usatoday--2020-05-26--Justice Department clears 3 senators in stock sales investigation, but Burr's case appears ongoing

WASHINGTON – The Justice Department has closed its investigation into three senators over stock sales made just before the market slide triggered by the coronavirus outbreak , according to people familiar with the matter .
Federal prosecutors notified Sens .
Dianne Feinstein , D-Calif. , Kelly Loeffler , R-Ga. , and James Inhofe , R-Okla. , that the Justice Department will not be pursuing insider trading charges against them , people familiar with the matter said .
A Justice Department spokeswoman declined to comment on the development , which was first reported by the New York Times .
The investigation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who stepped down as chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee earlier this month after the FBI seized his phone , appears to be ongoing .
A spokeswoman for Burr declined to comment .
Stock sales : Sen. Richard Burr steps down as chairman of Intelligence Committee as FBI seizes phone in investigation The Justice Department began investigating the stock sales of the four senators earlier this year after their financial-disclosure statements showed that they , their spouses or advisers , sold large chunks of stock around the time lawmakers were receiving behind-the-scenes briefings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The three senators who have been cleared have denied any wrongdoing .
`` Today 's clear exoneration by the Department of Justice affirms what Senator Loeffler has said all along – she did nothing wrong , '' Loeffler 's spokesman , Stephen Lawson , said in a statement , calling the allegations a `` politically-motivated attack . ''
Sales risk : Lawmakers could face legal scrutiny for stock selloffs before virus-driven market crash , analysts say Loeffler was appointed by Georgia Gov .
Brian Kemp earlier this year and faces a tough primary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She and her husband , New York Stock Exchange Chairman Jeffrey Sprecher , sold $ 1 million to $ 2.49 million in February , according to disclosure statements .
Inhofe sold $ 50,000 to $ 100,000 in stock , and Feinstein 's disclosure report showed sales of $ 1 million to $ 5 million in stocks .
Loeffler responds : Sen. Loeffler says she 'll sell off all individual stocks amid scrutiny during coronavirus spread Loeffler and Inhofe said their financial transactions were handled by third-party advisers .
A spokesman for Feinstein said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ husband , not the senator , and the couple 's assets are separate .
Burr asked the Senate Ethics Committee to review his transactions involving up to $ 1.6 million .
He has said that he made the trades based on news reports about the pandemic , and not on private information senators received during briefings .

Justice Department clears 3 senators in stock sales investigation, but Burr's case appears ongoing
Show Caption Hide Caption Burr: Probe is a distraction to Intel Committee Sen. Richard Burr said the probe into his stock sales has become a distraction to the "important" work of the Senate Intelligence Committee. He's stepped aside as chairman of the panel after the FBI served a search warrant for his phone. (May 14) AP
WASHINGTON – The Justice Department has closed its investigation into three senators over stock sales made just before the market slide triggered by the coronavirus outbreak, according to people familiar with the matter.
Federal prosecutors notified Sens. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif.; Kelly Loeffler, R-Ga.; and James Inhofe, R-Okla.; that the Justice Department will not be pursuing insider trading charges against them, people familiar with the matter said.
A Justice Department spokeswoman declined to comment on the development, which was first reported by the New York Times.
The investigation into Sen. Richard Burr, R-N.C., who stepped down as chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee this month after the FBI seized his phone, appears to be ongoing. A spokeswoman for Burr declined to comment.
Stock sales: Sen. Richard Burr steps down as chairman of Intelligence Committee as FBI seizes phone in investigation
The Justice Department began investigating the stock sales of the four senators this year after their financial-disclosure statements showed that they, their spouses or advisers, sold large chunks of stock around the time lawmakers were receiving behind-the-scenes briefings about the severity of the coronavirus.
The three senators who have been cleared have denied any wrongdoing.
"Today's clear exoneration by the Department of Justice affirms what Senator Loeffler has said all along – she did nothing wrong," Loeffler's spokesman, Stephen Lawson, said in a statement, calling the allegations a "politically-motivated attack."
Sales risk: Lawmakers could face legal scrutiny for stock selloffs before virus-driven market crash, analysts say
Loeffler was appointed by Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp this year and faces a tough primary race against Rep. Doug Collins, R-Ga.
She and her husband, New York Stock Exchange Chairman Jeffrey Sprecher, sold $1 million to $2.49 million in February, according to disclosure statements. Inhofe sold $50,000 to $100,000 in stock, and Feinstein's disclosure report showed sales of $1 million to $5 million in stocks.
Loeffler responds: Sen. Loeffler says she'll sell off all individual stocks amid scrutiny during coronavirus spread
Loeffler and Inhofe said their financial transactions were handled by third-party advisers. A spokesman for Feinstein said the stock sales were made by her husband, not the senator, and the couple's assets are separate.
Burr asked the Senate Ethics Committee to review his transactions involving up to $1.6 million. He has said that he made the trades based on news reports about the pandemic, and not on private information senators received during briefings.
More: Rubio named acting Senate Intelligence chairman amid FBI probe into Sen. Richard Burr
Contributing: Kevin Johnson, Ledyard King and Nicholas Wu


usatoday--2020-05-26--Trump wants to know 'within a week' if North Carolina will host Republican convention

WASHINGTON – North Carolina Gov .
Roy Cooper on Tuesday said he 's trying to work out an agreement with GOP officials to keep the Republican National Convention in his state , as other governors expressed interest in hosting the August event .
`` I hope that we can find some kind of reasonable accommodation , '' Cooper said at a news conference .
`` But we ’ re not going to sacrifice the health and safety of North Carolinians , and that 's the bottom line . ''
Shortly after , President Donald Trump said he wants to know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ convention can be held in North Carolina .
“ We don ’ t have much time , ” Trump told reporters in the Rose Garden .
“ If the governor can ’ t tell us very soon , unfortunately we ’ ll have no choice .
The people want it.
” Trump noted Cooper is a Democrat and went on to accuse Democratic officials of not reopening their states “ for political reasons , ” which he also described as suspicious .
He 'd tweeted Monday that the GOP needed an immediate answer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be able to `` fully occupy '' the convention space in August .
North Carolina on Monday reported the highest daily total of coronavirus hospitalizations since the pandemic began .
Cooper said he 's asked the Republican National Committee to submit various ways the event could be held , depending on the state of the health crisis in three months .
`` We don ’ t know what our situation is going to be regarding COVID-19 in North Carolina , '' he said .
`` We have to have options . ''
If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two Republican governors said Tuesday they 're happy to accommodate him .
“ Florida would love to have the RNC , '' Florida Gov .
Ron DeSantis told reporters .
`` The door is open .
We want to have the conversation , whether it ’ s RNC , DNC , whatever , because I think it would be good for the people of Florida . ''
Georgia Gov .
Brian Kemp , another governor who has moved more aggressively than many states to end lockdowns , said his state `` would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Convention . ''
`` We hope you will consider the Peach State !
@ realdonaldtrump , '' Kemp tweeted .
Ronna McDaniel , head of the Republican National Committee , said Tuesday other states are eager to get the revenue generated by a national convention .
RNC : Texas GOP says it would welcome Republican National Convention if NC falters '' You know , every state we talk to is saying 'we want to nominate the president here , ' `` McDaniel said on Fox News ' `` Fox & Friends . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Charlotte , N.C. City Council , told the Charlotte Observer it would be hard for another city to step in at this point .
Charlotte has been planning the convention for two years and has received a $ 50 million federal security grant , he noted .
But DeSantis , Florida 's governor , said it would n't be that difficult to switch locations because `` a lot of that work in terms of raising the funds is already done . ''
`` It would kind of be a plug-and-play thing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is scheduled for the week of Aug. 24 .
North Carolina , which is undergoing a phased reopening of the state , does not allow gatherings of more than 10 people indoors .
The Republican convention is expected to draw up to 50,000 to Charlotte , the state 's largest city .
Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles told NBC News that `` science and data will ultimately determine what we will collectively do for our city.
” North Carolina is among 20 states where new cases of COVID-19 rose last week , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID Tracking Project .
Cases rose 26 % from the previous week .
McDaniel said Trump loves North Carolina and wants to keep the convention there .
`` It 's just the governor , '' she said .
`` He 's got to work with us . ''
North Carolina is a battleground state for the presidential race and is expected to have competitive gubernatorial and Senate races as well .
North Carolina Lt. Gov .
Dan Forest , the Republican hoping to unseat Cooper , accused him of `` playing politics '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ convention would give the state 's hospitality industry .
`` The governor ’ s holding up the show right now for August , '' Forest said on FOX News Radio .
The Democratic Party , which is planning to convene in Milwaukee , Wisconsin , has pushed back its convention from July 13-16 to the week of Aug. 17 , and it is considering scaling back those proceedings .

