COVID-19 testing and treatment for Americans with the virus.”
Last week, Redfield said he was willing use his existing authority to have the CDC pay for all Americans to be tested for the coronavirus, including the uninsured, after questioning from Rep. Katie Porter, D-Calif., during a House Oversight and Reform Committee hearing.
Porter had asserted that Redfield has such authority under federal law. After persistent questioning, Redfield agreed he would commit to using his authority to authorize payment for the tests.
“I think you’re an excellent questioner, so my answer is yes,” Redfield told Porter.
Warren pointed out the exchange with Porter in her letter, but also said that in his “closing statement, you appeared to walk back this commitment.”
His closing statement said: “In my comments today I want to just clarify that we’re currently examining all avenues to try to ensure that uninsureds have access to testing and treatment. And we’re encouraging the use of the Federally Qualified Health Centers that can do this at reduced or free and we will continue to update both the Congress and the public on all available resources for this population.”
Warren continued, "It is critical that you clarify your response and your plans to use this existing CDC authority in order to ensure all Americans who have or fear that they may have COVID-19 can afford testing and treatment.”
She requested answers for a clarification by no later than March 31.
– Savannah Behrmann
Pentagon deploying ships to support coronavirus response
The Pentagon is preparing to deploy the Navy's hospital ships to support the domestic response to the coronavirus, the Defense Department has announced.
The U.S. Navy hospital ship Comfort will require weeks of repairs before it can sail from its port in Norfolk, Virginia, Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Hoffman said Wednesday afternoon.
President Donald Trump said earlier in the day that the Comfort and another hospital ship, the Mercy, will be “launched over the next week or so depending on need.”
Trump also said the Comfort was in San Diego. It is in Norfolk. The Mercy’s home port is San Diego.
The Comfort will sail to New York when maintenance is completed in a matter of weeks, Hoffman said. The Mercy will be ready in days, he said.
The military has had 89 cases of the infection, including 49 troops, 19 of their dependents, 14 civilian workers and seven contractors. Of those cases, 14 were hospitalized.
– Tom Vanden Brook
Bernie Sanders says coronavirus is a 'global crisis'
When asked about his timeline of a decision to potentially drop out of the presidential race, Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-VT., was short-tempered in his response: “I'm dealing with a f***ing global crisis. You know, we're dealing with.”
When pressed again about still running for president, he responded, “Well right now, right now I'm trying to do my best to make sure that we don't have an economic meltdown and that people don't die. Is that enough for you to keep me busy for today?"
Despite overwhelmingly losing all three states during Tuesday’s primaries, the Vermont senator is not dropping out of the race, according to his campaign.
Sanders was in DC voting on a emergency aid package Wednesday that provides paid sick and family leave for many Americans. The Senate passed the bill 90-8 and it will now be sent to the White House for President Trump’s signature.
Coronavirus cases in the United States passed 7,000 on Wednesday.
- Savannah Behrmann
Senate approves coronavirus bill for sick leave, free testing
The Senate approved a multibillion-dollar emergency aid package Wednesday that will provide paid sick and family leave for many Americans while also offering free testing for the coronavirus and bolstering unemployment insurance.
The 90-8 vote of approval comes after days of intense negotiations and maneuvers to keep broad bipartisan support for the package, the second Congress has passed to combat the coronavirus.
Eight Republican senators voted against the bill, Sen. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee, Sen. Jim Inhofe of Oklahoma, Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, Sen. James Lankford of Oklahoma, Sen. Mike Lee of Utah, Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, Sen. Ben Sasse of Nebraska, and Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina.
Three senators offered three amendments to the bill, all of which failed. The three changes took on ways to offset the costs for the proposal, extending paid sick and family leave further and cut paid leave to instead expand unemployment for workers affected.
The bill will now be sent to the White House for President Trump’s signature.
The legislation marked the second phase of Congress’ work to address the dire impacts the virus is having on American life. Here’s what it will do:
Offer two weeks of paid sick and family leave to many American workers who are in quarantine, helping a family member with COVID-19 or who have children whose schools have closed. Workers will get 100% of their normal salary.
A total of 12 weeks of paid leave to many of those who have children whose schools have closed. Workers would get about 67% of their normal salary for this period.
Bolsters unemployment insurance
Free testing for the coronavirus for those who need it
Boosts food assistance (SNAP) and federal funding for Medicaid
Congress has already started working on a third stimulus package that is likely to address the needs of small businesses that are struggling due to the pandemic while also offering some type of cash assistance to Americans. There are also proposals for additional paid leave, bolstered help for the healthcare industry and relief for the airline and cruise industries. Senate leaders said they would not leave Washington until this third bill passes, which many hope will happen this week or next.
