usatoday--2020-05-12--Pandemic protocols vary from the White House to the Supreme Court as Trump pushes states to reopen

WASHINGTON – As Secretary of State Mike Pompeo prepared to take his first international trip in nearly seven weeks , his staff drew up a set of detailed `` risk mitigation '' steps to protect him and his entourage from infection amid the coronavirus pandemic .
But when Pompeo boarded his flight Tuesday , he was not wearing a mask – one of the only people on the plane without one , according to reporters who were traveling with the secretary .
A top State Department physician told reporters on Friday that masks would be used on the trip according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain .
Pompeo 's decision to forgo a face covering highlights the mixed messages across the federal government as President Donald Trump pushes for states to ease stay-at-home restrictions and encourage Americans to get back to work .
The dangers of that have become clear even inside the White House , where two administration aides tested positive for coronavirus last week : a valet to Trump and Vice President Mike Pence ’ s press secretary .
Federal agencies in Washington @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for employees who may soon find themselves back at their desks , even as coronavirus infections in the Washington region remain on the rise .
On Tuesday , the nation 's top three public health leaders issued an unusual joint statement detailing the circumstances under which they would participate in White House meetings .
All three – CDC Director Robert Redfield , FDA Commissioner Steve Hahn , and infectious disease director Anthony Fauci – are in self-quarantine after coming into contact with an infected person at the White House .
The three will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that they are asymptomatic , screened , and monitored for fever and other symptoms , wear a face covering , and maintain a distance of at least six feet from others . ''
At the White House , new rules were put in place on Monday , and expanded on Tuesday .
The White House now administers daily coronavirus testing for people who come into contact with the president and mandates masks and social distancing , when feasible , for West Wing staff .
At a press briefing in the Rose Garden on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar and HHS testing czar Brett Giroir , wore masks , removing them only to speak .
Reporters , seated in socially distanced folding chairs , kept their masks on as they took turns approaching fixed boom microphones to ask questions .
Trump did not wear a mask , and Pence did not attend the briefing .
Asked whether he was keeping his distance from his No .
2 , Trump said he had not seen the vice president since “ the quarantine period ” but that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ At the Pentagon , officials are requiring cloth face masks inside the complex “ to the extent practical ” when people can not maintain 6 feet of distance from one another .
The military is following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding frequent hand washing and disinfecting surfaces , such as keyboards and elevator buttons .
In addition , teleworking has been encouraged to minimize face-to-face meetings .
Moreover , senior officials self-quarantine after coming in contact with people suspected of having the coronavirus infection .
On Sunday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ naval operations , announced that he would quarantine himself after coming into contact with a family member who tested positive for COVID-19 .
Gilday has tested negative for the disease but remains isolated as a precautionary measure .
At the State Department , employees are not required to wear masks – at least not yet .
Dr. William Walters , the deputy chief medical officer for operations , said the agency has rolled out a `` stepwise phased plan for return to work '' that is based on trends in the Washington region @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of staff are employed at U.S. embassies and consulates .
`` Whether it ’ s in D.C. or around the world , we ’ re looking at where are we in the epidemiology curve and then taking an assertive but not overly aggressive approach to bringing people back , '' he told reporters in a May 5 briefing .
`` We don ’ t have a timeline established for that at this point . ''
At the Capitol , the House hasn ’ t been in regular session since March .
The Senate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
On Tuesday , a health committee hearing on returning safely to work was held via videoconference .
The chairman , Sen. Lamar Alexander , R-Tenn. , and three of the four witnesses were participating under self-quarantine after coming into contact with infected individuals .
At that hearing , Sen. Chris Murphy , D-Conn. , blasted the Trump administration for withholding more detailed guidance from states about how to reopen their economies .
Portions of the plan have been leaked , but officials have said it remains under review .
“ The guidance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Murphy told the head of the CDC , Dr. Robert Redfield , who said the new recommendations would be released “ soon.
” At the Supreme Court , the pandemic protocols have prompted the nine justices to conduct high-stakes oral arguments by telephone – a historic change for an institution that has resisted previous efforts to adopt greater transparency and technology advancements .
The high court initially closed its building in mid-March , conducting their private conferences remotely and postponing further hearings .
But on May 4 , the justices began hearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first time in its 230-year history .
Last month , Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen directed Justice Department employees to wear masks in the agency 's common or public areas .
Employees are permitted to remove face coverings in individual offices or workspaces , when they can maintain social distancing , or 6 feet of separation , from others .
Justice also implemented a broad-based teleworking policy , allowing employees to work from home when they can .
The teleworking policy , however , is limited , as thousands of Justice employees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ requires their physical presence .
At NASA headquarters , the space agency is using a “ risk-based ” approach to getting its staff back on-site , said spokeswoman Karen Northon .
The agency is “ strongly recommending ” that its employees wear a face covering when they 're in public and will issue personal protective equipment to employees returning to work if they are in a high-risk or vulnerable group , and to those in offices where social distancing is not practicable , she said .
NASA also has established a “ Clean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , that is researching industrial sanitation measures to clean workspaces and ways to ensure optimal air filtration .