Maureen Groppe and John Fritze, USA TODAY

Trump wants to know 'within a week' if North Carolina will host Republican convention
Show Caption Hide Caption President Trump tells governors to open 'essential places' of worship As the US approaches 100,000 coronavirus deaths, President Donald Trump is calling on governors to allow houses of worship to open. White House, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper on Tuesday said he's trying to work out an agreement with GOP officials to keep the Republican National Convention in his state, as other governors expressed interest in hosting the August event.
"I hope that we can find some kind of reasonable accommodation," Cooper said at a news conference. "But we’re not going to sacrifice the health and safety of North Carolinians, and that's the bottom line."
Shortly after, President Donald Trump said he wants to know “within a week” whether the convention can be held in North Carolina.
“We don’t have much time,” Trump told reporters in the Rose Garden. “If the governor can’t tell us very soon, unfortunately we’ll have no choice. The people want it.”
Trump noted Cooper is a Democrat and went on to accuse Democratic officials of not reopening their states “for political reasons,” which he also described as suspicious.
He'd tweeted Monday that the GOP needed an immediate answer from North Carolina on whether Republicans will be able to "fully occupy" the convention space in August. North Carolina on Monday reported the highest daily total of coronavirus hospitalizations since the pandemic began.
Cooper said he's asked the Republican National Committee to submit various ways the event could be held, depending on the state of the health crisis in three months.
"We don’t know what our situation is going to be regarding COVID-19 in North Carolina," he said. "We have to have options."
.@NC_Governor Roy Cooper on Republican National Convention: "It's ok for political conventions to be political, but pandemic response cannot be." pic.twitter.com/TQVzausKmK — CSPAN (@cspan) May 26, 2020
If the president wants to go elsewhere, two Republican governors said Tuesday they're happy to accommodate him.
“Florida would love to have the RNC," Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis told reporters . "The door is open. We want to have the conversation, whether it’s RNC, DNC, whatever, because I think it would be good for the people of Florida."
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, another governor who has moved more aggressively than many states to end lockdowns, said his state "would be honored to safely host the Republican National Convention."
"We hope you will consider the Peach State! @realdonaldtrump," Kemp tweeted.
Ronna McDaniel, head of the Republican National Committee, said Tuesday other states are eager to get the revenue generated by a national convention.
RNC: Texas GOP says it would welcome Republican National Convention if NC falters
"You know, every state we talk to is saying 'we want to nominate the president here,' " McDaniel said on Fox News' "Fox & Friends."
Ed Driggs, a Republican member of the Charlotte, N.C. City Council, told the Charlotte Observer it would be hard for another city to step in at this point. Charlotte has been planning the convention for two years and has received a $50 million federal security grant, he noted.
But DeSantis, Florida's governor, said it wouldn't be that difficult to switch locations because "a lot of that work in terms of raising the funds is already done."
"It would kind of be a plug-and-play thing," he said.
.@GovRonDeSantis: "Florida would love to have the RNC. Heck, I’m a Republican. It would be good for us to have the DNC in terms of the economic impact." pic.twitter.com/hacBxcFO6h — CSPAN (@cspan) May 26, 2020
The GOP convention is scheduled for the week of Aug. 24.
North Carolina, which is undergoing a phased reopening of the state, does not allow gatherings of more than 10 people indoors. The Republican convention is expected to draw up to 50,000 to Charlotte, the state's largest city.
Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles told NBC News that "science and data will ultimately determine what we will collectively do for our city.”
The governor has made similar remarks.
North Carolina is among 20 states where new cases of COVID-19 rose last week, according to a Reuters analysis of data from The COVID Tracking Project. Cases rose 26% from the previous week.
McDaniel said Trump loves North Carolina and wants to keep the convention there.
"It's just the governor," she said. "He's got to work with us."
North Carolina is a battleground state for the presidential race and is expected to have competitive gubernatorial and Senate races as well.
North Carolina Lt. Gov. Dan Forest, the Republican hoping to unseat Cooper, accused him of "playing politics" and jeopardizing the much-needed economic boost the convention would give the state's hospitality industry.
"The governor’s holding up the show right now for August," Forest said on FOX News Radio.
The Democratic Party, which is planning to convene in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, has pushed back its convention from July 13-16 to the week of Aug. 17, and it is considering scaling back those proceedings.
Contributing: Bart Jansen and David Jackson, USA TODAY.


usatoday--2020-05-26--Clyburn: I 'cringed' at Biden 'you ain't black' comment but compare him 'to the alternative, not the

WASHINGTON – Congressman James Clyburn , D-S.C. , a longtime friend of Joe Biden , said Tuesday that he `` cringed '' at the former vice president 's comments that “ you ain ’ t black ” if you are not sure whether to vote for him or President Donald Trump .
Clyburn , who gave Biden a his coveted endorsement three days before his state 's crucial February primary , told `` The View '' Tuesday , `` Joe did not do as well as I hoped in responding , but I will say this , I go about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , to the alternative , not the Almighty . ''
`` He is not a perfect person .
None of us are .
So what my decision now is to determine who I feel should be the next president of the United States , and I do that by comparing the candidates to each other , not to the Almighty , ” Clyburn said .
More : DeSantis , Kemp offer to take Republican convention from North Carolina after Trump complains Biden made the comments on Friday while an interview with African American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Breakfast Club radio show , where Biden emphasized his ties to the African American community , and touted his record on civil rights .
At the end of the interview , Biden retorted : `` If you have a problem figuring out whether you ’ re for me or Trump , then you ain ’ t black . ''
The Trump campaign immediately slammed the remarks , calling them `` disgusting '' and quoting rapper Kanye West as saying , `` I will not be told who I 'm gon na vote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ More : Widower of late Scarborough staffer asks Twitter to remove Trump tweets , Twitter says no In a Trump campaign conference call with reporters later Friday , Sen. Tim Scott , R-S.C. , the only black Republican in the Senate , said he was appalled by Biden 's comments .
`` I ’ ve been black for 54 years .
I was struck by the condescension and the arrogance .
I could not believe my ears that he would stoop so low , '' Scott said Later Friday , on a call @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Inc , Biden apologized , saying , `` I should not have been so cavalier .
I 've never , never , ever taken the African-American community for granted , '' and added he `` should n't have been such a wise guy . ''
' I should not have been so cavalier ' : Joe Biden apologizes for suggesting black Trump voters 'ai n't black' Clyburn is the House Majority Whip and the highest-ranking African American in Congress .
His endorsement was considered a key turning point in Biden 's candidacy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden in South Carolina .
`` You brought me back , '' a beaming Biden told Clyburn after that endorsement .
It was no exaggeration .
Clyburn is a landmark figure in a state where roughly 60 % of all Democratic voters are black .
Exit polls indicated that nearly half – 47 % – of Democratic primary voters in South Carolina said Clyburn ’ s endorsement was an important factor in their vote .
Moreover , 24 % said it was the most important factor .
More : Republicans sue to block @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to all voters Clyburn reiterated his support for Biden on Tuesday when asked about his message to African American voters who were offended by the comments , and attributed them to Biden misspeaking as he is `` not a perfect person . ''
“ We sometimes say things we do not really mean , they come out a little bit wrong , and that 's what happened here .
I think all of us know Joe Biden , ” Clyburn said .
“ I know him , and he knows me .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I 've done a lot of stuff for Joe Biden over the years , and I would not have supported him if I did not think that he was best suited to be the next president of the United States .
It 's just that simple .
”

Clyburn: I 'cringed' at Biden 'you ain't black' comment but compare him 'to the alternative, not the Almighty'
Show Caption Hide Caption SC's influential Rep. Clyburn endorses Biden U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn, the highest-ranking black member of Congress and the kingmaker of South Carolina's Democratic political orbit, has endorsed Joe Biden's presidential campaign. (Feb. 26) AP
WASHINGTON – Congressman James Clyburn, D-S.C., a longtime friend of Joe Biden, said Tuesday that he "cringed" at the former vice president's comments that “you ain’t black” if you are not sure whether to vote for him or President Donald Trump.
Clyburn, who gave Biden a his coveted endorsement three days before his state's crucial February primary, told "The View" Tuesday, "Joe did not do as well as I hoped in responding, but I will say this, I go about my business every day comparing Joe Biden, to the alternative, not the Almighty."
"He is not a perfect person. None of us are. So what my decision now is to determine who I feel should be the next president of the United States, and I do that by comparing the candidates to each other, not to the Almighty,” Clyburn said.
More: DeSantis, Kemp offer to take Republican convention from North Carolina after Trump complains
More: New Mexico may elect historic all-female US House delegation
Biden made the comments on Friday while an interview with African American radio host Charlamagne tha God's on The Breakfast Club radio show, where Biden emphasized his ties to the African American community, and touted his record on civil rights. At the end of the interview, Biden retorted: "If you have a problem figuring out whether you’re for me or Trump, then you ain’t black."
Rep. James Clyburn tells us he “cringed” at Joe Biden’s “ain’t black” comment, but says Biden “is not a perfect person — none of us are.”
“I would not have supported him if I did not think he was best suited to be the next president of the United States.” https://t.co/pmnCrwmnmq pic.twitter.com/5ZZmgghlvd — The View (@TheView) May 26, 2020
The Trump campaign immediately slammed the remarks, calling them "disgusting" and quoting rapper Kanye West as saying, "I will not be told who I'm gonna vote on because of my color."
More: Widower of late Scarborough staffer asks Twitter to remove Trump tweets, Twitter says no
In a Trump campaign conference call with reporters later Friday, Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., the only black Republican in the Senate, said he was appalled by Biden's comments.
"I’ve been black for 54 years. I was struck by the condescension and the arrogance. I could not believe my ears that he would stoop so low," Scott said
Later Friday, on a call with members of the U.S. Black Chambers Inc, Biden apologized, saying, "I should not have been so cavalier. I've never, never, ever taken the African-American community for granted," and added he "shouldn't have been such a wise guy."
'I should not have been so cavalier': Joe Biden apologizes for suggesting black Trump voters 'ain't black'
Clyburn is the House Majority Whip and the highest-ranking African American in Congress. His endorsement was considered a key turning point in Biden's candidacy, and is largely credited for helping boost Biden in South Carolina. "You brought me back," a beaming Biden told Clyburn after that endorsement.
It was no exaggeration. Clyburn is a landmark figure in a state where roughly 60% of all Democratic voters are black.
Exit polls indicated that nearly half – 47% – of Democratic primary voters in South Carolina said Clyburn’s endorsement was an important factor in their vote. Moreover, 24% said it was the most important factor.
More: Republicans sue to block California Gov. Newsom from mailing ballots to all voters
Clyburn reiterated his support for Biden on Tuesday when asked about his message to African American voters who were offended by the comments, and attributed them to Biden misspeaking as he is "not a perfect person."
“We sometimes say things we do not really mean, they come out a little bit wrong, and that's what happened here. I think all of us know Joe Biden,” Clyburn said. “I know him, and he knows me. He knows the African American community very well.
"I've done a lot of stuff for Joe Biden over the years, and I would not have supported him if I did not think that he was best suited to be the next president of the United States. It's just that simple.”
Contributing: Nicholas Wu, Deborah Barfield Berry, Ledyard King, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-05-26--Supreme Court refuses to block lower court order demanding action against coronavirus at Ohio prison