- Christal Hayes
Trump invokes Defense Production Act to address coronavirus crisis
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump confirmed that he plans to invoke a provision that would allow him to prohibit certain people from entering the country, including asylum seekers and those entering the country illegally at the southern border.
"The answer's yes," Trump told reporters when asked about the code, adding that he plans to invoke it "very soon. Probably today."
The administration will invoke 42 U.S. Code 265, a section of the federal legal code that states the U.S. surgeon general "shall have the power to prohibit, in whole or in part, the introduction of persons and property from such countries or places as he shall designate in order to avert such danger, and for such period of time as he may deem necessary for such purpose."
When asked again whether he was closing the U.S.-Mexico border, Trump said: "No we’re not going to close it."
"But we’re invoking a certain provision that will allow us great latitude," he added.
- Courtney Subramanian and John Fritze
Trump: no plans to pull China tariffs
President Donald Trump said he has no plans to suspend tariffs on China or other nations as part of the U.S.'s effort to battle the coronavirus.
“There is no reason to do that,” Trump said. “This (virus) was caused by something totally unrelated to tariffs.”
- Michael Collins
No 'tipping point' in decision to close US-Canada border
President Donald Trump said there was "no tipping point" in his joint decision with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to close the border between the two countries. Trump said he spoke to Trudeau and the pair decided they "want to isolate" people who may be sick from coming into contact with others.
"That's the way we're going to win this war," he said, adding that the move won't affect trade between the U.S. and Canada.
Trump said restrictions on the Canadian border blocking leisure travel would last for at least 30 days. "I would say 30 days," Trump said. "Hopefully at the end of 30 days we’ll be in great shape."
As it relates to the Southern Border: "No we’re not going to close it," Trump said of the Southern border, "but we’re invoking a certain provision that will allow us great latitude."
- Courtney Subramanian and David Jackson
Trump invokes Defense Production Act to speed resources
President Donald Trump said he is invoking the Defense Production Act, which allows the administration to expedite and expand the supply of resources. Trump did not say specifically what powers he would execute, but the act could allow him to step up production of respirators and other medical equipment.
Trump declined to say how, precisely, the Defense Production Act would be used and he suggested that the administration is still deciding. He said the administration had “targets” for equipment it wanted but did not say what those targets were.
“We need millions of masks,” Trump said. “We need respirators.”
The announcement comes as the White House and Congress negotiate a trillion-dollar economic stimulus plan to combat the impacts of the coronavirus outbreak.
Here's what else was said at the briefing:
Trump also said health officials are working on a "self swab" coronavirus test that would allow front line health care workers to test themselves for the virus. "It would free up a lot," Trump said.
Trump also announced he plans to hold an additional news conference either later Wednesday or early Thursday to discuss coronavirus progress at the Food and Drug Administration. Trump said he "asked the FDA to cut through the red tape and reduce regulatory barriers."
Vice President Mike Pence said the Canada border closing should not affect business relationships between the two countries: “This does not include essential travel or the transfer of goods."
The federal government is recommending Americans and doctors postpone elective surgeries, including dental surgery, to increase capacity at medical facilities, said Seema Verma, director of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. “We fully appreciate that this is going to have a major impact on the health care system,” Verma said.
Asked about the size of the checks Americans may receive as part of a relief effort, Trump would not say the amount of the checks. He said that is "to be determined .. we're working with the Senate now." He added: "It will shortly be determined.
Trump was asked why he repeatedly refers to the coronavirus as the "Chinese virus." He said the term is "not racist at all ... It comes from China. That's why."
Trump says he is a war-time president, saying the virus is an "enemy" that is wrecking the economy: "It's a very tough situation ... but we're doing it and we're doing it well.
Trump said the government is ordering “thousands and thousands” of ventilators in case they’re needed. The government already has a stockpile of more than 10,000 ventilators, Pence said.
Trump was asked why it seems well-connected people, such as professional athletes, are able to get tested : "You'd have to ask them that question ...(it's the) story of life .. That does happen.
- John Fritze, Courtney Subramanian, David Jackson and Michael Collins
Wilkie: 44 veterans have tested positive, 1 has died
Veteran Affairs Secretary Robert Wilkie said 44 veterans have tested positive for the coronavirus and one, in Portland, has died. He said the agency had tested “several hundred.”