The task force is looking at what 's used in the hotel and airline industries , among other settings , to develop a benchmark and make recommendations to the agency ’ s leadership .
A spokesman for the Department of Homeland Security said officials are examining which facilities and operations will return to normal and when .
`` Decisions are highly specific based on functions , duty , and location , '' the spokesman said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Health and Human Services did not respond to inquiries about what pandemic precautions they have in place .

Pandemic protocols vary from the White House to the Supreme Court as Trump pushes states to reopen
Show Caption Hide Caption The White House adopts new coronavirus safety measures Aides and reporters wore face masks at President Trump's Rose Garden briefing as part of new safety measures. Associated Press, Wochit
WASHINGTON – As Secretary of State Mike Pompeo prepared to take his first international trip in nearly seven weeks, his staff drew up a set of detailed "risk mitigation" steps to protect him and his entourage from infection amid the coronavirus pandemic.
But when Pompeo boarded his flight Tuesday, he was not wearing a mask – one of the only people on the plane without one, according to reporters who were traveling with the secretary. A top State Department physician told reporters Friday that masks would be used on the trip according to CDC guidelines, which calls for face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.
Pompeo's decision to forgo a face covering highlights the mixed messages across the federal government as President Donald Trump pushes for states to ease stay-at-home restrictions and encourage Americans to get back to work.
The dangers of that have become clear even inside the White House, where two administration aides tested positive for the coronavirus last week: a valet to Trump and Vice President Mike Pence’s press secretary.
Federal agencies in Washington seem to have a mishmash of protocols for employees who may soon find themselves back at their desks, even as coronavirus infections in the Washington region remain on the rise.
On Tuesday, the nation's top three public health leaders issued an unusual joint statement detailing the circumstances under which they would participate in White House meetings. All three – CDC Director Robert Redfield, FDA Commissioner Steve Hahn, and infectious disease director Anthony Fauci – are in self-quarantine after coming into contact with an infected person at the White House.
The three will attend coronavirus White House meetings "providing that they are asymptomatic, screened, and monitored for fever and other symptoms, wear a face covering, and maintain a distance of at least six feet from others."
Mask, tests at the White House
At the White House, new rules were put in place on Monday and expanded on Tuesday. The White House now administers daily coronavirus testing for people who come into contact with the president and requires masks and social distancing, when feasible, for West Wing staff.
At a news briefing Monday in the Rose Garden, administration officials, including Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar and HHS testing czar Brett Giroir, wore masks, removing them only to speak. Reporters, seated in socially distanced folding chairs, kept their masks on as they took turns approaching fixed boom microphones to ask questions.
Trump did not wear a mask, and Pence did not attend the briefing. Asked whether he was keeping his distance from his No. 2, Trump said that he had not seen the vice president since “the quarantine period” but that the two could talk on the phone.
Pentagon: Wear masks when 'practical'
At the Pentagon, officials are requiring cloth face masks inside the complex “to the extent practical” when people cannot maintain 6 feet of distance from one another.
The military is following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding frequent hand washing and disinfecting surfaces such as keyboards and elevator buttons. In addition, teleworking has been encouraged to minimize face-to-face meetings.
Moreover, senior officials self-quarantine after coming in contact with people suspected of having the infection. On Sunday, Adm. Mike Gilday, the chief of naval operations, announced that he would quarantine himself after coming into contact with a family member who tested positive for COVID-19. Gilday has tested negative for the virus but remains isolated as a precautionary measure.
State Dept. rolls out 'stepwise' return to work plan
At the State Department, employees are not required to wear masks – at least not yet.
Dr. William Walters, deputy chief medical officer for operations, said the agency has rolled out a "stepwise phased plan for return to work" that is based on trends in the Washington region and around the world, where thousands of staff are employed at U.S. embassies and consulates.
"Whether it’s in D.C. or around the world, we’re looking at where are we in the epidemiology curve and then taking an assertive but not overly aggressive approach to bringing people back," he told reporters in a briefing May 5. "We don’t have a timeline established for that at this point."
Congress: Virtual testimony, limited work
At the Capitol, the House hasn’t been in regular session since March. The Senate is back to work – sort of.
On Tuesday, a health committee hearing on returning safely to work was held via videoconference. The chairman, Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., and three of the four witnesses were participating under self-quarantine after coming into contact with infected people.
At that hearing, Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., blasted the Trump administration for withholding more detailed guidance from states about how to reopen their economies. Portions of the plan have been leaked, but officials have said it remains under review.
“The guidance you have provided is criminally vague,” Murphy told the head of the CDC, Dr. Robert Redfield, who said the new recommendations would be released “soon.”
Justices go remote in historic change
At the Supreme Court, the pandemic protocols have prompted the nine justices to conduct high-stakes oral arguments by telephone – a historic change for an institution that has resisted previous efforts to adopt greater transparency and technology advancements.
The high court initially closed its building in mid-March, conducting its private conferences remotely and postponing further hearings.
But on May 4, the justices began hearing cases again – via live audio for the first time in its 230-year history.