WASHINGTON – The Supreme Court refused the Trump administration 's request Tuesday to block a lower court order requiring stepped-up efforts against the spread of the coronavirus at a low-security federal prison in Ohio .
The high court 's action represented its most significant intervention to date related to the deadly impact of COVID-19 inside federal prisons .
The low-security Elkton Federal Correctional Institution in northeast Ohio faces a potential large-scale transfer of elderly , medically vulnerable inmates to less dangerous types of custody , including home confinement , under a federal court order .
As many as 837 inmates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prison population of some 2,500 .
The high court refused to put the evaluation of those inmates on hold at the request of the Trump administration , `` without prejudice to the government seeking a new stay if circumstances warrant . ''
Associate Justices Clarence Thomas , Samuel Alito and Neil Gorsuch would have granted the administration 's request .
Across the country , state and federal prisons have become a hotbed of coronavirus infections .
Hundreds of prisoners and several dozen prison staff have died , according to the American Civil Liberties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Ohio case .
The outbreaks within the federal prison system have drawn the scrutiny of Attorney General William Barr , who has dispatched teams to examine conditions at the hardest-hit facilities , including prisons in Louisiana , Ohio , North Carolina and California .
More : Prisoners sue for release from troubled federal prison where coronavirus has killed 5 inmates Federal Bureau of Prisons Director Michael Carvajal defended the agency 's response to the increasingly deadly COVID-19 outbreak earlier this month , saying recent inmate testing revealing infection rates as high @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way representative '' of conditions across the system .
But steps have been taken to move some low-risk inmates to home confinement .
Among them : Michael Cohen , President Donald Trump 's former personal lawyer serving a three-year sentence , and Paul Manafort , Trump 's former campaign chairman serving a combined sentence of 7½ years .
The Supreme Court ruled earlier this month against two elderly federal prison inmates in Texas seeking protections from the coronavirus .
Another case is pending in Louisiana .
In the Texas case , Associate Justice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and prisons retain discretion in how they respond to health emergencies , federal courts do have an obligation to ensure that prisons are not deliberately indifferent in the face of danger and death . ''
In the Ohio case , U.S. District Judge James Gwin ruled last month that the Bureau of Prisons needed to do more to identify and protect vulnerable inmates .
Then last week , he demanded faster action , estimating that 1 in 4 prisoners at the facility was infected .
The Supreme Court noted Tuesday that the Justice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and can still contest the later one .
U.S .
Solicitor General Noel Francisco had urged the justices to block the lower court 's requirements , noting that the coronavirus pandemic `` has created extraordinary public health risks in this country and around the world '' and that federal prison authorities are `` working assiduously to mitigate those risks . ''
Nevertheless , Francisco acknowledged that nine Elkton inmates have died from the virus .
The ACLU says another 162 prisoners and seven staff are currently COVID-positive .
`` We commend the court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the people incarcerated at Elkton prison , for whom a prison sentence must not become a death sentence , '' ACLU national legal director David Cole said .
In court papers , Cole had noted that Elkton inmates `` are housed , cheek by jowl , in dormitory-style rooms of approximately 150 persons each .
Though well aware that social distancing is an indispensable means of protecting themselves , they are powerless to use it . ''

Supreme Court refuses to block lower court order demanding action against coronavirus at Ohio prison
Show Caption Hide Caption Supreme Court shares oral arguments live: Is this the new norm? Coronavirus forced the Supreme Court of the United States to hear, and share, oral arguments remotely in real time, but will the change last? Hannah Gaber, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – The Supreme Court refused the Trump administration's request Tuesday to block a lower court order requiring stepped-up efforts against the spread of the coronavirus at a low-security federal prison in Ohio.
The high court's action represented its most significant intervention to date related to the deadly impact of COVID-19 inside federal prisons.
The low-security Elkton Federal Correctional Institution in northeast Ohio faces a potential large-scale transfer of elderly, medically vulnerable inmates to less dangerous types of custody, including home confinement, under a federal court order. As many as 837 inmates could be affected out of a total prison population of some 2,500.
The high court refused to put the evaluation of those inmates on hold at the request of the Trump administration, "without prejudice to the government seeking a new stay if circumstances warrant." Associate Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito and Neil Gorsuch would have granted the administration's request.
Across the country, state and federal prisons have become a hotbed of coronavirus infections. Hundreds of prisoners and several dozen prison staff have died, according to the American Civil Liberties Union, which represents four Elkton inmates in the Ohio case.
The outbreaks within the federal prison system have drawn the scrutiny of Attorney General William Barr, who has dispatched teams to examine conditions at the hardest-hit facilities, including prisons in Louisiana, Ohio, North Carolina and California.
More: Prisoners sue for release from troubled federal prison where coronavirus has killed 5 inmates
Federal Bureau of Prisons Director Michael Carvajal defended the agency's response to the increasingly deadly COVID-19 outbreak earlier this month, saying recent inmate testing revealing infection rates as high as 70% are "in no way representative" of conditions across the system.
But steps have been taken to move some low-risk inmates to home confinement. Among them: Michael Cohen, President Donald Trump's former personal lawyer serving a three-year sentence, and Paul Manafort, Trump's former campaign chairman serving a combined sentence of 7½ years.
The Supreme Court ruled earlier this month against two elderly federal prison inmates in Texas seeking protections from the coronavirus. Another case is pending in Louisiana.
In the Texas case, Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor warned that "while states and prisons retain discretion in how they respond to health emergencies, federal courts do have an obligation to ensure that prisons are not deliberately indifferent in the face of danger and death."
In the Ohio case, U.S. District Judge James Gwin ruled last month that the Bureau of Prisons needed to do more to identify and protect vulnerable inmates. Then last week, he demanded faster action, estimating that 1 in 4 prisoners at the facility was infected.
The Supreme Court noted Tuesday that the Justice Department only appealed Gwin's initial order and can still contest the later one.
U.S. Solicitor General Noel Francisco had urged the justices to block the lower court's requirements, noting that the coronavirus pandemic "has created extraordinary public health risks in this country and around the world" and that federal prison authorities are "working assiduously to mitigate those risks."
Nevertheless, Francisco acknowledged that nine Elkton inmates have died from the virus. The ACLU says another 162 prisoners and seven staff are currently COVID-positive.
"We commend the court for choosing to reaffirm the rights of the people incarcerated at Elkton prison, for whom a prison sentence must not become a death sentence," ACLU national legal director David Cole said.
In court papers, Cole had noted that Elkton inmates "are housed, cheek by jowl, in dormitory-style rooms of approximately 150 persons each. Though well aware that social distancing is an indispensable means of protecting themselves, they are powerless to use it."


usatoday--2020-05-26--HHS watchdog Christi Grimm defends coronavirus report on PPE shortages criticized by Trump

WASHINGTON – In a video briefing Tuesday , a top watchdog for the Department of Health and Human Services defended her office 's report on `` extreme shortages '' of personal protective equipment and testing supplies at hospitals early in the country 's response to the coronavirus pandemic .
Principal Deputy Inspector General Christi Grimm told lawmakers the report on hospital conditions at the end of March offered `` quick and reliable data from the ground '' to support the department 's operations and help hospitals prepare .
She noted , though , that the report was just a `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drew fierce criticism from President Donald Trump when it was released , and Trump moved to replace Grimm a month later .
Grimm said she was in discussions with the inspector general for the Department of Homeland Security for a joint investigation into the distribution of supplies from the national stockpile .
Asked by Oversight Committee Chairwoman Carolyn Maloney , D-N.Y. , whether hospitals had received sufficient support from the federal government , Grimm said , “ We did find shortages of protective equipment – masks , gowns , and recorded expected shortages @ @ @ @ @ @ @ took steps to address the issues .
Democrats criticized the Trump administration for its moves to oust several inspectors general , including State Department Inspector General Steve Linick , who had been investigating Secretary of State Mike Pompeo 's use of State Department staff to run personal errands for him and his wife .
In her opening remarks , Maloney called on the Trump administration to support inspectors general `` It is our responsibility to protect inspectors general from political interference , '' she said .
Rep. Glenn Grothman , R-Wis. , asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` reported cures '' for the coronavirus such as `` vitamin D or vitamin C plus zinc and that sort of thing '' Grimm replied that her office was not examining the effectiveness of treatments , but it found `` quite a bit of fraud '' enticing people to give up their Medicare number relating to claims that vitamin C would cure the coronavirus .
A USA TODAY fact check found the claim that vitamin C could cure the coronavirus was false .
Fact check : Could taking vitamin C cure – or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the inspector generals ' independence , Grimm said anything that might impair independence would “ compromise the effectiveness of oversight of programs that are there to serve the American public.
” '' We ’ ll have your back on that , '' responded Rep. Gerry Connolly , D-Va. More : Here are the government watchdogs the Trump administration moved to oust The committee 's top Republican , Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio , criticized Democrats for holding a virtual briefing and defended the administration 's handling of Grimm 's report , saying any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` incorrect . ''
Grimm , a career official , joined the department 's inspector general office in 1999 .
Her office released a report April 6 that surveyed conditions in hospitals from March 23-27 and detailed `` severe shortages of testing supplies and extended waits for test results , '' as well as `` widespread shortages of personal protective equipment ( that ) put staff and patients at risk . ''
The report drew fierce criticism from Trump .
`` It 's just wrong , '' he said at a Coronavirus Task @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her on Twitter the following day for putting out `` Another Fake Dossier . ''
On May 2 , Trump announced his intent to replace Grimm as the HHS inspector general with attorney Jason Weida .
More : Trump says he may move Republican convention from Charlotte