VA Secretary Robert Wilkie said his department is cutting back on non-essential medical activity in order to help respond to the coronavirus threat. He praised veterans for sacrificing some non-essential care to help with the effort.
- John Fritze
Trump said he doesn't agree with Mnuchin's 20% unemployment scenario
President Donald Trump took issue with Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin’s warning to lawmakers on Tuesday that unemployment could hit 20% unless steps are taken to stimulate the economy.
“I don’t agree with that,” Trump said. “That is an absolute, worst-case scenario.”
- Michael Collins
Pentagon to make 5 million masks available
Defense Secretary Mark Esper said the Pentagon would make 5 million masks available from its own reserves to the Department of Health and Human Services. He said the first million would be made available immediately.
Esper also said the Defense Department would make up to 2,000 operational ventilators available to HHS as needed. Two medical ships, Comfort and Mercy, will be deployed to assist with hospital beds. He said the Army Corps of Engineers in New York is meeting with Gov. Andrew Cuomo. He said the Defense Department remains "ready and capable" to defend the U.S. and interests abroad.
- Courtney Subramanian and David Jackson
Official: Millennials shoud take special precautions against coronavirus
Dr. Deborah Birx, a member of the White House coronavirus task force, said Wednesday that health officials are concerned about reports coming out of France and Italy that young people are getting ill.
Birx said the reports are worrisome because those who have been most at-risk have been the elderly or people with other health issues.
She urged “the millennial generation” to take special precautions. “You have the potential to spread it,” she said.
- Michael Collins
Pentagon has 89 coronavirus cases
The Pentagon has confirmed 89 COVID-19 cases among active-duty troops, their family members, civilian and contract employees, the Defense Department announced Tuesday.
Of the 89 infected by the virus, 14 have been hospitalized.
The virus has forced the cancellation of military exercises across the globe, prompted enhanced screening of troops in close proximity to one another, including pilots, and kept senior leaders apart for fear of contracting the disease.
Air Force Gen. David Goldfein, the Air Force chief of staff, told reporters Wednesday that he worked from home on Tuesday to mitigate the risk.
Travel has been restricted, and only personnel essential to critical missions are authorized to move, especially to or within countries hardest hit by the disease such as Italy.
Crews traveling to the air base at Aviano, Italy, stay in their aircraft as long as possible, and are kept as isolated as possible when moving to their quarters on base, Goldfein said.
The Air Force is “keeping them in a bubble,” he said.
- Tom Vanden Brook
Trump: HUD will 'suspend foreclosures and evictions'
President Donald Trump said the Department of Housing the Urban Development would "suspend foreclosures and evictions" through the end of April. It was not immediately clear whether that would apply to all housing or just housing financed through federally backed loans or subsidized with federal funding.
- John Fritze
McConnell: 'Burden' on small businesses must be addressed
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said the Senate will vote Wednesday on a House bill to protect workers from the coronavirus crisis but said the “burden” it places on small businesses will have to be addressed in the next stimulus package the Senate will take up in the coming days.
The House bill, which includes a controversial provision to guarantee paid sick leave for workers affected by the pandemic, is expected to pass and be sent to President Donald Trump for his expected signature.
Wisconsin GOP Sen. Ron Johnson is expected to propose an amendment to the House bill that changes the sick leave to unemployment insurance.
McConnell said House bill would impose “a new untested mandate on small business without guaranteeing they will have sufficient funds in advance to finance this new employee benefit.”
“Everyone agrees that workers need relief … but small businesses need relief as well," he said on the Senate floor Wednesday morning. "This is literally the worst time in living memory to pile even more burdens and costs onto small business which are themselves fighting to stay alive unless we back it up with major assistance.”
– Ledyard King
Schumer says stimulus won't pass under McConnell procedure
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said the latest coronavirus stimulus plan, the details of which are still being negotiated, would not pass the Senate by the end of the week under the current procedure led by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.
“Secretary Mnuchin says he wants legislation passed by the end of the week. The McConnell process will not get us there," he said.
On Tuesday, McConnell told reporters he had divided Republican senators into three working groups that would work with the Trump administration to come up with a plan Republicans would support. Schumer, instead, wanted negotiations between the House, Senate and Trump administration on a bipartisan basis.
"That's the way that's worked the best, the quickest, the fairest in the past," he said, calling the procedure McConnell had outlined as likely to lead to "delay and gridlock."
