usatoday--2020-10-13--Is it the flu or COVID-19? How to tell the difference

Due to overlapping symptoms between influenza and COVID-19 , physicians and health experts are urging everyone six months and older to get vaccinated for the flu this year .
One infection can make you more susceptible to others by weakening your immune system .
The flu vaccine reduces the severity and risk of serious complications , according to the Mayo Clinic .
But it will not protect you from COVID-19 .
Many of the steps recommended to prevent the spread of COVID-19 – such as mask-wearing , hand-washing , and physical distancing – also help prevent the spread of seasonal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Prevention reported that positive test results for flu dropped from more than 20 % during the pandemic .
The flu and COVID-19 share several common symptoms .
Here 's a look at how to differentiate the two viruses : How are they transmitted ?
According to World Health Organization ( WHO ) , COVID-19 and influenza viruses can occur through direct , indirect , or close contact with infected people through secretions such as saliva and respiratory droplets which are expelled when a person coughs , sneezes , or talks .
Droplets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus to other people nearby .
The smallest particles may linger in the air , and another person can inhale them and become infected .
What symptoms COVID-19 and seasonal flu have in common ?
According to the CDC , the flu has killed an average of 37,000 Americans per year since 2010 .
CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfield has said he ’ s especially worried about the impact that an early peak of the flu season would have on the coronavirus crisis .
The flu season typically gets going in late October @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months , and crests in January and February .
A study led by researchers from the University of Southern California determined the order of COVID-19 symptom progression , potentially making it easier to recognize an infection .
The first symptom of the flu was most likely to be a cough while for COVID-19 it was fever .
COVID-19 can also be distinguished by the loss of taste and smell .
However , symptoms vary from person to person .
In 40 % to 45 % of COVID-19 cases , there may not be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20 % of infected who show up at a hospital report having had a sore throat or runny nose .
Patients experience muscle weakness , inflammation , arrhythmia , and in some cases , heart attacks .
How long does it take for symptoms to appear ?
When a person is exposed to COVID-19 , it can take up to two weeks before symptoms show up .
It takes even more time for additional people to become ill after being exposed to that person .
So several cycles of infection can occur before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used to track the pandemic .
Experts are concerned about a second wave of COVID-19 .
Both the 1918 flu pandemic and the 2009 H1N1 flu epidemic began with a mild wave of infections in the spring , followed by another surge of cases in the fall .
Studies show that dual waves of coronavirus and influenza threaten to overburden the health care system .
The highest rates of mortality from COVID-19 are usually in the areas where the pandemic has hit hardest , overwhelming hospital resources and staff .
The overall hospitalization @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - 2020 flu season was about 69 hospitalizations per 100,000 people , according to the CDC .
For COVID-19 , it 's 175 per 100,000 .
The mortality rate for COVID-19 is thought to be substantially higher ( possibly more than 10 times ) than the rate for most strains of influenza .
`` From a health care capacity standpoint , we 're concerned about having both of these serious viruses circulating at the same time , '' said Lisa Maragakis , senior director of infection prevention at Johns Hopkins .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more overwhelmed . ''
It 's also possible to have flu and COVID-19 at the same time .
An analysis by Public Health England found that people with the two viruses were more at risk of severe illness .
Overall , 43 % of people with co-infection died compared to 27 % of those who had COVID-19 alone .
Most cases of co-infection were in older people , and more than half of them died .
People with preexisting conditions are also more vulnerable .
How long do symptoms last ?
For people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the recovery time can be between 1 to 2 weeks .
Some cases become much worse at around the 10 to 14-day mark , these individuals often need to go to the hospital .
In severe cases , the recovery time may take up to six weeks or more and there may be lasting damage to the heart kidneys , lungs and brain .
Approximately 1 % of people infected with COVID-19 worldwide will die from the disease .
According to the CDC , uncomplicated flu symptoms typically are resolved after 3-7 days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and overall weakness can persist for two weeks , especially in elderly people and those that have chronic lung disease .
Age groups most at risk from Influenza Young children are also at risk of severe influenza .
However , the National Poll on Children 's Health reported that 1 in 3 parents do n't plan to get their children vaccinated for the flu this year .
An outbreak of flu or other preventable disease in children could make it harder for doctors and hospitals to care for all patients .
The study @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Internal Medicine showed that fewer than half of U.S. adults and just two-thirds of children received the flu vaccine during the 2017–2018 season .
If you are worried about getting sick with COVID-19 while getting a flu shot , Maragakis recommends calling your provider and asking about safety measures they have in place .
`` In my experience , every clinic and health care system facility as well as the drugstores and other places that are administering the vaccine are doing a very good job to try to keep everyone safe while they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` It should n't be a risk for people to go and get their flu shots .
Make sure that you wear your mask and wash your hands and practice social distancing while you do it . ''
Preparing for a second wave of coronavirus Maragakis says that the U.S. is still in the first wave of COVID-19 .
However , different regions might be in different stages .
`` Some of the Northern and Midwestern states appear to be having some of the highest case counts and are probably in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Maragakis said .
`` But I think the most concerning thing is that we 're seeing some regions such as in the Northeast , that had obtained very good control of the virus , that are beginning to see increases . ''
Experts expect a second wave of COVID-19 with the cases increasing in the fall .
With the disease now widespread , it can be harder to detect and control transmission .
There are a couple of things you can do to stay prepared .
Make sure to maintain a two weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and supplies in case you 'll have to quarantine .
Continue practicing COVID-19 precautions , such as maintaining physical distance , washing hands often , and wearing a mask .
In the end , it all comes down to abiding by public health measures .
The more people practice the measures , the lower is the viral transmission .
Is there a vaccine for either ?
Currently , there is no approved vaccine for COVID-19 .
There are antiviral medications and other therapies available to treat symptoms and shorten the illness .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prevents the most dangerous types of influenza and reduces the duration of infection .
The American Society for Microbiology ; John Hopkins Medicine and