HHS watchdog Christi Grimm defends coronavirus report on PPE shortages criticized by Trump
Show Caption Hide Caption Biden makes first in-person appearance in two months Democratic presidential candidate and former Vice President Joe Biden made his first in-person appearance in more than two months on Monday as he marked Memorial Day. (May 25) AP
WASHINGTON – In a video briefing Tuesday, a top watchdog for the Department of Health and Human Services defended her office's report on "extreme shortages" of personal protective equipment and testing supplies at hospitals early in the country's response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Principal Deputy Inspector General Christi Grimm told lawmakers the report on hospital conditions at the end of March offered "quick and reliable data from the ground" to support the department's operations and help hospitals prepare. She noted, though, that the report was just a "snapshot in time." The report drew fierce criticism from President Donald Trump when it was released, and Trump moved to replace Grimm a month later.
Grimm said she was in discussions with the inspector general for the Department of Homeland Security for a joint investigation into the distribution of supplies from the national stockpile.
Asked by Oversight Committee Chairwoman Carolyn Maloney, D-N.Y., whether hospitals had received sufficient support from the federal government, Grimm said, “We did find shortages of protective equipment – masks, gowns, and recorded expected shortages of ventilators,” but the government took steps to address the issues.
Democrats criticized the Trump administration for its moves to oust several inspectors general, including State Department Inspector General Steve Linick, who had been investigating Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's use of State Department staff to run personal errands for him and his wife.
In her opening remarks, Maloney called on the Trump administration to support inspectors general "It is our responsibility to protect inspectors general from political interference," she said.
Rep. Glenn Grothman, R-Wis., asked Grimm if the federal government was exploring "reported cures" for the coronavirus such as "vitamin D or vitamin C plus zinc and that sort of thing"
Grimm replied that her office was not examining the effectiveness of treatments, but it found "quite a bit of fraud" enticing people to give up their Medicare number relating to claims that vitamin C would cure the coronavirus.
A USA TODAY fact check found the claim that vitamin C could cure the coronavirus was false.
Fact check: Could taking vitamin C cure – or prevent – COVID-19?
Addressing concerns about the inspector generals' independence, Grimm said anything that might impair independence would “compromise the effectiveness of oversight of programs that are there to serve the American public.”
"We’ll have your back on that," responded Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-Va.
More: Here are the government watchdogs the Trump administration moved to oust
The committee's top Republican, Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio, criticized Democrats for holding a virtual briefing and defended the administration's handling of Grimm's report, saying any allegation Grimm was fired for retaliation was "incorrect."
Grimm, a career official, joined the department's inspector general office in 1999. Her office released a report April 6 that surveyed conditions in hospitals from March 23-27 and detailed "severe shortages of testing supplies and extended waits for test results," as well as "widespread shortages of personal protective equipment (that) put staff and patients at risk." The report drew fierce criticism from Trump.
"It's just wrong," he said at a Coronavirus Task Force news conference April 6, blasting her on Twitter the following day for putting out "Another Fake Dossier."
Why didn’t the I.G., who spent 8 years with the Obama Administration (Did she Report on the failed H1N1 Swine Flu debacle where 17,000 people died?), want to talk to the Admirals, Generals, V.P. & others in charge, before doing her report. Another Fake Dossier! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 7, 2020
On May 2, Trump announced his intent to replace Grimm as the HHS inspector general with attorney Jason Weida.
More: Trump says he may move Republican convention from Charlotte


usatoday--2020-05-26--Texas GOP says it would welcome Republican National Convention if NC falters

Texas Republican Party Chairman James Dickey said Monday that Texas would be happy to host the Republican National Convention in August if North Carolina fails to meet President Donald Trump ’ s demand that it permit a full-fledged in-person gathering .
“ Texas would welcome President Trump and the RNC Convention , ” Dickey told the Austin American-Statesman , part of the USA TODAY Network .
“ Until then , based upon Gov .
Abbott ’ s progress in opening Texas , we are on track for our state convention as planned in person in Houston in July.
” Dickey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ morning tweets by the president pressing North Carolina Gov .
Roy Cooper , a Democrat , to commit to a full occupancy convention in Charlotte or risk losing it , followed quickly by remarks by Vice President Mike Pence on Fox suggesting that Texas , Florida or Georgia might be able rise to the occasion if North Carolina can not .
Dickey said Texas Republicans have invited the president to speak at its convention , scheduled for July 13-18 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston a proposition that should prove @ @ @ @ @ @ @ publicly aching for a return to the kind of mass rallies he thrived and relied on in his 2016 campaign and in his presidency until the coronavirus pandemic struck .
Trump raised the question of whether North Carolina was up to the challenge of hosting a full-throttle live convention in a series of tweets Monday morning .
More : Trump says he may move Republican convention from Charlotte “ Unfortunately , Democrat Governor , @ RoyCooperNC is still in Shutdown mood & unable to guarantee that by August we will be allowed full @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tweeted.
“ Plans are being made by many thousands of enthusiastic Republicans , and others , to head to beautiful North Carolina in August .
They must be immediately given an answer by the Governor as to whether or not the space will be allowed to be fully occupied .
If not , we will be reluctantly forced to find with all the jobs and economic development it brings , another Republican National Convention site .
This is not something I want to do . ''
Not long after , Pence was asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an interview on Fox & Friends .
“ Well , it ’ s an issue we ’ ve been talking about because these national conventions literally take many months to organize and there are states around the country we think of Texas , we think of Florida , Georgia , the last two states I visited last week that have made tremendous progress on reopening their communities and reopening their economies , and I think the president is absolutely intent on ensuring that , as we see our nation continue to make steady @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past , that come this August , we ’ ll be able to come together in a safe and responsible venue and renominate President Donald Trump for four more years , ” Pence said .
`` What you hear the president saying today is just a very reasonable request of the governor of North Carolina , ” Pence continued .
.
Gov .
Greg Abbott , who launched the second phase of his Open Texas plan last week , told KSAT-TV in San Antonio on Tuesday that the timetable for allowing conventions remains @ @ @ @ @ @ @ open up , we need to make sure we open up in ways that will continue to reduce the transmission of COVID-19.
” Texas Democrats chose to transform their convention , originally scheduled for June 4-6 at the Henry B. González Convention Center in San Antonio , into a virtual event on the same days .
“ It doesn ’ t matter where the RNC holds their convention , Donald Trump ’ s historic unpopularity is going to cause him to lose Texas , ” state Democratic Party spokesman Abhi Rahman said Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We recommend he host the RNC at one of his golf clubs.
” The president , in fact , in an afternoon tweet Monday denied a rumor that he was considering moving the convention to a Doral golf club he owns in Miami .
“ I have zero interest in moving the Republican National Convention to Doral in Miami , as falsely reported by the Fake News @ nytimes in order to stir up trouble , ” Trump tweeted .
“ Ballroom is not nearly big enough & would like to stay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t even know if he can let people in ?
” The New York Times reported last week that the president “ has mused aloud to several aides about why the convention can ’ t simply be held in a hotel ballroom in Florida , given all of the health concerns and the fact that Florida is further along in reopening portions of the state .
“ But with expensive contracts signed and money raised , the event is unlikely to move from Charlotte — unless the Democratic mayor and governor there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” the paper reported .
Dickey last week said they are expecting about 7,500 to attend the state convention , about half the original estimate before the pandemic .
He said the George R. Brown Convention Center ’ s floor plans indicate that even the general sessions , in which all the delegates are on the floor , can be done in a way that allows for adequate social distance spacing between people .
As for a potential Republican National Convention site in Texas , Dickey noted that , “ In the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Dallas , Houston , San Antonio and Fort Worth.
” Houston lost out to Milwaukee in bidding to host the Democratic National Convention , which has been pushed back from mid-July to mid-August .
With the pandemic , Democrats are considering whether to go live , virtual or hold a hybrid convention .