-Nicholas Wu
Trump: We're going to close Canada border to 'non-essential' traffic
President Donald Trump and his aides said Wednesday the United States and Canada are working on a deal to temporarily close the border to discretionary travel in order to fight the spread of coronavirus.
Trade should not be affected, Trump said.
"We will be, by mutual consent, temporarily closing our Northern Border with Canada to non-essential traffic," Trump tweeted. "Trade will not be affected. Details to follow!"
Canada, which announced border closures this week, has been negotiating with U.S. officials this week on rules for essential traffic.
– David Jackson
Trump to meet with airline execs, hold call with doctors
The Coronavirus Task Force will hold a 11:30 a.m. EDT news conference Wednesday to discuss the latest developments on the pandemic.
President Donald Trump also tweeted about holding a news conference with the Food and Drug Administration to "discuss very important news from the FDA" about the coronavirus.
His schedule is packed with meetings to discuss responses to the coronavirus. He has a phone call with airline executives, a business roundtable teleconference, a physician teleconference and a nurse briefing listed on his public schedule.
- Nicholas Wu
Senate plans to vote on sick leave, coronavirus testing bill
The Senate is planning to vote Wednesday on a legislative package that will offer billions to bolster unemployment insurance, offer free coronavirus testing and paid sick and family leave for Americans following days of intense negotiations and pleas for lawmakers to quickly approve the legislation.
The bill is expected to pass the Senate and then be sent to President Donald Trump for his signature. The vote comes after Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin briefed Senate Republicans and appeased some concerns about the ramifications sick and family leave could have on small businesses that are already feeling the economic effects of the virus.
Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., is planning to offer an amendment to the legislation before the Senate votes on the measure. The amendment would offer a way to offset the costs of the bill by using funds that would “include ending our decades-long involvement in Afghanistan,” his office said in a statement.
Paul offered a similar proposal earlier this month to offset costs when the Senate took up a bill offering roughly $8 billion for states and local entities to prevent the spread of the virus and help bolster efforts to create a vaccine. The effort was shot down by his Senate colleagues.
- Christal Hayes
More: Coronavirus updates: US death toll reaches 114 as Kansas cancels in-person classes for entire school year
More: Biden stays in the driver's seat, coronavirus changes our elections and other takeaways from Tuesday's vote
Trump administration personnel chief abruptly resigns
The director of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management has resigned, leaving a key vacancy at a time when federal employees – like other work forces around the country – are wresting with how to respond to the coronavirus pandemic.
OPM said in a statement that the agency received the resignation of Dale Cabaniss, a longtime Republican official who President Donald Trump named to the post last year.
Cabaniss battled with John McEntee, who Trump named this year to lead the White House personnel office, according to several reports citing unnamed officials. McEntee’s appointment came at a time when Trump acknowledged he was seeking to elevate White House employees who have proven their loyalty to him.
Federal offices in Washington expected to remain open Wednesday but provided “maximum telework flexibilities” to eligible workers because of coronavirus. Trump and public health officials have advised Americans to work from home whenever possible.
- John Fritze
More: 'A big, bold package': Trump calls for pumping $1 trillion into economy to counter coronavirus hit


usatoday--2020-03-18--Voters trust Biden to handle a crisis but wins Tuesday lose spotlight to coronavirus concerns

WASHINGTON – The question before Tuesday night ’ s latest round of voting wasn ’ t whether Joe Biden would expand his delegate lead over Bernie Sanders .
He did – with big wins in Florida , Illinois and Arizona that will increase the pressure on Sanders to end his campaign and allow Democrats to turn their full attention to President Donald Trump .
But as voters went to the polls for the first time since a national emergency was declared over the coronavirus pandemic , the spotlight turned to how elections could be safely conducted and who is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ This is a moment when we need our leaders to lead , ” Biden said in brief livestreamed remarks from his home Tuesday night in which he notably also reached out to Sanders ’ supporters .
Biden had a huge advantage over Sanders in pre-election day polls in Florida , Illinois and Arizona that asked voters who they trust more to handle a crisis , according to an NBC report on the poll .
A national poll out Tuesday that likewise asked about trust showed Trump ranked worst of all groups tested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local leaders and the news media .
Six in ten respondents to an NPR/PBS/Marist poll said they had not very much or no trust in what Trump is saying about the coronavirus .
The public ’ s desire for a steady hand came amidst confusion many had about how to vote – if they could even vote at all .
Polls were closed in Ohio at the last minute when Gov .