Janet Loehrke and Karina Zaiets, USA TODAY

COVID-19 versus the flu: Know the symptoms We answer the often searched question: "What are the symptoms of coronavirus versus the flu?" USA TODAY
Due to overlapping symptoms between influenza and COVID-19, physicians and health experts are urging everyone six months and older to get vaccinated for the flu this year. One infection can make you more susceptible to others by weakening your immune system.
The flu vaccine reduces the severity and risk of serious complications, according to the Mayo Clinic. But it will not protect you from COVID-19.
Many of the steps recommended to prevent the spread of COVID-19 – such as mask-wearing, hand-washing, and physical distancing – also help prevent the spread of seasonal flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that the number of hospitalizations during the last flu season was the lowest since 2005.
The flu and COVID-19 share several common symptoms. Here's a look at how to differentiate the two viruses:
How are they transmitted?
According to World Health Organization (WHO), COVID-19 and influenza viruses can occur through direct, indirect, or close contact with infected people through secretions such as saliva and respiratory droplets which are expelled when a person coughs, sneezes, or talks.
Droplets from a sick person can transmit the virus to other people nearby. The smallest particles may linger in the air, and another person can inhale them and become infected.
What symptoms COVID-19 and seasonal flu have in common?
According to the CDC, the flu has killed an average of 37,000 Americans per year since 2010. The flu season typically gets going in late October, gathers steam over the next two months, and crests in January and February. The agency has issued a warning to providers in November about the early circulation of a strain of flu known as influenza A(H3N2), particularly in young adults.
How flu and coronavirus symptoms typically develop
A study led by researchers from the University of Southern California determined the order of COVID-19 symptom progression, potentially making it easier to recognize an infection. The first symptom of the flu was most likely to be a cough while for COVID-19 it was fever. COVID-19 can also be distinguished by the loss of taste and smell.
However, symptoms vary from person to person. In 40% to 45% of COVID-19 cases, there may not be any symptoms at all. Fewer than 20% of infected who show up at a hospital report having had a sore throat or runny nose. Patients experience muscle weakness, inflammation, arrhythmia, and in some cases, heart attacks.
How long does it take for symptoms to appear?
When a person is exposed to COVID-19, it can take up to two weeks before symptoms show up. It takes even more time for additional people to become ill after being exposed to that person. So several cycles of infection can occur before public health officials notice signals in data used to track the pandemic.
Difference between contracting coronavirus versus the flu We answer the often searched question: "What are the symptoms of coronavirus versus the flu?" USA TODAY
Studies show that dual waves of coronavirus and influenza threaten to overburden the health care system. The highest rates of mortality from COVID-19 are usually in the areas where the pandemic has hit hardest, overwhelming hospital resources and staff. According to the CDC, relaxing of mask mandates and stay-at-home orders may result in an increase in flu cases during the upcoming 2021–2022 flu season compared to the last one.
"From a health care capacity standpoint, we're concerned about having both of these serious viruses circulating at the same time," said Lisa Maragakis, senior director of infection prevention at Johns Hopkins. "The hospitals and health system may become even more overwhelmed."
It's also possible to have flu and COVID-19 at the same time. An analysis by Public Health England found that people with the two viruses were more at risk of severe illness. Overall, 43% of people with co-infection died compared to 27% of those who had COVID-19 alone. Most cases of co-infection were in older people, and more than half of them died. People with preexisting conditions are also more vulnerable.
How long do symptoms last?
For people with a mild case of COVID-19, the recovery time can be between 1 to 2 weeks. Some cases become much worse at around the 10 to 14-day mark, these individuals often need to go to the hospital. In severe cases, the recovery time may take up to six weeks or more and there may be lasting damage to the heart kidneys, lungs and brain. Around 1.6% of those in the U.S. who contract COVID-19 die from the disease.
According to the CDC, uncomplicated flu symptoms typically are resolved after 3-7 days for most people. Although a cough and overall weakness can persist for two weeks, especially in elderly people and those that have chronic lung disease.
Age groups most at risk from Influenza
Young children are also at risk of severe influenza. An outbreak of flu or other preventable disease in children could make it harder for doctors and hospitals to care for all patients.
The study recently published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine showed that fewer than half of U.S. adults and just two-thirds of children received the flu vaccine during the 2017–2018 season.
If you are worried about getting sick with COVID-19 while getting a flu shot, Maragakis recommends calling your provider and asking about safety measures they have in place.
"In my experience, every clinic and health care system facility as well as the drugstores and other places that are administering the vaccine are doing a very good job to try to keep everyone safe while they get their vaccine," Maragakis said. "It shouldn't be a risk for people to go and get their flu shots. Make sure that you wear your mask and wash your hands and practice social distancing while you do it."
Getting vaccinated
It's important to get vaccinated for both flu and COVID. According to the CDC, flu vaccines do not protect against COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccines do not protect against the flu. If you have not been able to get vaccinated for flu until November or later, vaccination is still recommended because flu most commonly peaks in February and can continue into May. After vaccination, it takes about two weeks for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against influenza infection. It is safe to administer COVID-19 vaccines and flu vaccines to patients at the same time, and doing so might increase vaccination rates, according to a report published in The Lancet in November. According to the CDC, you can also get a flu vaccine at the same time you get a COVID-19 booster shot.
Contributing: Jorge L. Ortiz, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-10-14--Nonprofits face grim outlook as worried Americans cut back on donations during COVID-19 pandemic

Donations to nonprofit organizations , including big names like the American Cancer Society and the American Heart Association , are dropping as Americans give less due to pandemic-fueled job losses and fears of getting laid off .
The challenge is being felt across a wide range of nonprofits , including those related to the arts and education , with half of charities saying in May that they expected donations to fall by at least 20 % in the next 12 months , according to a survey by the Charities Aid Foundation of America .
The decrease in contributions is resulting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and is both hurting the people the organizations serve and putting at risk funding for research into ailments such as cancer .
There are some bright spots , however , with non-traditional fundraising , such as GoFundMes , staying afloat and a rise in contributions for social justice causes .
“ People who have lost their jobs in the last few months understandably don ’ t have the resources to donate to charities like they had in the past , ” says , Rick Cohen , chief communications officer for the National @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that although health services have seen an increase in demand and donations , the increase in demand exceeds the increase in contributions .
An overall decrease in donations was exacerbated by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic , Cohen said .
“ When you ’ re traveling on an airplane , you ’ re advised to put on your oxygen mask before helping others , ” Cohen said .
“ That ’ s exactly how people are reacting to donations.
” In the weeks after the pandemic led to lockdowns across the U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experienced a 15 % or more revenue decline , with 13 % having to suspend most or all operations , according to the COVID-19 Nonprofit Workforce Trends Report .
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Due to the crisis , over 1.6 million nonprofit workers have lost their jobs , according to a report from Johns Hopkins University .
Over 65 % of nonprofits have budgets under $ 500,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before the pandemic , according to the Harvard Business Review .
Donations generally account for more than 14 % of the overall revenue of nonprofits .
Nonprofits generally earn more than 80 % of their revenue through private fees for services and through government grants and contracts , according to the National Council of Nonprofits .
“ The pandemic has severely reduced our fundraising revenue and forced us to take significant cost-saving measures , ” American Cancer Society ( ACS ) Community Development Manager , Stephen Cavanaugh , told USA TODAY .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 30 % and made cuts to both non-personnel and personnel expenses .
It eliminated over 1,000 staff positions nationwide .
The ACS ’ s research program is at major risk and facing a 50 % cut in funding if trends continue .
The American Heart Association also has been facing hardships caused by the pandemic .
Although the organization 's audited financial statements of the last fiscal year are not available yet , the group is bracing for a drop in revenue .
“ Like all nonprofits , the American Heart Association has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ significant changes to mitigate the impact , ” Suzanne Grant , a representative of the American Heart Association , told USA TODAY .
The organization pivoted to online fundraising and was able to offset some losses by eliminating travel , freezing open jobs , and other cutbacks .
Those actions saved the association over $ 120 million , according to Grant .
Social justice causes have seen an increase in donations this year through Amazon ’ s charity-supporting program , AmazonSmile .
Charities with a focus on civil rights and social action , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , had nearly 70 % growth in donations in the last year , according to Amazon .
In July , more than 4,000 nonprofits called for specific aid they say nonprofits need to see in a COVID relief bill .
Among the requests , nonprofits asked Congress for an extension of the Paycheck Protection Program and access to low-cost loans to mid-size and large nonprofits to be included in the bill .
In September , 38 national nonprofit CEOs called for Congress to approve a relief package immediately .
Some of the organizations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the American Heart Association and the American Cancer Society .
Lawmakers remain at an impasse over a COVID-19 stimulus package , with hopes for its passage rising and falling almost weekly .
Democrats blocked a $ 300 billion plan supported by Republicans last month .
Then House Democrats passed their own $ 2.2 trillion plan earlier this month , but Senate Republicans are unlikely to act on it .
President Trump also briefly pulled out of negotiations last week .
Since then , the president reversed course , first calling for stand-alone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stimulus checks , and then offering a $ 1.8 trillion proposal that Democrats rejected as inadequate .
The latest plan from Democrats includes an expansion of the Paycheck Protection Program to larger nonprofits , and it would also increase the amounts that Americans can deduct for charitable giving .
“ There are good items in that bill , but there is still more that is needed , ” Cohen said .