Jonathan Tilove, Austin American-Statesman

Texas GOP says it would welcome Republican National Convention if NC falters
Show Caption Hide Caption Trump makes double Memorial Day appearances President Donald Trump made his second appearance to mark Memorial Day at Baltimore's Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine. (May 25) AP
Texas Republican Party Chairman James Dickey said Monday that Texas would be happy to host the Republican National Convention in August if North Carolina fails to meet President Donald Trump’s demand that it permit a full-fledged in-person gathering.
“Texas would welcome President Trump and the RNC Convention,” Dickey told the Austin American-Statesman, part of the USA TODAY Network. “Until then, based upon Gov. Abbott’s progress in opening Texas, we are on track for our state convention as planned in person in Houston in July.”
Dickey was responding to a series of Monday morning tweets by the president pressing North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, a Democrat, to commit to a full occupancy convention in Charlotte or risk losing it, followed quickly by remarks by Vice President Mike Pence on Fox suggesting that Texas, Florida or Georgia might be able rise to the occasion if North Carolina cannot.
Dickey said Texas Republicans have invited the president to speak at its convention, scheduled for July 13-18 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston a proposition that should prove irresistible to Trump, who has been publicly aching for a return to the kind of mass rallies he thrived and relied on in his 2016 campaign and in his presidency until the coronavirus pandemic struck.
Trump raised the question of whether North Carolina was up to the challenge of hosting a full-throttle live convention in a series of tweets Monday morning.
More: Trump says he may move Republican convention from Charlotte
“Unfortunately, Democrat Governor, @RoyCooperNC is still in Shutdown mood & unable to guarantee that by August we will be allowed full attendance in the Arena," Trump tweeted.“Plans are being made by many thousands of enthusiastic Republicans, and others, to head to beautiful North Carolina in August. They must be immediately given an answer by the Governor as to whether or not the space will be allowed to be fully occupied. If not, we will be reluctantly forced to find with all the jobs and economic development it brings, another Republican National Convention site. This is not something I want to do."
Not long after, Pence was asked about the president’s tweets in an interview on Fox & Friends.
More: President Trump identifies churches, synagogues, mosques as 'essential places'
“Well, it’s an issue we’ve been talking about because these national conventions literally take many months to organize and there are states around the country we think of Texas, we think of Florida, Georgia, the last two states I visited last week that have made tremendous progress on reopening their communities and reopening their economies, and I think the president is absolutely intent on ensuring that, as we see our nation continue to make steady progress putting the coronavirus epidemic in the past, that come this August, we’ll be able to come together in a safe and responsible venue and renominate President Donald Trump for four more years,” Pence said.
"What you hear the president saying today is just a very reasonable request of the governor of North Carolina,” Pence continued. .
Gov. Greg Abbott, who launched the second phase of his Open Texas plan last week, told KSAT-TV in San Antonio on Tuesday that the timetable for allowing conventions remains under review, but “whatever we open up, we need to make sure we open up in ways that will continue to reduce the transmission of COVID-19.”
Texas Democrats chose to transform their convention, originally scheduled for June 4-6 at the Henry B. González Convention Center in San Antonio, into a virtual event on the same days.
“It doesn’t matter where the RNC holds their convention, Donald Trump’s historic unpopularity is going to cause him to lose Texas,” state Democratic Party spokesman Abhi Rahman said Monday. “Nobody wants Trump in Texas. We recommend he host the RNC at one of his golf clubs.”
The president, in fact, in an afternoon tweet Monday denied a rumor that he was considering moving the convention to a Doral golf club he owns in Miami.
“I have zero interest in moving the Republican National Convention to Doral in Miami, as falsely reported by the Fake News @nytimes in order to stir up trouble,” Trump tweeted. “Ballroom is not nearly big enough & would like to stay in N.C., whose gov. doesn’t even know if he can let people in?”
The New York Times reported last week that the president “has mused aloud to several aides about why the convention can’t simply be held in a hotel ballroom in Florida, given all of the health concerns and the fact that Florida is further along in reopening portions of the state.
More: Coronavirus surge threatens Brazil
“But with expensive contracts signed and money raised, the event is unlikely to move from Charlotte — unless the Democratic mayor and governor there say it can’t be held,” the paper reported.
Dickey last week said they are expecting about 7,500 to attend the state convention, about half the original estimate before the pandemic. He said the George R. Brown Convention Center’s floor plans indicate that even the general sessions, in which all the delegates are on the floor, can be done in a way that allows for adequate social distance spacing between people.
As for a potential Republican National Convention site in Texas, Dickey noted that, “In the past we have successfully held our convention in Dallas, Houston, San Antonio and Fort Worth.”
Houston lost out to Milwaukee in bidding to host the Democratic National Convention, which has been pushed back from mid-July to mid-August. With the pandemic, Democrats are considering whether to go live, virtual or hold a hybrid convention.


usatoday--2020-05-26--DOJ warns Nevada its plan to reopen discriminates against religious groups

WASHINGTON – The Justice Department on Tuesday warned Nevada that its plan allowing certain businesses to gradually reopen amid coronavirus threats discriminates against religious organizations and places of worship .
Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband , who heads the department 's Civil Rights Division , told Gov .
Steve Sisolak that his plan to let businesses , such as restaurants and hair and nail salons , to reopen , while banning religious gatherings of 10 or more people may violate constitutional rights for free expression .
`` We understand these directives were issued in the midst of an uncertain situation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ based on changing information , '' Dreiband said in a letter .
`` We are concerned , however , that the flat prohibition against ten or more persons gathering for in-person worship services – regardless of whether they maintain social distancing guidelines – impermissibly treats religious and nonreligious organizations unequally . ''
DOJ warns of constitutional violations : Federal prosecutors could intervene if stay-at-home orders go too far , attorney general says Warning to cities , states : DOJ warns Los Angeles , Illinois of possible illegality of stay-at-home orders The letter is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effort to intervene in states where religious services have been restricted by executive orders aimed at controlling the virus ' spread .
Attorney General William Barr previously said that government officials must not place religious institutions under special burdens .
And President Donald Trump has deemed religious institutions as essential services , calling on local officials to allow them to reopen .
The president 's aides , however , offered conflicting messages about how far the administration will go to allow parishioners back to their places of worship .
Barr has also signaled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stay-at-home orders pose broader constitutional violations .
Last week , the Justice Department warned Los Angeles and Illinois of possible constitutional violations of extended stay-at-home orders .
Warning to California : DOJ warns Gov .
Gavin Newsom that re-opening could 'discriminate ' against religious groups In the letter to Sisolak , Dreiband urged the Nevada governor to change his executive orders to remedy `` unequal treatment '' of religious gatherings .
Sisolak 's office did n't immediately respond to a request for comment .
Nevada , like several others others , only allows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drive-in services to control the spread of COVID-19 .
The Justice Department sent a similar letter to Gov .
Gavin Newsom last week , warning the California governor that places of worship were forced to take a back seat as schools , restaurants , offices and shopping malls gradually resume operations .
The Justice Department has also sided with churches in Virginia and Mississippi that challenged their states ' shutdown orders limiting the size of religious gatherings .

DOJ warns Nevada its plan to reopen discriminates against religious groups
Show Caption Hide Caption Religious leaders divided on return to services President Donald Trump deemed churches and other houses of worship “essential” and called on governors across the country to allow them to reopen this weekend, even as some parts of the nation remain under coronavirus lockdown. (May 22) AP
WASHINGTON – The Justice Department on Tuesday warned Nevada that its plan allowing certain businesses to gradually reopen amid coronavirus threats discriminates against religious organizations and places of worship.
Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband, who heads the department's Civil Rights Division, told Gov. Steve Sisolak that his plan to let businesses, such as restaurants and hair and nail salons, to reopen, while banning religious gatherings of 10 or more people may violate constitutional rights for free expression.
"We understand these directives were issued in the midst of an uncertain situation, which may have required quick decisions based on changing information," Dreiband said in a letter. "We are concerned, however, that the flat prohibition against ten or more persons gathering for in-person worship services – regardless of whether they maintain social distancing guidelines – impermissibly treats religious and nonreligious organizations unequally."
DOJ warns of constitutional violations: Federal prosecutors could intervene if stay-at-home orders go too far, attorney general says
Warning to cities, states: DOJ warns Los Angeles, Illinois of possible illegality of stay-at-home orders
The letter is the latest in the federal government's effort to intervene in states where religious services have been restricted by executive orders aimed at controlling the virus' spread. Attorney General William Barr previously said that government officials must not place religious institutions under special burdens. And President Donald Trump has deemed religious institutions as essential services, calling on local officials to allow them to reopen. The president's aides, however, offered conflicting messages about how far the administration will go to allow parishioners back to their places of worship.
Barr has also signaled that the federal government will intervene if stay-at-home orders pose broader constitutional violations. Last week, the Justice Department warned Los Angeles and Illinois of possible constitutional violations of extended stay-at-home orders.
Warning to California: DOJ warns Gov. Gavin Newsom that re-opening could 'discriminate' against religious groups
In the letter to Sisolak, Dreiband urged the Nevada governor to change his executive orders to remedy "unequal treatment" of religious gatherings.
Sisolak's office didn't immediately respond to a request for comment. Nevada, like several others others, only allows places of worship to offer in-car or drive-in services to control the spread of COVID-19.
The Justice Department sent a similar letter to Gov. Gavin Newsom last week, warning the California governor that places of worship were forced to take a back seat as schools, restaurants, offices and shopping malls gradually resume operations.
The Justice Department has also sided with churches in Virginia and Mississippi that challenged their states' shutdown orders limiting the size of religious gatherings.


usatoday--2020-05-28--Sam Johnson, ex-Texas GOP congressman and Vietnam POW, dies