Mike DeWine declared a “ health emergency ” to delay the election until June .
The Ohio Democratic Party on Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Republican , arguing he does not have the legal authority to reschedule a make-up election .
The Chicago Board of Elections went to court to extend voting by an hour in five precincts .
In all three states that voted , some polling places were moved or closed because of a lack of workers , shortages of cleaning supplies , or to relocate polls from senior centers .
“ It made for a day at the polls really not like any we ’ ve seen before , ” said David Vance , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cause .
Georgia , which was the next state scheduled to vote , has already moved it ’ s March 24th primary to May .
After Louisiana , Maryland and Kentucky delayed their contests as well , the Democratic National Committee urged states to keep their scheduled dates and instead take other steps to protect voters .
More : List of states delaying their presidential primaries grows as Maryland pushes to June Delaying elections for unexpected emergencies is not unprecedented , but not at this scale in the U.S. in recent history But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could extend the Democratic contest – although Sanders has no real path to the nomination – despite the party ’ s eagerness to turn to the general election .
“ It ’ s official , ” tweeted Larry Sabato , director of the University of Virginia ’ s Center for Politics .
“ @ Joe Biden has defeated @ BernieSanders but # Coronavirus has buried Bernie Sanders .
The nomination battle has become a footnote in the media and in the public ’ s mind .
That ’ s just reality.
” Before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20 minutes of remarks on how the nation should address the health and economic challenges of the coronavirus , including giving every household $ 2,000 a month .
“ We need to know what you are experiencing right now , ” Sanders told viewers in an address in which he did not mention the election .
When Biden spoke , after his blowout wins in Florida and Illinois but before Arizona ’ s polls closed , he praised the “ remarkable passion and tenacity ” of Sanders and his supporters .
Biden said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in this country ” on issues like health care , income inequality and climate change .
“ So let me say especially to the young voters who have been inspired by Sen. Sanders , ” Biden continued , “ I hear you .
I know what ’ s a stake .
I know what we have to do.
” Nearly 60 percent of delegates will have been awarded after Tuesday .
Despite the polling problems and confusion , voting advocates said that turnout might still eclipse the 2016 primary .
It helped that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mailed-in ballots are particularly popular in Florida and Arizona .
“ We ’ ve had enormous turnout by mail , ” said Alex Gulotta , Arizona state director of the advocacy group All Voting Is Local .
“ Turnout has been very low today , but overall , voting is more than 2016.
” Biden continues to do well among older voters , moderates and conservatives , African Americans and women , according to an Associated Press survey of voters in Illinois , Florida and Arizona taken in the days leading up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inroads in Florida among Latino voters , a group that along with younger voters have been among Sanders ’ core supporters .
Likewise , in Illinois , Latino voters were only somewhat more likely to pick Sanders , according to the Associated Press .
Biden ’ s strong showing in Florida – where 84 % of Democratic primary voters said they strongly believe he could beat Trump – may cheer Democrats who hope to flip that battleground state in the fall .
But Trump ’ s re-election campaign noted Tuesday night that it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as his legal residence – which put him above the delegate threshold to become the party ’ s presumptive nominee in the GOP ’ s largely uncompetitive primary .
`` Nobody motivates our base more than President Trump , ” said Ronna McDaniel , head of the Republican National Committee .
Trump easily won every state that has held a contest in the Republican primary .

Voters trust Biden to handle a crisis but wins Tuesday lose spotlight to coronavirus concerns
Show Caption Hide Caption Coronavirus concerns in primary voting catapults Joe Biden ahead Coronavirus affects primary voting and catapults Joe Biden ahead, with voters saying they trust him over Bernie Sanders in a crisis. Hannah Gaber, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – The question before Tuesday night’s latest round of voting wasn’t whether Joe Biden would expand his delegate lead over Bernie Sanders.
He did – with big wins in Florida, Illinois and Arizona that will increase the pressure on Sanders to end his campaign and allow Democrats to turn their full attention to President Donald Trump.
But as voters went to the polls for the first time since a national emergency was declared over the coronavirus pandemic, the spotlight turned to how elections could be safely conducted and who is the right chief for this critical time.
“This is a moment when we need our leaders to lead,” Biden said in brief livestreamed remarks from his home Tuesday night in which he notably also reached out to Sanders’ supporters.
Biden had a huge advantage over Sanders in pre-election day polls in Florida, Illinois and Arizona that asked voters who they trust more to handle a crisis, according to an NBC report on the poll.