Nonprofits face grim outlook as worried Americans cut back on donations during COVID-19 pandemic
Donations to nonprofit organizations, including big names like the American Cancer Society and the American Heart Association, are dropping as Americans give less due to pandemic-fueled job losses and fears of getting laid off.
The challenge is being felt across a wide range of nonprofits, including those related to the arts and education, with half of the charities saying in May that they expected donations to fall by at least 20% in the next 12 months, according to a survey by the Charities Aid Foundation of America.
The decrease in contributions is resulting in millions of job losses at nonprofits and is both hurting the people the organizations serve and putting at risk funding for research into ailments such as cancer.
There are some bright spots, however, with nontraditional fundraising, such as GoFundMes, staying afloat and a rise in contributions for social justice causes.
“People who have lost their jobs in the last few months understandably don’t have the resources to donate to charities like they had in the past,” says, Rick Cohen, chief communications officer for the National Council of Nonprofits. He also notes that although health services have seen an increase in demand and donations, the increase in demand exceeds the increase in contributions.
An overall decrease in donations was exacerbated by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, Cohen said.
“When you’re traveling on an airplane, you’re advised to put on your oxygen mask before helping others,” Cohen said. “That’s exactly how people are reacting to donations.”
In the weeks after the pandemic led to lockdowns across the U.S., around 88% of nonprofit organizations experienced a 15% or more revenue decline, with 13% having to suspend most or all operations, according to the COVID-19 Nonprofit Workforce Trends Report.
Retirement: How young investors should think about retirement savings in 2020
Need money help?: We got you. Advice on finances delivered right to your inbox.
Layoffs at nonprofits
Due to the crisis, over 1.6 million nonprofit workers have lost their jobs, according to a report from Johns Hopkins University. Over 65% of nonprofits have budgets under $500,000, making most of them under-resourced even before the pandemic, according to the Harvard Business Review.
Donations generally account for more than 14% of the overall revenue of nonprofits. Nonprofits generally earn more than 80% of their revenue through private fees for services and through government grants and contracts, according to the National Council of Nonprofits.
“The pandemic has severely reduced our fundraising revenue and forced us to take significant cost-saving measures,” American Cancer Society (ACS) Community Development Manager, Stephen Cavanaugh, told USA TODAY.
The ACS reduced its overall budget by approximately 30% and made cuts to both non-personnel and personnel expenses. It eliminated over 1,000 staff positions nationwide.
The ACS’s research program is at major risk and facing a 50% cut in funding if trends continue.
The American Heart Association also has been facing hardships caused by the pandemic.
Although the organization's audited financial statements of the last fiscal year are not available yet, the group is bracing for a drop in revenue.
“Like all nonprofits, the American Heart Association has been impacted and we’ve made significant changes to mitigate the impact,” Suzanne Grant, a representative of the American Heart Association, told USA TODAY.
The organization pivoted to online fundraising and was able to offset some losses by eliminating travel, freezing open jobs, and other cutbacks. Those actions saved the association over $120 million, according to Grant.
Social justice causes
Social justice causes have seen an increase in donations this year through Amazon’s charity-supporting program, AmazonSmile. Charities with a focus on civil rights and social action, propelled by the Black Lives Matter movement, had nearly 70% growth in donations in the last year, according to Amazon.
In July, more than 4,000 nonprofits called for specific aid they say nonprofits need to see in a COVID-19 relief bill. Among the requests, nonprofits asked Congress for an extension of the Paycheck Protection Program and access to low-cost loans to mid-size and large nonprofits to be included in the bill.
In September, 38 national nonprofit CEOs called for Congress to approve a relief package immediately. Some of the organizations included the Girl Scouts of the USA, the American Heart Association and the American Cancer Society.
Lawmakers remain at an impasse over a COVID-19 stimulus package, with hopes for its passage rising and falling almost weekly. Democrats blocked a $300 billion plan supported by Republicans last month. Then House Democrats passed their own $2.2 trillion plan earlier this month, but Senate Republicans are unlikely to act on it. President Donald Trump also briefly pulled out of negotiations last week. Since then, the president reversed course, first calling for stand-alone bills on airline relief and $1,200 stimulus checks, and then offering a $1.8 trillion proposal that Democrats rejected as inadequate.
The latest plan from Democrats includes an expansion of the Paycheck Protection Program to larger nonprofits, and it would also increase the amounts that Americans can deduct for charitable giving.
“There are good items in that bill, but there is still more that is needed,” Cohen said.


usatoday--2020-10-14--President Trump makes direct appeal to suburban women in Pennsylvania campaign rally

President Trump makes direct appeal to suburban women in Pennsylvania campaign rally President Trump made a direct appeal to suburban @ @ @ @ @ in the key battleground of Pennsylvania .

Trump focuses on suburban women at campaign rally in Pennsylvania
President Trump made a direct appeal to suburban women during a campaign rally in the key battleground of Pennsylvania.
USA TODAY, Associated Press


usatoday--2020-10-14--Supreme Court temporarily allows Trump administration to end census head count

WASHINGTON – The Supreme Court on Tuesday temporarily allowed the Trump administration to end its 2020 census count earlier than planned , a move that could result in undercounting racial and ethnic minorities and others in hard-to-reach communities .
The Commerce Department had asked the justices to block a lower court ruling that barred the administration from stopping the head count on Oct. 5 .
The administration had sought to stop counting in order to determine the number of House seats and electoral votes each state gets for the coming decade by Dec. 31 , before Trump might have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unsigned , Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor registered her dissent .
She said `` meeting the deadline at the expense of the accuracy of the census is not a cost worth paying . ''
`` The harms caused by rushing this year ’ s census count are irreparable , '' Sotomayor wrote .
`` And respondents will suffer their lasting impact for at least the next 10 years . ''
The action blocks a federal judge 's decision that would have kept census workers in the field through the end of the month .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 30 the deadline for reporting final numbers used to apportion House seats and distribute federal funds for the next 10 years .
On a separate track , the Trump administration has asked the court to let it exclude undocumented immigrants from the numbers used to apportion House seats .
A federal court has blocked the move , which the Justice Department has appealed to the justices .
The moving calendar targets are a result of the COVID-19 pandemic , which disrupted Census Bureau workers going door to door .
The administration initially sought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a three-month delay , but later moved it up to Oct. 5 , so that the report on apportionment could be delivered to President Donald Trump by the end of the year .
In the past , the Supreme Court has not looked kindly on the Trump administration 's use of the census .
In June 2019 , it blocked the president 's plan to add a question on citizenship , with Chief Justice John Roberts writing that the rationale `` seems to have been contrived . ''

Supreme Court temporarily allows Trump administration to end census head count
Show Caption Hide Caption Why the U.S. Census matters President Trump is expected to drop his fight to get the citizenship question for the 2020 census. What is the census and why does the U.S. have one? We explain. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – The Supreme Court on Tuesday temporarily allowed the Trump administration to end its 2020 census count earlier than planned, a move that could result in undercounting racial and ethnic minorities and others in hard-to-reach communities.
The Commerce Department had asked the justices to block a lower court ruling that barred the administration from stopping the head count on Oct. 5. The administration had sought to stop counting in order to determine the number of House seats and electoral votes each state gets for the coming decade by Dec. 31, before Trump might have to leave office.
While the decision was unsigned, Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor registered her dissent. She said "meeting the deadline at the expense of the accuracy of the census is not a cost worth paying."
"The harms caused by rushing this year’s census count are irreparable," Sotomayor wrote. "And respondents will suffer their lasting impact for at least the next 10 years."
The action blocks a federal judge's decision that would have kept census workers in the field through the end of the month. That in turn would have made April 30 the deadline for reporting final numbers used to apportion House seats and distribute federal funds for the next 10 years.
On a separate track, the Trump administration has asked the court to let it exclude undocumented immigrants from the numbers used to apportion House seats. A federal court has blocked the move, which the Justice Department has appealed to the justices.
The moving calendar targets are a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted Census Bureau workers going door to door. The administration initially sought the Oct. 31 deadline, which represented a three-month delay, but later moved it up to Oct. 5, so that the report on apportionment could be delivered to President Donald Trump by the end of the year.
In the past, the Supreme Court has not looked kindly on the Trump administration's use of the census. In June 2019, it blocked the president's plan to add a question on citizenship, with Chief Justice John Roberts writing that the rationale "seems to have been contrived."


usatoday--2020-10-14--Marathon wait times, snaking lines mark the first day of early voting in Texas