Former Texas Rep. Sam Johnson , a military pilot who spent years as a prisoner of war in Vietnam before serving more than two decades in Congress , died Wednesday at age 89 .
The conservative Republican , who lived in the northern Dallas suburb of Plano , died at a Plano hospital of natural causes unrelated to the coronavirus outbreak , said his former spokesman , Ray Sullivan .
Johnson flew nearly 100 combat missions in Korea and Vietnam .
He was flying a bombing mission in 1966 when he was shot down and wounded .
He was imprisoned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for nearly seven years , mostly in solitary confinement .
He retired from the Air Force as a colonel in 1979 , after a 29-year career .
The ardent conservative and anti-communist was elected to Congress in 1991 after six years in the Texas House of Representatives .
He vowed to stay a maximum of 12 years , though he served more than double that .
Johnson had been a POW with U.S. Sen. John McCain , and although they clashed in Congress , Johnson defended McCain in 2015 , when then-presidential candidate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a hero because he ’ d been captured .
Johnson announced in January 2017 that he would retire at the end of his term .
When Johnson stepped down in 2019 , at age 88 , he was the oldest member of the U.S. House .
“ Scripture tells us ‘ There is a time for everything , and a season for every activity under heaven , ’ ” Johnson wrote in a January 2017 letter to constituents , telling them he would retire at the end of his term .
“ For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the season of my life in Congress is coming to an end.
” Another former Texas congressman , Ralph Hall , was the oldest-ever member of the U.S. House when he left office at age 91 in 2014 .
Hall , a Republican and World War II pilot , was 95 when he died in March 2019 .
Samuel Robert Johnson was born on Oct. 11 , 1930 , in San Antonio .
He grew up in Dallas , married Shirley Lee Melton in 1950 and graduated the following year from his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a degree in business administration .
Johnson enlisted in the military at age 20 and served during the Korean and Vietnam wars .
He was 35 on April 16,1966 , and flying a night mission carrying loads of napalm , when his aircraft came under heavy enemy fire over Vietnam .
The gun of Johnson ’ s F-4 Phantom II jammed and the plane was hit .
Its right engine caught fire , forcing Johnson and co-pilot Larry Chesley to eject , and the future congressman broke his arm and back and dislocated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the jungle before being surrounded by North Vietnamese soldiers who took him to the infamous Hoa Lo Prison , better known as the “ Hanoi Hilton.
” He endured what he would later describe as 3-foot by 8-foot , rat-infested “ dark and filthy cell.
” “ Forty-two of those months were spent in solitary confinement with 10 other fine American patriots because the Vietcong labeled us ‘ die hard ’ resistors , ” Johnson wrote in 2015 .
He recalled tapping code on the wall to communicate with other Americans being held @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blare nasty recordings over the loud speaker of Americans protesting back home.
” While speaking on the House floor in 2003 , Johnson said his faith only got stronger through captivity .
He recalled how one day his captors put him against a wall and promised to execute him with machine guns .
“ I started praying harder than I have ever prayed in my life .
In a few seconds , the guns went click , click , click , click , click , ” Johnson told the chamber .
“ It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ God I survived.
” He was released and flew out of Hanoi on Feb. 12 , 1973 .
He earned a master ’ s degree at George Washington University in Washington in 1976 .
He retired from the Air Force three years later and began a home-building business .
He was elected to the Texas Legislature in 1984 and went to Congress following a special election in 1991 , after Rep. Steve Bartlett resigned to become Dallas mayor .
Representing Plano and other conservative northern suburbs of Dallas , Johnson was known for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for his efforts to bolster the financial standing of the Social Security program .
He took office backing term limits , yet he stayed in Congress more than double his promised maximum of 12 years .
When Bill Clinton ran for president in 1992 , Johnson and other Republican military veterans in Congress alleged that Russian intelligence lured Clinton to Moscow during the Vietnam war when “ I was sitting in a POW camp in Vietnam eating fish eyes and pig fat.
” Questions about Clinton ’ s patriotism dogged him during his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Johnson and the others were largely soon forgotten .
As a prisoner of war , Johnson shared a cell with McCain , who would later become a U.S. senator from Arizona .
But the pair later clashed on political issues — including McCain ’ s efforts to eventually help normalize U.S. relations with Vietnam .
Still , Johnson criticized Trump for suggesting McCain was no hero .
“ Comments like those of Donald Trump , or any other American , suggesting that veterans like Senator John McCain or any other of America @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for having been captured are not only misguided , they are ungrateful and naïve , ” Johnson wrote in 2015 .
In February 2018 — marking the 45th anniversary of the operation that led to his release — Johnson donated a chipped green tin cup issued by his captors and tube of toothpaste he smuggled out of North Vietnam to the Smithsonian ’ s National Museum of American History .
Johnson recalled then how he and other prisoners would communicate by tapping on the walls and how he ’ d hold his cup @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hear their messages .
In his autobiography , “ Captive Warriors : A Vietnam POW ’ s Story , ” Johnson wrote of the cup : “ For me , it symbolized our war of resistance for seven long years .
It had been a means of communication and , as such , a means of survival.
” Johnson ’ s wife died on Dec. 3 , 2015 at their home in Plano at age 85 .
He is survived by his adult daughters , Gini Johnson Mulligan and Beverly Johnson Briney , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ James Robert “ Bob ” Johnson , died in 2013 at age 61 .

Sam Johnson, ex-Texas GOP congressman and Vietnam POW, dies
Former Texas Rep. Sam Johnson, a military pilot who spent years as a prisoner of war in Vietnam before serving more than two decades in Congress, died Wednesday at age 89.
The conservative Republican, who lived in the northern Dallas suburb of Plano, died at a Plano hospital of natural causes unrelated to the coronavirus outbreak, said his former spokesman, Ray Sullivan.
Johnson flew nearly 100 combat missions in Korea and Vietnam. He was flying a bombing mission in 1966 when he was shot down and wounded. He was imprisoned in the infamous “Hanoi Hilton” for nearly seven years, mostly in solitary confinement. He retired from the Air Force as a colonel in 1979, after a 29-year career.
The ardent conservative and anti-communist was elected to Congress in 1991 after six years in the Texas House of Representatives. He vowed to stay a maximum of 12 years, though he served more than double that.
Johnson had been a POW with U.S. Sen. John McCain, and although they clashed in Congress, Johnson defended McCain in 2015, when then-presidential candidate Donald Trump suggested he wasn’t a hero because he’d been captured. Johnson announced in January 2017 that he would retire at the end of his term. When Johnson stepped down in 2019, at age 88, he was the oldest member of the U.S. House.
“Scripture tells us ‘There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven,’” Johnson wrote in a January 2017 letter to constituents, telling them he would retire at the end of his term. “For me, the Lord has made clear that the season of my life in Congress is coming to an end.”
Another former Texas congressman, Ralph Hall, was the oldest-ever member of the U.S. House when he left office at age 91 in 2014. Hall, a Republican and World War II pilot, was 95 when he died in March 2019.
Samuel Robert Johnson was born on Oct. 11, 1930, in San Antonio. He grew up in Dallas, married Shirley Lee Melton in 1950 and graduated the following year from his hometown’s Southern Methodist University with a degree in business administration.
Johnson enlisted in the military at age 20 and served during the Korean and Vietnam wars. He was 35 on April 16,1966, and flying a night mission carrying loads of napalm, when his aircraft came under heavy enemy fire over Vietnam.
The gun of Johnson’s F-4 Phantom II jammed and the plane was hit. Its right engine caught fire, forcing Johnson and co-pilot Larry Chesley to eject, and the future congressman broke his arm and back and dislocated his shoulder.
Johnson recalled trudging through the jungle before being surrounded by North Vietnamese soldiers who took him to the infamous Hoa Lo Prison, better known as the “Hanoi Hilton.” He endured what he would later describe as 3-foot by 8-foot, rat-infested “dark and filthy cell.”
“Forty-two of those months were spent in solitary confinement with 10 other fine American patriots because the Vietcong labeled us ‘die hard’ resistors,” Johnson wrote in 2015.
He recalled tapping code on the wall to communicate with other Americans being held, and that “our captors would blare nasty recordings over the loud speaker of Americans protesting back home.”
While speaking on the House floor in 2003, Johnson said his faith only got stronger through captivity. He recalled how one day his captors put him against a wall and promised to execute him with machine guns.
“I started praying harder than I have ever prayed in my life. In a few seconds, the guns went click, click, click, click, click,” Johnson told the chamber. “It is only because of the grace of God I survived.”
He was released and flew out of Hanoi on Feb. 12, 1973. He earned a master’s degree at George Washington University in Washington in 1976. He retired from the Air Force three years later and began a home-building business. He was elected to the Texas Legislature in 1984 and went to Congress following a special election in 1991, after Rep. Steve Bartlett resigned to become Dallas mayor.
Representing Plano and other conservative northern suburbs of Dallas, Johnson was known for his work on veterans’ affairs and for his efforts to bolster the financial standing of the Social Security program. He took office backing term limits, yet he stayed in Congress more than double his promised maximum of 12 years.
When Bill Clinton ran for president in 1992, Johnson and other Republican military veterans in Congress alleged that Russian intelligence lured Clinton to Moscow during the Vietnam war when “I was sitting in a POW camp in Vietnam eating fish eyes and pig fat.” Questions about Clinton’s patriotism dogged him during his first campaign, but the allegations made by Johnson and the others were largely soon forgotten.
As a prisoner of war, Johnson shared a cell with McCain, who would later become a U.S. senator from Arizona. But the pair later clashed on political issues — including McCain’s efforts to eventually help normalize U.S. relations with Vietnam. Still, Johnson criticized Trump for suggesting McCain was no hero.
“Comments like those of Donald Trump, or any other American, suggesting that veterans like Senator John McCain or any other of America’s honorable POWs are less brave for having been captured are not only misguided, they are ungrateful and naïve,” Johnson wrote in 2015.
In February 2018 — marking the 45th anniversary of the operation that led to his release — Johnson donated a chipped green tin cup issued by his captors and tube of toothpaste he smuggled out of North Vietnam to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. Johnson recalled then how he and other prisoners would communicate by tapping on the walls and how he’d hold his cup against them to amplify sounds and better hear their messages.
In his autobiography, “Captive Warriors: A Vietnam POW’s Story,” Johnson wrote of the cup: “For me, it symbolized our war of resistance for seven long years. It had been a means of communication and, as such, a means of survival.”
Johnson’s wife died on Dec. 3, 2015 at their home in Plano at age 85. He is survived by his adult daughters, Gini Johnson Mulligan and Beverly Johnson Briney, and 10 grandchildren. His son, James Robert “Bob” Johnson, died in 2013 at age 61.


usatoday--2020-05-28--Conway compares waiting in line to vote to standing in line at Georgetown Cupcake, which is delivery