A national poll out Tuesday that likewise asked about trust showed Trump ranked worst of all groups tested – public health officials, state and local leaders and the news media. Six in ten respondents to an NPR/PBS/Marist poll said they had not very much or no trust in what Trump is saying about the coronavirus.
The public’s desire for a steady hand came amidst confusion many had about how to vote – if they could even vote at all.
Polls were closed in Ohio at the last minute when Gov. Mike DeWine declared a “health emergency” to delay the election until June. The Ohio Democratic Party on Tuesday sued Secretary of State Frank LaRose, a Republican, arguing he does not have the legal authority to reschedule a make-up election.
The Chicago Board of Elections went to court to extend voting by an hour in five precincts.
In all three states that voted, some polling places were moved or closed because of a lack of workers, shortages of cleaning supplies, or to relocate polls from senior centers.
“It made for a day at the polls really not like any we’ve seen before,” said David Vance, spokesman for the voting rights group Common Cause.
Georgia, which was the next state scheduled to vote, has already moved it’s March 24th primary to May. After Louisiana, Maryland and Kentucky delayed their contests as well, the Democratic National Committee urged states to keep their scheduled dates and instead take other steps to protect voters.
More: List of states delaying their presidential primaries grows as Maryland pushes to June
Delaying elections for unexpected emergencies is not unprecedented, but not at this scale in the U.S. in recent history
But unless Sanders drops out, the delay could extend the Democratic contest – although Sanders has no real path to the nomination – despite the party’s eagerness to turn to the general election.
“It’s official,” tweeted Larry Sabato, director of the University of Virginia’s Center for Politics. “@Joe Biden has defeated @BernieSanders but #Coronavirus has buried Bernie Sanders. The nomination battle has become a footnote in the media and in the public’s mind. That’s just reality.”
Before the polls closed, Sanders livestreamed about 20 minutes of remarks on how the nation should address the health and economic challenges of the coronavirus, including giving every household $2,000 a month.
“We need to know what you are experiencing right now,” Sanders told viewers in an address in which he did not mention the election.
When Biden spoke, after his blowout wins in Florida and Illinois but before Arizona’s polls closed, he praised the “remarkable passion and tenacity” of Sanders and his supporters. Biden said they have “shifted the fundamental conversation in this country” on issues like health care, income inequality and climate change.
“So let me say especially to the young voters who have been inspired by Sen. Sanders,” Biden continued, “I hear you. I know what’s a stake. I know what we have to do.”
Nearly 60 percent of delegates will have been awarded after Tuesday.
Despite the polling problems and confusion, voting advocates said that turnout might still eclipse the 2016 primary. It helped that all three states allow early voting. Mailed-in ballots are particularly popular in Florida and Arizona.
“We’ve had enormous turnout by mail,” said Alex Gulotta, Arizona state director of the advocacy group All Voting Is Local. “Turnout has been very low today, but overall, voting is more than 2016.”
Biden continues to do well among older voters, moderates and conservatives, African Americans and women, according to an Associated Press survey of voters in Illinois, Florida and Arizona taken in the days leading up to their elections.
But he also made inroads in Florida among Latino voters, a group that along with younger voters have been among Sanders’ core supporters. Likewise, in Illinois, Latino voters were only somewhat more likely to pick Sanders, according to the Associated Press.
Biden’s strong showing in Florida – where 84% of Democratic primary voters said they strongly believe he could beat Trump – may cheer Democrats who hope to flip that battleground state in the fall.
But Trump’s re-election campaign noted Tuesday night that it was Florida – which Trump has adopted as his legal residence – which put him above the delegate threshold to become the party’s presumptive nominee in the GOP’s largely uncompetitive primary.
"Nobody motivates our base more than President Trump,” said Ronna McDaniel, head of the Republican National Committee.
Trump easily won every state that has held a contest in the Republican primary.
Contributing: Bart Jansen and Joey Garrison, USA TODAY
More: Joe Biden wins statewide vote in Washington state


usatoday--2020-03-18--Coronavirus in the primaries catapults Joe Biden ahead

Coronavirus affects primary voting and catapults Joe Biden ahead , with voters saying they trust him over Bernie Sanders in @ @ @

Coronavirus concerns in primary voting catapults Joe Biden ahead
Coronavirus affects primary voting and catapults Joe Biden ahead, with voters saying they trust him over Bernie Sanders in a crisis.
Hannah Gaber, USA TODAY