AUSTIN — Like marathon finishers , voters at Shady Hollow Village Shopping Center in South Austin on Tuesday morning were praised with shouts of “ You did it !
” or “ It was well worth it !
” when they came out of the polling place .
The first day of early voting in the 2020 general election was marked by long waits , lines that snaked through parking lots and around voting locations , and , for the first time , safety measures to prevent the transmission of a deadly virus .
Some voters lined up overnight at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the polls opened at 7 a.m. , at least 11 of the county ’ s 37 voting locations had wait times of 20 minutes or more .
During the first three hours of voting , 6,000 people cast a ballot .
By noon , the total was at 14,000 , Travis County Clerk Dana DeBeauvoir said .
More : ' I ’ d wait for hours if I had to ' : Long lines greet voters on first day of early voting in Georgia DeBeauvoir said the first day of early voting tends @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expected lines and wait times to thin out over the next few days .
Voters reported hourslong waits .
“ This is pretty normal behavior , and I think by day two or three you will find that the lines are less daunting , ” DeBeauvoir said .
“ There is such high enthusiasm out there .
Voters are in a good mood and are taking care of each other by wearing masks and social distancing .
Everyone is just having a good time .
So get out and vote.
” At Shady @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for at least three and a half hours .
As a pregnant woman emerged from that polling place after a three-hour wait , a bystander told her she would have a good story to tell her baby one day .
Eric Forthun , who voted at the Ben Hur Shrine Temple in North Austin , said he waited about three hours to vote Tuesday morning .
Another voter said he waited more than 2 hours to vote at a Randalls in Round Rock , and said the wait “ was worth it.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other Texas counties .
As of noon , Bexar County reported 10,509 people had voted and Dallas County reported 25,000 people .
Around 1:40 p.m. , Harris County reported more than 68,000 votes had been cast , beating the 2016 record .
More than 16,000 people cast their ballots Tuesday in Williamson County .
Reporters in Houston , Galveston , Dallas , San Antonio and San Marcos shared photos on social media of lines outside voting centers .
As lines Tuesday morning wrapped around voting locations in Travis County , Travis County Tax @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eligible voters in Travis County were registered to vote this year .
Of the county ’ s more than 850,000 eligible voters , a record 97 % of them are registered to vote in the Nov. 3 general election , Elfant said .
“ This number even exceeds my expectations , ” Elfant said .
“ To everyone who registered to vote , thank you .
To our civic army of volunteers who registered voters , thank you .
To my voter registration staff , thank you.
” He credited the turnout to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ program , Text2Register , which was used by more than 4,700 county residents .
He also credited the University of Texas Athletics Department for public service announcements .
Bastrop County also reported record-breaking voter registration numbers .
Registered voters reached 52,113 as of Sunday , breaking the 2018 midterm election record of 47,462 .
The county had 45,013 registered voters for the 2016 presidential election .
More : Election week ?
Maybe not : Arizona , Florida and others could give early indication of who is winning Voters at Dittmar Recreation Center in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ morning that caused longer wait times than unusual .
DeBeauvoir said multiple technicians are deployed across the county to help resolve such issues , and to ensure machines are up and running .
The malfunction at Dittmar Recreation Center has been resolved , she said .
“ When this happens , people : Don ’ t stop voting , ” she said .
“ Voters can drop their ballot in the emergency ballot box , and that will still be tallied .
… Technical issues might happen at any point , and when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and how quickly can we get it resolved.
” The night before early voting began , a federal appeals court upheld Gov .
Greg Abbott ’ s order that limits counties to one mail-in ballot drop-off location .
In Travis County , mail-in ballots can be dropped off at 5501 Airport Blvd .
DeBeauvoir said the county has received 78,000 requests for mail-in ballots .
Of those , 75,000 were sent to voter mailboxes and 14,400 have been returned , she said .
Mail-in ballots will not be tallied until 7 a.m. on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ July , Gov .
Greg Abbott expanded the early voting period by a week because of the coronavirus pandemic .
Normally , early voting would have started Oct. 19 .
“ By extending the early voting period and expanding the period in which mail-in ballots can be hand-delivered , Texans will have greater flexibility to cast their ballots , while at the same time protecting themselves and others from COVID-19 , ” Abbott said in a statement at the time .
Most voters practiced social distancing while waiting in line Tuesday , and @ @ @ @

Kelsey Bradshaw, Luz Moreno-Lozano and Heather Osbourne, Austin American-Statesman

Marathon wait times, snaking lines mark the first day of early voting in Texas
Show Caption Hide Caption Why voter suppression in the US has increased since 2013 Civil rights experts point to long wait times to vote as a sign of growing voter suppression in the U.S. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
AUSTIN — Like marathon finishers, voters at Shady Hollow Village Shopping Center in South Austin on Tuesday morning were praised with shouts of “You did it!” or “It was well worth it!” when they came out of the polling place.
The first day of early voting in the 2020 general election was marked by long waits, lines that snaked through parking lots and around voting locations, and, for the first time, safety measures to prevent the transmission of a deadly virus.
Some voters lined up overnight at voting locations. Just 15 minutes after the polls opened at 7 a.m., at least 11 of the county’s 37 voting locations had wait times of 20 minutes or more.
During the first three hours of voting, 6,000 people cast a ballot. By noon, the total was at 14,000, Travis County Clerk Dana DeBeauvoir said.
More: 'I’d wait for hours if I had to': Long lines greet voters on first day of early voting in Georgia
DeBeauvoir said the first day of early voting tends to be the busiest, but she expected lines and wait times to thin out over the next few days. Voters reported hourslong waits.
“This is pretty normal behavior, and I think by day two or three you will find that the lines are less daunting,” DeBeauvoir said. “There is such high enthusiasm out there. Voters are in a good mood and are taking care of each other by wearing masks and social distancing. Everyone is just having a good time. So get out and vote.”
At Shady Hollow Village Shopping Center, some waited for at least three and a half hours. As a pregnant woman emerged from that polling place after a three-hour wait, a bystander told her she would have a good story to tell her baby one day.
Eric Forthun, who voted at the Ben Hur Shrine Temple in North Austin, said he waited about three hours to vote Tuesday morning. Another voter said he waited more than 2 hours to vote at a Randalls in Round Rock, and said the wait “was worth it.”
First-day voter turnout was also big in other Texas counties. As of noon, Bexar County reported 10,509 people had voted and Dallas County reported 25,000 people.
Around 1:40 p.m., Harris County reported more than 68,000 votes had been cast, beating the 2016 record. More than 16,000 people cast their ballots Tuesday in Williamson County.
More: Texas sets voter registration record after adding 1.8 million voters since 2016 election
Reporters in Houston, Galveston, Dallas, San Antonio and San Marcos shared photos on social media of lines outside voting centers.
As lines Tuesday morning wrapped around voting locations in Travis County, Travis County Tax Assessor-Collector Bruce Elfant reported that nearly all eligible voters in Travis County were registered to vote this year.
Of the county’s more than 850,000 eligible voters, a record 97% of them are registered to vote in the Nov. 3 general election, Elfant said.
“This number even exceeds my expectations,” Elfant said. “To everyone who registered to vote, thank you. To our civic army of volunteers who registered voters, thank you. To my voter registration staff, thank you.”
He credited the turnout to the county’s contactless voter registration program, Text2Register, which was used by more than 4,700 county residents.
He also credited the University of Texas Athletics Department for public service announcements.
Bastrop County also reported record-breaking voter registration numbers. Registered voters reached 52,113 as of Sunday, breaking the 2018 midterm election record of 47,462. The county had 45,013 registered voters for the 2016 presidential election.
More: Election week? Maybe not: Arizona, Florida and others could give early indication of who is winning
Complications and malfunctions
Voters at Dittmar Recreation Center in South Austin reported voting machine malfunctions Tuesday morning that caused longer wait times than unusual.
DeBeauvoir said multiple technicians are deployed across the county to help resolve such issues, and to ensure machines are up and running. The malfunction at Dittmar Recreation Center has been resolved, she said.
“When this happens, people: Don’t stop voting,” she said. “Voters can drop their ballot in the emergency ballot box, and that will still be tallied. … Technical issues might happen at any point, and when they do happen it's about when and how quickly can we get it resolved.”
Mail-in ballots
The night before early voting began, a federal appeals court upheld Gov. Greg Abbott’s order that limits counties to one mail-in ballot drop-off location. In Travis County, mail-in ballots can be dropped off at 5501 Airport Blvd.
DeBeauvoir said the county has received 78,000 requests for mail-in ballots. Of those, 75,000 were sent to voter mailboxes and 14,400 have been returned, she said.
Mail-in ballots will not be tallied until 7 a.m. on Election Day, she said.
In July, Gov. Greg Abbott expanded the early voting period by a week because of the coronavirus pandemic. Normally, early voting would have started Oct. 19.
“By extending the early voting period and expanding the period in which mail-in ballots can be hand-delivered, Texans will have greater flexibility to cast their ballots, while at the same time protecting themselves and others from COVID-19,” Abbott said in a statement at the time.
Most voters practiced social distancing while waiting in line Tuesday, and most wore masks.
Roberto Villalpando contributed to this report.


usatoday--2020-10-14--Amy Coney Barrett hearing live updates: 'You will be confirmed, God willing': Senators end questioni

Amy Coney Barrett hearing live updates: 'You will be confirmed, God willing': Senators end questioning of Barrett