WASHINGTON – White House adviser Kellyanne Conway compared voting in person to standing in line at Georgetown Cupcake , echoing President Donald Trump ’ s public condemnations against widespread mail-in voting , which many have called for due to the coronavirus pandemic .
“ People are very proud to show up and go to the polls , ” Conway told reporters Wednesday , “ they wait in line at Georgetown Cupcake for an hour to get a cupcake .
So I think they can probably wait in line to do something as constitutionally significant as cast their ballot.
” More @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal as House tests historic proxy voting system The reason many states have rallied behind the idea of mail-in voting is because the coronavirus potentially poses health concerns for the November election and in-person voting .
Conway stated that it was wrong to `` presume five months before that people predominately or exclusively are only going to want and be able to vote by mail . ''
Furthermore , Conway 's assertion that people have been standing in line at Georgetown Cupcake during the pandemic is incorrect .
There have been no lines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the pandemic caused restaurants and businesses to shutter their doors , including Georgetown Cupcake .
`` Please note that all Georgetown Cupcake retail stores are closed to the general public at this time .
We are only offering delivery and overnight nationwide shipping during this period , '' their website reads .
More : Trump fuming at social media over Twitter fact check .
How platforms handle misinformation differently Trump has lashed out at the idea of mail-in voting , calling ballots , without evidence , “ fraudulent ” while also predicting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Two of his tweets on the issue earned the president his first-ever fact check on Twitter , providing users of Trump 's favorite social media site a page with news articles that reads : `` Trump falsely claimed that mail-in ballots would lead to ' a Rigged Election . '
However , fact-checkers say there is no evidence that mail-in ballots are linked to voter fraud . ''
Mailing absentee ballot request forms to all voters has been widely used in other states , helmed by Republicans and Democrats alike , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a more pressing issue before state primaries , 17 of which were delayed from this spring because of the COVID-19 outbreak .
More : Republicans , Democrats push ahead on absentee voting even as Trump blasts Michigan over it Thirty-four states and Washington , D.C. , allowed absentee voting by mail without an excuse before the pandemic .
That includes five states , Oregon , Washington , Colorado , Utah and Hawaii that conduct their elections entirely by mail .
California , where two-thirds of voters already voted by mail , will move @ @ @ @ @ @ @ More than 50 people in Wisconsin after their state 's April 7 primary who said they voted in-person or worked the polls tested positive for COVID-19 .

Conway compares waiting in line to vote to standing in line at Georgetown Cupcake, which is delivery-only
Show Caption Hide Caption Elections 2020: Mail-in voting could decide next president Many states are planning on drastically different elections this year and mail-in ballots could be a big game changer. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – White House adviser Kellyanne Conway compared voting in person to standing in line at Georgetown Cupcake, echoing President Donald Trump’s public condemnations against widespread mail-in voting, which many have called for due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“People are very proud to show up and go to the polls,” Conway told reporters Wednesday, “they wait in line at Georgetown Cupcake for an hour to get a cupcake. So I think they can probably wait in line to do something as constitutionally significant as cast their ballot.”
More: Trump says he will veto FISA deal as House tests historic proxy voting system
The reason many states have rallied behind the idea of mail-in voting is because the coronavirus potentially poses health concerns for the November election and in-person voting.
Kellyanne: If you can stand in line for a cupcake, you can stand in line to vote pic.twitter.com/iTEvPZjNu7 — Peter Wade 🤦♂ (@brooklynmutt) May 27, 2020
Conway stated that it was wrong to "presume five months before that people predominately or exclusively are only going to want and be able to vote by mail."
Furthermore, Conway's assertion that people have been standing in line at Georgetown Cupcake during the pandemic is incorrect. There have been no lines for infamous DC spot since the beginning of the pandemic caused restaurants and businesses to shutter their doors, including Georgetown Cupcake.
"Please note that all Georgetown Cupcake retail stores are closed to the general public at this time. We are only offering delivery and overnight nationwide shipping during this period," their website reads.
We are open for delivery & shipping only! If you can email your contact info to: georgetown@georgetowncupcake.com - a manager can reach out! We do apologize for any difficulty reaching us by phone! — Georgetown Cupcake (@GTownCupcake) May 27, 2020
'Contain potentially misleading information': Twitter fact-checks Trump's tweets
More: Trump fuming at social media over Twitter fact check. How platforms handle misinformation differently
Trump has lashed out at the idea of mail-in voting, calling ballots, without evidence, “fraudulent” while also predicting that “mail boxes will be robbed."
Two of his tweets on the issue earned the president his first-ever fact check on Twitter, providing users of Trump's favorite social media site a page with news articles that reads: "Trump falsely claimed that mail-in ballots would lead to 'a Rigged Election.' However, fact-checkers say there is no evidence that mail-in ballots are linked to voter fraud."
Mailing absentee ballot request forms to all voters has been widely used in other states, helmed by Republicans and Democrats alike, in recent weeks. It has become a more pressing issue before state primaries, 17 of which were delayed from this spring because of the COVID-19 outbreak.
More: Republicans, Democrats push ahead on absentee voting even as Trump blasts Michigan over it
Thirty-four states and Washington, D.C., allowed absentee voting by mail without an excuse before the pandemic. That includes five states, Oregon, Washington, Colorado, Utah and Hawaii that conduct their elections entirely by mail. California, where two-thirds of voters already voted by mail, will move to an all-mail system in November.
More than 50 people in Wisconsin after their state's April 7 primary who said they voted in-person or worked the polls tested positive for COVID-19.
Contributing: Nicholas Wu, Joey Garrison


usatoday--2020-05-28--'This report is ... a joke': House Democrats blast CDC over racial disparity data amid coronavirus o

'This report is ... a joke': House Democrats blast CDC over racial disparity data amid coronavirus outbreak

WASHINGTON — House Democrats slammed federal health officials Wednesday , calling a report on the racial breakdown of cases and deaths from the coronavirus `` pitiful '' and saying it hurts efforts to target resources to communities of color .
“ We deserve to know the facts and have quality analysis , ’ ’ said U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly , a Democrat from Illinois and chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus Health Braintrust .
“ Once again , they are showing us they just don ’ t care.
” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is required under the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Act to submit a report to Congress with racial data related to COVID-19 , including cases , deaths and hospitalizations .
But Kelly and other lawmakers complained that the recently released four-page report doesn ’ t provide much new information and doesn ’ t do enough to show the national impact of disparities in communities of color .
'People are really suffering ' : Black and Latino communities help their own amid coronavirus crisis “ This report is not only completely unacceptable , it is a joke , ’ ’ said Rep. Judy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ broken down by race or ethnic group .
Chu , chairwoman of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus , said there is information about the hospitalization rates for whites , blacks and Hispanics , but not other groups , including Native Americans and Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders .
“ In the middle of this crisis , time is of the essence , ” said Rep. Joaquin Castro , D-Texas , chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus .
For months , members of congressional caucuses representing communities of color , along with community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials to track and release racial data of people testing positive for the coronavirus and those who died from it .
President Donald Trump vowed earlier this year that the CDC would do just that , but so far only a few states have released racial information .
Early data released by those states and counties show communities of color , including African Americans , Native Americans and Latinos , are dying at a disproportionately higher rate compared with whites .
The other COVID-19 risk factors : How race , income , ZIP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ayanna Pressley , D-Mass.
, said while there has been anecdotal data about the disparity , it 's important to have the actual racial breakdown and at the national level .
“ This is about saving lives , ’ ’ said Pressley , a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform .
“ When we have a congressional mandate and they provide us with an insulting cut-and-paste hyperlink report , with antiquated hyperlinks at that , it ’ s infuriating.
” CDC officials said earlier some of data had not been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by states .
They said Wednesday the agency is `` leveraging all our available surveillance systems to monitor COVID-19 and protect vulnerable communities . ''
The agency also said it 's working to improve that data , including hospitalizations and mortality .
But Rep. Karen Bass , chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus , said the CDC could demand more reliable information from states .
“ It is a question of political will and it ’ s a question of leadership from the top , ” said Bass , a Democrat from California @

'This report is ... a joke': House Democrats blast CDC over racial disparity data amid coronavirus
Show Caption Hide Caption Coronavirus: How R-0 can be used to fight COVID-19 R-0 may be the most important scientific term you’ve never heard of when it comes to stopping the coronavirus pandemic. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON — House Democrats slammed federal health officials Wednesday, calling a report on the racial breakdown of cases and deaths from the coronavirus "pitiful" and saying it hurts efforts to target resources to communities of color.
“We deserve to know the facts and have quality analysis,’’ said U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly, a Democrat from Illinois and chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus Health Braintrust. “Once again, they are showing us they just don’t care.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is required under the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act to submit a report to Congress with racial data related to COVID-19, including cases, deaths and hospitalizations.
But Kelly and other lawmakers complained that the recently released four-page report doesn’t provide much new information and doesn’t do enough to show the national impact of disparities in communities of color.
'People are really suffering': Black and Latino communities help their own amid coronavirus crisis
“This report is not only completely unacceptable, it is a joke,’’ said Rep. Judy Chu, noting that testing is not broken down by race or ethnic group.
Chu, chairwoman of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, said there is information about the hospitalization rates for whites, blacks and Hispanics, but not other groups, including Native Americans and Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.
“In the middle of this crisis, time is of the essence,” said Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-Texas, chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.
For months, members of congressional caucuses representing communities of color, along with community activists, have called for federal health officials to track and release racial data of people testing positive for the coronavirus and those who died from it.
President Donald Trump vowed earlier this year that the CDC would do just that, but so far only a few states have released racial information.
Early data released by those states and counties show communities of color, including African Americans, Native Americans and Latinos, are dying at a disproportionately higher rate compared with whites.
The outbreak has put a magnifying glass on disparities in Indian Country, said Rep. Deb Haaland, co-chair of the Native American Caucus. “You can’t get resources to where they’re needed most if you don’t have correct data,’’ said the Democrat from New Mexico.
The other COVID-19 risk factors: How race, income, ZIP code can influence life and death
Rep. Ayanna Pressley, D-Mass., said while there has been anecdotal data about the disparity, it's important to have the actual racial breakdown and at the national level.
“This is about saving lives,’’ said Pressley, a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform. “When we have a congressional mandate and they provide us with an insulting cut-and-paste hyperlink report, with antiquated hyperlinks at that, it’s infuriating.”
CDC officials said earlier some of data had not been complete and some had not been submitted by states.
They said Wednesday the agency is "leveraging all our available surveillance systems to monitor COVID-19 and protect vulnerable communities."
The agency also said it's working to improve that data, including hospitalizations and mortality.
But Rep. Karen Bass, chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus, said the CDC could demand more reliable information from states.
“It is a question of political will and it’s a question of leadership from the top,” said Bass, a Democrat from California.
Follow Deborah Berry on Twitter @dberrygannett


usatoday--2020-05-27--Several Republican lawmakers criticize Trump's claims about Joe Scarborough