The third day of Amy Coney Barrett 's confirmation hearings has started .
Refresh this page for updates .
Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham , R-S.C. , praised Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett as having “ met every test ” as senators finished their last round of questions .
“ You will be confirmed , God willing , ” he said .
Graham said he would “ hope it ’ s okay you can be pro-life and adhere to your faith and still be considered by your fellow citizens to be worthy of this job.
” “ You can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Graham joked to Barrett , referring to her comments about having a glass of wine after the first night of questioning .
Sen. Dick Durbin , D-Ill. , thanked Barrett for appearing before the committee and apologized for “ painful moments ” about her children .
“ They are innocent victims , and they should not have to go through this , ” he said .
The committee now goes into a closed session tonight as they review Barrett ’ s background report .
They will reconvene Thursday morning to hear from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ climate change is a thing ?
Later in the hearing , Barrett was again asked about climate change .
Sen. Kamala Harris , the California Democrat running for vice president , first posed several other science-based questions to Barrett , including whether she believed smoking causes cancer and whether COVID-19 is contagious .
Barrett agreed with both points .
But as Harris uttered her third question , `` do you believe that climate change is happening and it 's threatening the air we breathe and the water we drink , '' Barrett refused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a `` very contentious matter of public debate . ''
`` I will not express a view on a matter of public policy , especially one that is politically controversial because that 's inconsistent with the judicial role , '' Barrett said .
Barrett sidesteps question on whether humans cause global warming Judge Amy Coney Barrett refused to weigh in on climate change her during confirmation hearing Wednesday , explaining to senators her views on the subject are n't relevant to the job she wants serving on the Supreme Court .
Sen. Richard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barrett believed `` human beings cause global warming '' to which Barrett responded : `` I do n't think I am competent to opine on what causes global warming or not . ''
She continued : `` I do n't think that my views on global warming or climate change are relevant to the job I would do as a judge , nor do I feel like I have views that are informed enough , and I have n't studied scientific data .
I 'm not really in a position to offer any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has gotten around directly answering many questions on her views about controversial issues , citing a common ethical practice to not answer questions about issues that could come before the court .
The practice was made famous by the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and dubbed the `` Ginsburg rule , '' something Barrett has cited repeatedly throughout both days of questioning by senators .
Blumenthal voiced his disappointment in Barrett refusing to weigh in on issues that could impact millions of Americans .
`` There have been a lot of references to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I think this administration has taken the Ginsburg rule to a new level .
I hope it wo n't be known as the Barrett rule of avoiding responses . ''
Barrett says landmark case on birth control 'unlikely to go anywhere' Sen. Chris Coons , D-Del.
, pressed Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett on whether she shared the judicial philosophy of one of her mentors , the late Associate Justice Antonin Scalia .
But Barrett insisted she was her own justice .
Asked about Scalia ’ s view that Griswold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Court case on contraception , was wrongly decided , Barrett said , “ I think that Griswold is very , very , very , very , very , very unlikely to go anywhere . ''
Coons asked Barrett if she agreed with Scalia that `` Griswold was wrongly decided and the state should make it illegal to use contraceptives if they so chose ? ''
Barrett said she could not express a view `` with respect to precedent '' but said in order for the decision to be overturned a state legislature would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contraceptives – a scenario she said would be `` shockingly unlikely . ''
`` I understand that you 'll be your own justice and Justice Scalia 's philosophy is significant , but I also think you 've made it 's clear that it 's largely your philosophy , “ Coons said .
“ I 'm trying to help viewers understand what it means to replace Justice Ginsburg with someone who may more closely follow Justice Scalia 's approach . ''
Coons argued Barrett ’ s confirmation “ may launch a new chapter of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would vote against her confirmation .
Asked by Sen. Josh Hawley , R-Mo.
, whether she was aware of legislative efforts to overturn Griswold , Barrett said she was not aware of any .
Hawley called it “ demeaning and insulting ” Democrats would try to link Barrett to the “ worst interpretation ” of Scalia ’ s philosophy .
Barrett , if confirmed , would make 3 SCOTUS justices who worked on GOP side of Bush v. Gore Judge Amy Coney Barrett ’ s confirmation to the Supreme Court would mean one-third @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bush win the presidency 20 years ago .
That point was driven home Wednesday by Sen. Amy Klobuchar , D-Minn. , who noted that Barrett would be the third justice to have worked on the Republican side in the 2000 dispute over ballots in Florida that led to the Bush v. Gore case decided by the high court .
In her Senate Judiciary Committee questionnaire , Barrett called it a “ significant case on which I provided research and briefing assistance.
” She was recruited to work on the case in Florida for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ litigation .
That puts her in powerful company , Klobuchar noted .
Chief Justice John Roberts and Associate Justice Brett Kavanaugh also traveled to Florida to help the GOP cause .
Klobuchar asked if that risked the court 's legitimacy , but Barrett did n't bite .
“ Asking whether something would undermine the legitimacy of the court or not seems to be trying to elicit a question about whether it would be appropriate for justices who participated in that litigation to sit on the case rather than recuse , and I went @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
The topic arose during Kavanaugh ’ s confirmation hearing process in 2018 .
Noting Kavanaugh also helped independent counsel Ken Starr investigate President Bill Clinton in the late 1990s and went on to serve in Bush 's White House , Sen. Dick Durbin , D-Ill. , called him the “ Forrest Gump of Republican politics.
” Sen Chuck Schumer , now the Senate Democratic leader , said , “ If there was a political fight that needed a political foot soldier … Brett Kavanaugh was probably there.
” Barrett says critique @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'open letter to President Trump' Judge Amy Coney Barrett , during her third day of confirmation hearings Wednesday , maintained that if confirmed to the Supreme Court she would not have any preconceived plans on how she would view the Affordable Care Act and rule in a case next month that could decide the future of health care for millions .
Piecing together a timeline , Sen. Amy Klobuchar , D-Minn. , noted that for years President Donald Trump has made clear his `` obsession to repeal Obamacare '' and highlighted the timing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in January 2017 – the month Trump took office .
That article criticized Chief Justice John Roberts for pushing `` the Affordable Care Act beyond its plausible meaning to save the statute '' in a 2012 ruling .
Klobuchar asked Barrett whether she was aware at the time of that writing that the president was set on repealing the Affordable Care Act and asked whether the federal appeals judge was aware that the president aimed to nominate judges to the Supreme Court who would overturn the law .
`` I think that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It 's just been part of the public discourse , '' Barrett said .
`` All these questions , you 're suggesting that I have animus or that I cut a deal with the president and I was very clear yesterday that , that is n't what happened . ''
She continued , explaining that she was `` aware that [ Trump ] has criticized the Affordable Care Act '' but her journal article was not a message for the president .
`` I want to stress , I have no animus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Act so to the extent you 're suggesting this was like an open letter to President Trump .
It was not . ''
Klobuchar noted the dozens of times Republicans have attempted to overturn Obamacare and said `` I find it very hard to believe that you did n't understand that when you wrote the article . ''
Whitehouse wants changes to SCOTUS financial , ethical reporting If Amy Coney Barrett makes the leap from a federal appeals court to the Supreme Court , she will find the ethics and financial reporting rules @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s because the high court isn ’ t subject to the same requirements that govern all lower federal courts .
“ I think it ’ s anomalous that the highest court should have the lowest standards , ” Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse , D-R.I. , said during Wednesday ’ s confirmation hearing .
Whitehouse sought out Barrett as an ally in his effort to change that situation .
In doing so , he seemed to throw in the towel on blocking Barrett ’ s ascension .
“ Take a look at that when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Gabe Roth , executive director of Fix the Court , which advocates that justices have term limits and be bound by a code of ethics , notes that there is no formal code of conduct for the Supreme Court , as there is for other federal courts .
The justices voluntarily list gifts received on their annual financial disclosure forms , but in lower courts gift rules are set by statute .
Appeals courts like Barrett ’ s keep lists of privately funded judicial seminars , unlike the Supreme Court .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , there is no recourse or reprimand , save for impeachment .
Yes , Sen. Dick Durbin , D-Ill. , said during Wednesday ’ s hearing .
No , Barrett insisted .
It ’ s a line of questioning that stems from Barrett ’ s dissent on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit in which she said a nonviolent felon should not lose his right to own a gun .
She lost that argument in court , but she was determined not to lose the argument with Durbin , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Durbin asked , did she believe owning a gun was an individual right , but voting is only a civic right based on collective action ?
Why can a felon have a gun but , as is the case in some states , be denied the right to vote ?
Barrett has remained calm during most of this week ’ s hearing , but she clearly took umbrage at Durbin ’ s conclusion .
“ I have never denigrated the right to vote , ” she said , accusing Durbin of distorting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a fundamental right.
” Barrett : No one is above the law Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett agreed under oath that no one person is above the law , even President Donald Trump .
Under questioning from Sen. Patrick Leahy , a Vermont Democrat , the federal appeals court judge took a similar stance as other justices on the high court that Trump is not above the law .
`` Would you agree , first , that nobody is above the law .
Not the president , not you , not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Leahy asked virtually over video conference .
`` I agree , no one is above the law , '' Barrett stated unequivocally .
She declined to weigh in when asked by Leahy about whether the president has the `` absolute right to pardon himself for a crime . ''
Barrett explained that the question had never come before her in a court and `` it 's one that calls for legal analysis of what the scope of the pardon power is '' and she would need to go through `` the judicial process @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unsatisfied by her explanation , said he found the two back-to-back answers `` somewhat incompatible . ''
Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh authored an opinion earlier this year on his and Neil Gorsuch 's behalf in which he made clear that Trump is not immune from the law .
The case dealt with the president 's tax returns , with the high court ruling that Trump could not block prosecutors from gaining access to his financials .
The witness list for final day of hearings Thursday Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee released @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the last day of Judge Amy Coney Barrett ’ s Supreme Court confirmation hearings on Thursday .
The hearing will feature two panels of witnesses .
The first panel would include two members of the American Bar Association ’ s Standing Committee on the Federal Judiciary , which evaluates the qualifications of every judicial nominee : Randall D. Noel of Butler Snow , LLP and Pamela J. Roberts of Bowman and Brooke LLP .
The second panel will include Democratic and Republican witnesses who will likely speak to Barrett ’ s character @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Dr. Farhan Bhatti , CEO and medical director of Care Free Medical .
Bhatti will discuss the Affordable Care Act • Retired Judge Thomas Griffith of th United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit , who has praised Barrett .
• Kristen Clarke , President and Executive Director , Lawyers ’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law .
Clarke will testify about voting and civil rights .
• Professor Saikrishna Prakash of the University of Virginia School of Law , one of Barrett ’ s professional colleagues • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for an abortion at age 16 and who will testify about abortion rights .
• Amanda Rauh-Bieri , associate at Miller Canfield , and a former clerk for Barrett .
• Stacy Staggs will testify about the consequences of overturning the Affordable Care Act .
• Laura Wolk , an attorney and one of Barrett ’ s former law students .
Barrett says ability to sever a portion of a law – but not the whole law – is 'valuable' Republicans sought to assure Americans Wednesday that Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to eliminate the Affordable Care Act .
On the second day of questioning , Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee elicited responses from Barrett indicating that a Nov. 10 Supreme Court showdown over the law is most likely to erase one provision of the law – not the law itself .
Severing an unconstitutional portion of a law rather than the law itself “ serves a valuable function of trying not to undo your work , ” Barrett told Sen. Dianne Feinstein , D-Calif. , the ranking Democrat on the panel .
While @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Antonin Scalia , said in 2012 that the entire law should be struck down because he thought two provisions were unconstitutional , she said the new challenge over tax policy involves only one provision .
The challenge stems from a $ 1.5 trillion tax cut passed by the Republican-dominated Congress in 2017 , which repealed the health care law 's tax on people who refuse to buy insurance .
That tax was intended to prod them into the health insurance marketplace rather than let them seek emergency care while uninsured .
In reality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barrett to topple the law because at least five justices on the court are likely to uphold it : the three remaining liberal justices along with Chief Justice John Roberts and Associate Justice Brett Kavanaugh .
Sen. Dianne Feinstein , D-Calif. , the top Democrat on the Judiciary Committee , will invite four witnesses to speak at Thursday ’ s confirmation hearing for Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett .
The witnesses come from health care and legal backgrounds and will likely speak to Democrats ’ concerns about the possible overturning of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could come before the court .
The four witnesses are : • Stacy Staggs , a mother of 7-year old twins with pre-existing conditions .
Staggs will testify about the consequences of overturning the Affordable Care Act .
• Dr. Farhan Bhatti , a family physician and CEO of Care Free Medical , a nonprofit clinic .
Bhatti will discuss the Affordable Care Act .
• Crystal Good , who fought in court for an abortion at age 16 , will testify about abortion rights .
• Kristen Clarke , president and executive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Civil Rights Under Law , will testify about voting and civil rights .
Graham praises Barrett as an icon for conservative women Sen. Lindsey Graham , R-S.C. , kicked off the second day of questioning in Amy Coney Barrett 's confirmation hearings by pushing back against arguments made by Democrats over the past two days and praising Barrett as an icon for conservative women .
`` The hearing to me is an opportunity to not punch through a glass ceiling , but a reinforced concrete barrier around conservative women .
You ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Graham told Barrett , who he also hailed as the first “ unashamedly pro-life ” woman to be nominated to the Supreme Court .
He used part of his 20 minutes of questioning time to respond to Democrats ’ allegations Barrett had not been fully candid in her answers , telling Barrett , “ I couldn ’ t disagree more , ” and citing previous Supreme Court nominees ’ refusal to fully share their legal philosophy .
He also addressed the 2006 pro-life letter signed by Barrett , saying `` what we tried @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group into a legislative body and tried to get you to rule on their beliefs . ''
Barrett had declined to comment on her beliefs about abortion when pressed by lawmakers about the letter and a 2013 ad , telling lawmakers it would not be “ appropriate ” for her to comment on issues that could come before the court Barrett ’ s family sat in the audience behind her as the hearing went on .
The third day of Amy Coney Barrett 's confirmation hearings started shortly after 9 a.m. EDT with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Committee meeting .
Barrett , President Donald Trump 's Supreme Court nominee , faced 11 hours of questioning Tuesday .
Senators on the committee get more time to ask questions Wednesday .
Senators to grill Amy Coney Barrett on third day of hearings WASHINGTON – Senators on Wednesday will get to grill Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett again on her career and views that could offer insights on how she would rule on the nation 's highest court .
Members of the Senate Judiciary Committee will get another chance to question Barrett @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a number of hot-button issues that could come before the court .
On Tuesday , Barrett fielded questions from senators for more than 11 hours , where she attempted to differentiate her legal views from her personal beliefs and largely escaped any controversial confrontations with Democrats eager to block her nomination .
Barrett repeatedly refrained from offering her stance on key issues and cases , such those that could decide the fate of abortion , healthcare and gun laws .
Throughout the lengthy hearing , the 48-year-old federal appeals court judge and law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ herself as someone who puts personal views aside and addresses legal issues with an open mind .
`` I 'm committed to the rule of law and the role of the Supreme Court and dispensing equal justice for all , '' she said during Tuesday ' hearing .
Democrats repeatedly highlighted the history of remarks and opinions she 's offered over her career that liberals argue endanger the future of a woman 's right to abortions and the Affordable Care Act , which provides healthcare for millions of Americans .
A recap of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barrett strives to show independence from White House , Republicans How it works : How Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett 's confirmation process will unfold “ If I ’ m confirmed , you would not be getting Justice Scalia , you would be getting Justice Barrett , '' she said in reference to her more outspoken mentor , the late Associate Justice Antonin Scalia .
She repeatedly stated under oath that she 'd offered `` no commitment to anyone , not in the Senate , not over at the White House , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
On Wednesday , each senator will be given at least 20 minutes to pepper Barrett with questions .
The following day , on Thursday , is scheduled to mark the end of Barrett 's public vetting , when senators are scheduled to hear from additional witnesses who know Barrett .
Republicans are eager to confirm Barrett to the Court before Election Day and have sped along the confirmation process .
A final vote by the full Senate is expected before the end of the month .
The Senate Judiciary Committee will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week but rather will hold it for one week , a common practice by the panel , before an expected vote around Oct. 22 .
Barrett 's nomination is likely to split along party lines , 12 Republicans and 10 Democrats , before the full Senate takes up her nomination .
She will need at least a majority of the 100-member chamber to be confirmed to the high court , a feat she is expected to cross as Democrats have acknowledged they lack the votes to block her confirmation .
'We wept together @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Floyd video was personal for family More : Amy Barrett 's law review articles show how Supreme Court rulings like Roe v. Wade could be challenged