Several Republican lawmakers criticized President Donald Trump 's attempts to spread unfounded claims about MSNBC host Joe Scarborough 's connections to the death of his former congressional staffer .
Trump has not backed down from his attacks against Scarborough , and Twitter has refused to take down the president 's tweets about the topic despite an impassioned letter from the staffer 's husband Timothy Klausutis to Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey .
The staffer , Lori Klausutis , 28 , died in 2001 after fainting and hitting her head while working in a Florida regional office for Scarborough , then a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sen. Mitt Romney , R-Utah , who was the Republican Party 's presidential nominee in 2012 , called Trump 's claims `` vile '' and `` baseless '' and said for the sake of Klausutis ' husband , `` enough already . ''
Rep. Liz Cheney , R-Wyo , the third-highest-ranking House Republicans told reporters outside the Capitol Wednesday she believed Trump should `` stop tweeting about Joe Scarborough . ''
More : Widower of late Scarborough staffer asks Twitter to remove Trump tweets , Twitter says no “ We ’ re in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s the commander in chief of this nation , and ( it ’ s ) causing great pain to the family of the young woman who died , so I would urge him to stop it , '' she said .
Rep. Peter King , R-N.Y. , who served in the Houe of Representatives at the same time as Scarborough , told reporters despite his differences with him , attacks like Trump 's were `` out of bounds '' and there was `` no evidence '' for the claims .

Several Republican lawmakers criticize Trump's claims about Joe Scarborough
Show Caption Hide Caption Trump may seek alternative RNC convention location President Donald Trump is weighing his options after threatening to pull the Republican National Convention out of North Carolina in August. Two Republican governors have offered up their states as alternatives. (May 27) AP
Several Republican lawmakers criticized President Donald Trump's attempts to spread unfounded claims about MSNBC host Joe Scarborough's connections to the death of his former congressional staffer.
Trump has not backed down from his attacks against Scarborough, and Twitter has refused to take down the president's tweets about the topic despite an impassioned letter from the staffer's husband Timothy Klausutis to Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey.
The staffer, Lori Klausutis, 28, died in 2001 after fainting and hitting her head while working in a Florida regional office for Scarborough, then a congressman.
In a Twitter post, Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, who was the Republican Party's presidential nominee in 2012, called Trump's claims "vile" and "baseless" and said for the sake of Klausutis' husband, "enough already."
I know Joe Scarborough. Joe is a friend of mine. I don't know T.J. Klausutis. Joe can weather vile, baseless accusations but T.J.? His heart is breaking. Enough already. — Mitt Romney (@MittRomney) May 27, 2020
Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo, the third-highest-ranking House Republicans told reporters outside the Capitol Wednesday she believed Trump should "stop tweeting about Joe Scarborough."
More: Widower of late Scarborough staffer asks Twitter to remove Trump tweets, Twitter says no
“We’re in the middle of a pandemic, he’s the commander in chief of this nation, and (it’s) causing great pain to the family of the young woman who died, so I would urge him to stop it," she said.
Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y., who served in the Houe of Representatives at the same time as Scarborough, told reporters despite his differences with him, attacks like Trump's were "out of bounds" and there was "no evidence" for the claims.
Contributing: David Jackson


usatoday--2020-05-27--George Floyd: Trump to receive 'full report' on Minneapolis death, calls it a 'very sad event'

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump on Wednesday addressed the death of a Minneapolis black man who died after he was restrained by a white police officer , telling reporters he planned to receive a `` full report '' on the incident that he described as a `` very sad event . ''
During a tour of the Kennedy Space Center in Florida , where the president was scheduled to watch the historic SpaceX rocket launch before it was postponed due to inclement weather , Trump was asked whether the four officers involved in the incident should be prosecuted .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and we 're going to get a report tomorrow when we get back .
And we 're going to get a very full report , '' Trump said in his first public comments about Floyd 's death .
`` But a very sad day . ''
Trump later tweeted that the FBI and Department of Justice were investigating the matter at his request and offered his condolences to Floyd 's family .
`` I have asked for this investigation to be expedited and greatly appreciate all of the work done by local law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ My heart goes out to George ’ s family and friends .
Justice will be served ! ''
George Floyd , 46 , died Monday evening , shortly after video footage showed him handcuffed , gasping for air and saying `` I ca n't breathe , '' as a white officer knelt on his neck .
The video , taken by a bystander , circulated online and prompted protests in Minneapolis Tuesday .
The Minneapolis Police Department fired four officers involved in the incident while the FBI and state law enforcement said they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protesters demanding justice for Floyd gathered at the intersection where Floyd was restrained Tuesday .
The protests started peacefully , according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune , but tensions escalated as the group reached a police precinct .
Officers dressed in riot gear fired tear gas and nonlethal bullets at crowds of protesters who were seen hurling rocks and water bottles , according to the Star-Tribune .
Police identified the officers Wednesday as Derek Chauvin , Thomas Lane , Tou Thao and J. Alexander Kueng .
Attorney Tom Kelly said he was representing Chauvin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Floyd 's neck .
Trump 's comments came as Floyd 's sister , Bridgett Floyd , urged the police department to take further action while Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey called for criminal charges to be filed .
`` I would like for those officers to be charged with murder because that ’ s exactly what they did .
They murdered my brother ; he was crying for help , '' Bridgett Floyd told NBC 's `` Today '' on Wednesday .
The case recalls the 2014 death of Eric Garner , an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ York City after he was placed in a chokehold by a police officer .
Garner was heard in a video of the incident telling police , `` I ca n't breathe , '' a phrase that became a rallying cry in the Black Lives Matter movement .
What we know about the death of George Floyd:4 Minneapolis police officers fired after 'horrifying ' video hits social media Floyd 's death has garnered attention from dozens of activists , politicians and celebrities who expressed outrage over the incident .
Former Vice President Joe Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called the incident a `` horrific killing '' and called for a `` thorough '' FBI investigation .
“ Watching his life be taken in the same manner , echoing nearly the same words of Eric Garner more five years ago - ‘ I can ’ t breathe ’ - is a tragic reminder that this was not an isolated incident but a part of ingrained systemic cycle of injustice that still exists in this country , ” Biden said Wednesday .

George Floyd: Trump to receive 'full report' on Minneapolis death, calls it a 'very sad event'
Show Caption Hide Caption FBI investigates death of George Floyd who died after police restraint The FBI is investigating the death of George Floyd after he was restrained by police in Minneapolis. USA TODAY, Storyful
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump on Wednesday addressed the death of a Minneapolis black man who died after he was restrained by a white police officer, telling reporters he planned to receive a "full report" on the incident that he described as a "very sad event."
During a tour of the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, where the president was scheduled to watch the historic SpaceX rocket launch before it was postponed due to inclement weather, Trump was asked whether the four officers involved in the incident should be prosecuted.
"We're going to look at it and we're going to get a report tomorrow when we get back. And we're going to get a very full report," Trump said in his first public comments about Floyd's death. "But a very sad day."
Trump later tweeted that the FBI and Department of Justice were investigating the matter at his request and offered his condolences to Floyd's family.
"I have asked for this investigation to be expedited and greatly appreciate all of the work done by local law enforcement," he added. "My heart goes out to George’s family and friends. Justice will be served!"
At my request, the FBI and the Department of Justice are already well into an investigation as to the very sad and tragic death in Minnesota of George Floyd.... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 27, 2020
George Floyd, 46, died Monday evening, shortly after video footage showed him handcuffed, gasping for air and saying "I can't breathe," as a white officer knelt on his neck. The video, taken by a bystander, circulated online and prompted protests in Minneapolis Tuesday.
The Minneapolis Police Department fired four officers involved in the incident while the FBI and state law enforcement said they were investigating the death. Thousands of protesters demanding justice for Floyd gathered at the intersection where Floyd was restrained Tuesday. The protests started peacefully, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, but tensions escalated as the group reached a police precinct.
Officers dressed in riot gear fired tear gas and nonlethal bullets at crowds of protesters who were seen hurling rocks and water bottles, according to the Star-Tribune.
Police identified the officers Wednesday as Derek Chauvin, Thomas Lane, Tou Thao and J. Alexander Kueng. Attorney Tom Kelly said he was representing Chauvin, the officer seen with his knee on Floyd's neck.
Trump's comments came as Floyd's sister, Bridgett Floyd, urged the police department to take further action while Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey called for criminal charges to be filed.
"I would like for those officers to be charged with murder because that’s exactly what they did. They murdered my brother; he was crying for help," Bridgett Floyd told NBC's "Today" on Wednesday.
The case recalls the 2014 death of Eric Garner, an unarmed black man who died in New York City after he was placed in a chokehold by a police officer. Garner was heard in a video of the incident telling police, "I can't breathe," a phrase that became a rallying cry in the Black Lives Matter movement.
What we know about the death of George Floyd: 4 Minneapolis police officers fired after 'horrifying' video hits social media
Floyd's death has garnered attention from dozens of activists, politicians and celebrities who expressed outrage over the incident.
Former Vice President Joe Biden, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, called the incident a "horrific killing" and called for a "thorough" FBI investigation.
“Watching his life be taken in the same manner, echoing nearly the same words of Eric Garner more five years ago - ‘I can’t breathe’ - is a tragic reminder that this was not an isolated incident but a part of ingrained systemic cycle of injustice that still exists in this country,” Biden said Wednesday.
Contributing: Ryan W. Miller, Jordan Culver, Grace Hauck