Christal Hayes, Nicholas Wu and Richard Wolf, USA TODAY

Amy Coney Barrett hearing live updates: ‘You will be confirmed, God willing’: Senators end questioning of Barrett
The third day of Amy Coney Barrett's confirmation hearings has started. Refresh this page for updates.
Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., praised Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett as having “met every test” as senators finished their last round of questions.
“You will be confirmed, God willing,” he said.
Graham said he would “hope it’s okay you can be pro-life and adhere to your faith and still be considered by your fellow citizens to be worthy of this job.”
“You can have two glasses of wine tonight,” Graham joked to Barrett, referring to her comments about having a glass of wine after the first night of questioning.
Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., thanked Barrett for appearing before the committee and apologized for “painful moments” about her children.
“They are innocent victims, and they should not have to go through this,” he said.
The committee now goes into a closed session tonight as they review Barrett’s background report. They will reconvene Thursday morning to hear from outside witnesses.
— Nicholas Wu
Does Barrett believe that climate change is a thing?
Later in the hearing, Barrett was again asked about climate change. Sen. Kamala Harris, the California Democrat running for vice president, first posed several other science-based questions to Barrett, including whether she believed smoking causes cancer and whether COVID-19 is contagious. Barrett agreed with both points.
But as Harris uttered her third question, "do you believe that climate change is happening and it's threatening the air we breathe and the water we drink," Barrett refused to weigh in, calling the issue a "very contentious matter of public debate."
"I will not express a view on a matter of public policy, especially one that is politically controversial because that's inconsistent with the judicial role," Barrett said.
— Christal Hayes
Barrett sidesteps question on whether humans cause global warming
Judge Amy Coney Barrett refused to weigh in on climate change her during confirmation hearing Wednesday, explaining to senators her views on the subject aren't relevant to the job she wants serving on the Supreme Court.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., asked bluntly whether Barrett believed "human beings cause global warming" to which Barrett responded: "I don't think I am competent to opine on what causes global warming or not."
She continued: "I don't think that my views on global warming or climate change are relevant to the job I would do as a judge, nor do I feel like I have views that are informed enough, and I haven't studied scientific data. I'm not really in a position to offer any kind of informed opinion."
Barrett has gotten around directly answering many questions on her views about controversial issues, citing a common ethical practice to not answer questions about issues that could come before the court. The practice was made famous by the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and dubbed the "Ginsburg rule," something Barrett has cited repeatedly throughout both days of questioning by senators.
Blumenthal voiced his disappointment in Barrett refusing to weigh in on issues that could impact millions of Americans.
"There have been a lot of references to the Ginsburg rule," Blumenthal said. "I think this administration has taken the Ginsburg rule to a new level. I hope it won't be known as the Barrett rule of avoiding responses."
– Christal Hayes
Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., pressed Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett on whether she shared the judicial philosophy of one of her mentors, the late Associate Justice Antonin Scalia. But Barrett insisted she was her own justice.
Asked about Scalia’s view that Griswold v. Connecticut, a landmark 1965 Supreme Court case on contraception, was wrongly decided, Barrett said, “I think that Griswold is very, very, very, very, very, very unlikely to go anywhere."
Coons asked Barrett if she agreed with Scalia that "Griswold was wrongly decided and the state should make it illegal to use contraceptives if they so chose?"
Barrett said she could not express a view "with respect to precedent" but said in order for the decision to be overturned a state legislature would have to pass a state law banning contraceptives – a scenario she said would be "shockingly unlikely."
"I understand that you'll be your own justice and Justice Scalia's philosophy is significant, but I also think you've made it's clear that it's largely your philosophy,“ Coons said. “I'm trying to help viewers understand what it means to replace Justice Ginsburg with someone who may more closely follow Justice Scalia's approach."
Coons argued Barrett’s confirmation “may launch a new chapter of conservative judicial activism” and said he would vote against her confirmation.
Asked by Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., whether she was aware of legislative efforts to overturn Griswold, Barrett said she was not aware of any.
Hawley called it “demeaning and insulting” Democrats would try to link Barrett to the “worst interpretation” of Scalia’s philosophy.
-Nicholas Wu
Judge Amy Coney Barrett’s confirmation to the Supreme Court would mean one-third of the high court helped George W. Bush win the presidency 20 years ago.
That point was driven home Wednesday by Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., who noted that Barrett would be the third justice to have worked on the Republican side in the 2000 dispute over ballots in Florida that led to the Bush v. Gore case decided by the high court.
In her Senate Judiciary Committee questionnaire, Barrett called it a “significant case on which I provided research and briefing assistance.” She was recruited to work on the case in Florida for a week at the start of the litigation.
That puts her in powerful company, Klobuchar noted. Chief Justice John Roberts and Associate Justice Brett Kavanaugh also traveled to Florida to help the GOP cause. Klobuchar asked if that risked the court's legitimacy, but Barrett didn't bite.
“Asking whether something would undermine the legitimacy of the court or not seems to be trying to elicit a question about whether it would be appropriate for justices who participated in that litigation to sit on the case rather than recuse, and I went down that road yesterday," she said.
The topic arose during Kavanaugh’s confirmation hearing process in 2018. Noting Kavanaugh also helped independent counsel Ken Starr investigate President Bill Clinton in the late 1990s and went on to serve in Bush's White House, Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., called him the “Forrest Gump of Republican politics.” Sen Chuck Schumer, now the Senate Democratic leader, said, “If there was a political fight that needed a political foot soldier … Brett Kavanaugh was probably there.”
– Richard Wolf
Judge Amy Coney Barrett, during her third day of confirmation hearings Wednesday, maintained that if confirmed to the Supreme Court she would not have any preconceived plans on how she would view the Affordable Care Act and rule in a case next month that could decide the future of health care for millions.
Piecing together a timeline, Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., noted that for years President Donald Trump has made clear his "obsession to repeal Obamacare" and highlighted the timing of a legal journal article Barrett authored in January 2017 – the month Trump took office. That article criticized Chief Justice John Roberts for pushing "the Affordable Care Act beyond its plausible meaning to save the statute" in a 2012 ruling. Klobuchar asked Barrett whether she was aware at the time of that writing that the president was set on repealing the Affordable Care Act and asked whether the federal appeals judge was aware that the president aimed to nominate judges to the Supreme Court who would overturn the law.
"I think that the Republicans have kind of made that clear. It's just been part of the public discourse," Barrett said. "All these questions, you're suggesting that I have animus or that I cut a deal with the president and I was very clear yesterday that, that isn't what happened."
She continued, explaining that she was "aware that [Trump] has criticized the Affordable Care Act" but her journal article was not a message for the president. "I want to stress, I have no animus to or agenda for the Affordable Care Act so to the extent you're suggesting this was like an open letter to President Trump. It was not."
Klobuchar noted the dozens of times Republicans have attempted to overturn Obamacare and said "I find it very hard to believe that you didn't understand that when you wrote the article."
– Christal Hayes
If Amy Coney Barrett makes the leap from a federal appeals court to the Supreme Court, she will find the ethics and financial reporting rules are easier to abide by.
That’s because the high court isn’t subject to the same requirements that govern all lower federal courts.
“I think it’s anomalous that the highest court should have the lowest standards,” Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., said during Wednesday’s confirmation hearing.
Whitehouse sought out Barrett as an ally in his effort to change that situation. In doing so, he seemed to throw in the towel on blocking Barrett’s ascension.
“Take a look at that when you get up there,” he said.
Gabe Roth, executive director of Fix the Court, which advocates that justices have term limits and be bound by a code of ethics, notes that there is no formal code of conduct for the Supreme Court, as there is for other federal courts. The justices voluntarily list gifts received on their annual financial disclosure forms, but in lower courts gift rules are set by statute. Appeals courts like Barrett’s keep lists of privately funded judicial seminars, unlike the Supreme Court. And if a justice breaches ethics guidelines, there is no recourse or reprimand, save for impeachment.
– Richard Wolf
Barrett spars with Durbin over gun rights, voting question
Does Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett put gun rights ahead of voting rights?
Yes, Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., said during Wednesday’s hearing. No, Barrett insisted.
It’s a line of questioning that stems from Barrett’s dissent on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit in which she said a nonviolent felon should not lose his right to own a gun.
She lost that argument in court, but she was determined not to lose the argument with Durbin, the Senate’s second-ranking Democrat.
Why, Durbin asked, did she believe owning a gun was an individual right, but voting is only a civic right based on collective action? Why can a felon have a gun but, as is the case in some states, be denied the right to vote?
Barrett has remained calm during most of this week’s hearing, but she clearly took umbrage at Durbin’s conclusion. “I have never denigrated the right to vote,” she said, accusing Durbin of distorting her record. “I think voting is a fundamental right.”
– Richard Wolf
Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett agreed under oath that no one person is above the law, even President Donald Trump.
Under questioning from Sen. Patrick Leahy, a Vermont Democrat, the federal appeals court judge took a similar stance as other justices on the high court that Trump is not above the law.
"Would you agree, first, that nobody is above the law. Not the president, not you, not me. Is that correct?" Leahy asked virtually over video conference.
"I agree, no one is above the law," Barrett stated unequivocally.
She declined to weigh in when asked by Leahy about whether the president has the "absolute right to pardon himself for a crime."
Barrett explained that the question had never come before her in a court and "it's one that calls for legal analysis of what the scope of the pardon power is" and she would need to go through "the judicial process to decide it."
Leahy, unsatisfied by her explanation, said he found the two back-to-back answers "somewhat incompatible."
Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh authored an opinion earlier this year on his and Neil Gorsuch's behalf in which he made clear that Trump is not immune from the law. The case dealt with the president's tax returns, with the high court ruling that Trump could not block prosecutors from gaining access to his financials.
– Christal Hayes
Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee released the list of witnesses who will testify on the last day of Judge Amy Coney Barrett’s Supreme Court confirmation hearings on Thursday.
The hearing will feature two panels of witnesses.
The first panel would include two members of the American Bar Association’s Standing Committee on the Federal Judiciary, which evaluates the qualifications of every judicial nominee: Randall D. Noel of Butler Snow, LLP and Pamela J. Roberts of Bowman and Brooke LLP.
The second panel will include Democratic and Republican witnesses who will likely speak to Barrett’s character or in opposition to her confirmation:
Dr. Farhan Bhatti, CEO and medical director of Care Free Medical. Bhatti will discuss the Affordable Care Act
Retired Judge Thomas Griffith of th United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, who has praised Barrett.
Kristen Clarke, President and Executive Director, Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. Clarke will testify about voting and civil rights.
Professor Saikrishna Prakash of the University of Virginia School of Law, one of Barrett’s professional colleagues
Crystal Good, who fought in court for an abortion at age 16 and who will testify about abortion rights.
Amanda Rauh-Bieri, associate at Miller Canfield, and a former clerk for Barrett.
Stacy Staggs will testify about the consequences of overturning the Affordable Care Act.
Laura Wolk, an attorney and one of Barrett’s former law students.
– Nicholas Wu
Judge Barrett says she was 'deeply honored' by Supreme Court pick Judge Amy Coney Barrett delivered her opening statement in her Supreme Court confirmation hearing. USA TODAY
Republicans sought to assure Americans Wednesday that Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett’s confirmation isn’t likely to eliminate the Affordable Care Act.
Their principal witness: Amy Coney Barrett.
On the second day of questioning, Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee elicited responses from Barrett indicating that a Nov. 10 Supreme Court showdown over the law is most likely to erase one provision of the law – not the law itself.
Severing an unconstitutional portion of a law rather than the law itself “serves a valuable function of trying not to undo your work,” Barrett told Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., the ranking Democrat on the panel.
While her mentor, the late Associate Justice Antonin Scalia, said in 2012 that the entire law should be struck down because he thought two provisions were unconstitutional, she said the new challenge over tax policy involves only one provision.
The challenge stems from a $1.5 trillion tax cut passed by the Republican-dominated Congress in 2017, which repealed the health care law's tax on people who refuse to buy insurance. That tax was intended to prod them into the health insurance marketplace rather than let them seek emergency care while uninsured.
In reality, it will be very difficult for Barrett to topple the law because at least five justices on the court are likely to uphold it: the three remaining liberal justices along with Chief Justice John Roberts and Associate Justice Brett Kavanaugh.
– Richard Wolf
Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., the top Democrat on the Judiciary Committee, will invite four witnesses to speak at Thursday’s confirmation hearing for Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett.
The witnesses come from health care and legal backgrounds and will likely speak to Democrats’ concerns about the possible overturning of the Affordable Care Act and other issues that could come before the court.
The four witnesses are:
Stacy Staggs, a mother of 7-year old twins with pre-existing conditions. Staggs will testify about the consequences of overturning the Affordable Care Act.
Dr. Farhan Bhatti, a family physician and CEO of Care Free Medical, a nonprofit clinic. Bhatti will discuss the Affordable Care Act.
Crystal Good, who fought in court for an abortion at age 16, will testify about abortion rights.
Kristen Clarke, president and executive director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, will testify about voting and civil rights.
-Nicholas Wu
Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., kicked off the second day of questioning in Amy Coney Barrett's confirmation hearings by pushing back against arguments made by Democrats over the past two days and praising Barrett as an icon for conservative women.
"The hearing to me is an opportunity to not punch through a glass ceiling, but a reinforced concrete barrier around conservative women. You’re gonna shatter that barrier,” Graham told Barrett, who he also hailed as the first “unashamedly pro-life” woman to be nominated to the Supreme Court.
He used part of his 20 minutes of questioning time to respond to Democrats’ allegations Barrett had not been fully candid in her answers, telling Barrett, “I couldn’t disagree more,” and citing previous Supreme Court nominees’ refusal to fully share their legal philosophy.
He also addressed the 2006 pro-life letter signed by Barrett, saying "what we tried to do yesterday was turn a pro-life group into a legislative body and tried to get you to rule on their beliefs."
Barrett had declined to comment on her beliefs about abortion when pressed by lawmakers about the letter and a 2013 ad, telling lawmakers it would not be “appropriate” for her to comment on issues that could come before the court
Barrett’s family sat in the audience behind her as the hearing went on.
– Nicholas Wu
The third day of Amy Coney Barrett's confirmation hearings started shortly after 9 a.m. EDT with Sen. Lindsey Graham beginning the Senate Judiciary Committee meeting.
Barrett, President Donald Trump's Supreme Court nominee, faced 11 hours of questioning Tuesday. Senators on the committee get more time to ask questions Wednesday.
– Sean Rossman
WASHINGTON – Senators on Wednesday will get to grill Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett again on her career and views that could offer insights on how she would rule on the nation's highest court.
Members of the Senate Judiciary Committee will get another chance to question Barrett on her views on the law and a number of hot-button issues that could come before the court.
On Tuesday, Barrett fielded questions from senators for more than 11 hours, where she attempted to differentiate her legal views from her personal beliefs and largely escaped any controversial confrontations with Democrats eager to block her nomination.
Barrett repeatedly refrained from offering her stance on key issues and cases, such those that could decide the fate of abortion, healthcare and gun laws.
Throughout the lengthy hearing, the 48-year-old federal appeals court judge and law school professor from Indiana sought to define herself as someone who puts personal views aside and addresses legal issues with an open mind.
"I'm committed to the rule of law and the role of the Supreme Court and dispensing equal justice for all," she said during Tuesday' hearing.
Democrats repeatedly highlighted the history of remarks and opinions she's offered over her career that liberals argue endanger the future of a woman's right to abortions and the Affordable Care Act, which provides healthcare for millions of Americans.
How a Supreme Court justice is nominated, confirmed, and opposed The Supreme Court is a vital component of our democracy. Here's how the process works to nominate, confirm, and oppose a potential justice. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
A recap of Tuesday: Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett strives to show independence from White House, Republicans
How it works: How Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett's confirmation process will unfold
“If I’m confirmed, you would not be getting Justice Scalia, you would be getting Justice Barrett," she said in reference to her more outspoken mentor, the late Associate Justice Antonin Scalia.
She repeatedly stated under oath that she'd offered "no commitment to anyone, not in the Senate, not over at the White House, about how I would decide any case."
On Wednesday, each senator will be given at least 20 minutes to pepper Barrett with questions. The following day, on Thursday, is scheduled to mark the end of Barrett's public vetting, when senators are scheduled to hear from additional witnesses who know Barrett.
Republicans are eager to confirm Barrett to the Court before Election Day and have sped along the confirmation process. A final vote by the full Senate is expected before the end of the month.
The Senate Judiciary Committee will not vote on Barrett's confirmation this week but rather will hold it for one week, a common practice by the panel, before an expected vote around Oct. 22. Barrett's nomination is likely to split along party lines, 12 Republicans and 10 Democrats, before the full Senate takes up her nomination.
She will need at least a majority of the 100-member chamber to be confirmed to the high court, a feat she is expected to cross as Democrats have acknowledged they lack the votes to block her confirmation.
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