Justice Dept. requires masks in common areas
Last month, Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen directed Justice Department employees to wear masks in the agency's common or public areas.
Employees are permitted to remove face coverings in individual offices or workspaces when they can maintain social distancing, or 6 feet of separation, from others. Justice also implemented a broad-based teleworking policy, allowing employees to work from home when they can.
The teleworking policy, however, is limited, as thousands of Justice employees are law enforcement officers whose work often requires their physical presence.
NASA looks at optimal air flow, industrial cleaning measures
At NASA headquarters, the space agency is using a “risk-based” approach to getting its staff back on-site, said spokeswoman Karen Northon.
The agency is “strongly recommending” that its employees wear a face covering when they're in public and will issue personal protective equipment to employees returning to work if they are in a high-risk or vulnerable group, and to those in offices where social distancing is not practicable, she said.
NASA also has established a Clean Team Task Force, she said, that is researching industrial sanitation measures to clean workspaces and ways to ensure optimal air filtration. The task force is looking at what's used in the hotel and airline industries, among other settings, to develop a benchmark and make recommendations to the agency’s leadership.
Homeland Security: Protocols depend on location
A spokesman for the Department of Homeland Security said officials are examining which facilities and operations will return to normal and when. "Decisions are highly specific based on functions, duty and location," the spokesman said.
A spokesman with the Department of Health and Human Services did not respond to inquiries about what pandemic precautions the agency has in place.
Contributing: Tom Vanden Brook, Courtney Subramanian, Rich Wolf and Kevin Johnson


usatoday--2020-05-12--Indiana lawmaker accused of racism for posting meme of black children celebrating 'free money'

INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana state Rep. Jim Lucas is defending himself against accusations of racism — again — after he posted a photo on Facebook of black kids dancing with the words `` We gon ' get free money ! ''
Jeannine Lee Lake , an African American woman who is running as a Democrat against U.S. Rep. Greg Pence in the heavily Republican 6th Congressional District , was among several people who commented on Lucas 's latest Facebook post saying it was racist .
`` It makes me want to cry , '' she told IndyStar .
`` And that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amazed .
He 's a leader in our state .
This is not Indiana .
It 's not the best of Indiana certainly .
And it 's sickening . ''
Reached this morning on his cell phone , Lucas , R-Seymour , said he does n't see color and does n't believe his post was racist .
He 's said he created the meme Monday night to protest federal bailouts that have created more debt for future generations .
He happened to find a picture of black kids dancing in the meme generator @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just as easily chosen a photo with white kids .
And , as for the language , he said that 's how he and other people talk .
`` I don ’ t see anything wrong with it , '' he said .
`` People who want to find racism are going to find racism in anything . ''
Lucas , who has a history of controversial social media posts , defended himself similarly from similar accusations last August when he posted a photo of a hangman 's gallows on a story about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rape .
`` This is just like that whole thing of when I used the picture of the gallows , '' Lucas said , `` and everybody made an issue out of that because I used an image of a gallows on a post about a black professed rapist . ''
Lake pointed out the image is not representative of Lucas 's district roughly between Indianapolis and Louisville .
Seymour is 84 % white , 13 % Hispanic and 2 % black .
`` He should know how that hearkens back to black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that kind of heralding of mocking one 's race .
I 'm sorry I do n't think it 's a mistake .
I think he knew exactly what he was doing and I hope people express their outrage on his page . ''
As of late Tuesday morning , the meme had 128 comments and 24 shares .
Some folks , like Lake , indicated they were disgusted in the comments .
`` This post is patently racist and inappropriate , '' said one person .
`` I expect much better from an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even you had more integrity than to post something this patently offensive , '' wrote one .
`` This is about as low as it gets .
No need to respond to my comment .
It 's just sad that you can post something as offensive and racist as this and still get reelected . ''
Another said `` the racist garbage comes out in you again .
You are an embarrassment ! ''
And another simply asked : `` What is wrong with you man . ''
`` Jim , you just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' wrote one .
`` Hang in there , many support what you do . ''
Others defended what they saw as his larger point .
`` Everyone sees that the dems are trying to buy votes and keep the economy down through the election - at any cost , '' wrote one .
`` We ’ re all going to pay for this , not the elite politicians sticking our cash in their pockets . ''
Lucas pointed out he created several memes Monday night , including one saying people should think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does not allow for the stay-at-home order , and one expressing skepticism about the economy reopening when the coronavirus curve is flattened .
`` It 's a vicious circle , '' he told IndyStar .
`` The government puts people in a situation that makes them desperate .
They shut down the businesses and they take away all of the options and the only option they have is the government giving them money . ''
After his interview with IndyStar , he created a new post this morning defending the meme , using @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the meme generator without the added words .
`` I used this STOCK PHOTO of a little boy dancing and celebrating , '' he said in the post , `` because the government is handing out free money , to everyone , regardless of their skin color .
I phrased it in a celebratory way and have danced and mocked things in that exact same manner myself . ''
He then posted a photo of several toothless white kids with the words : `` We gon ' get free money ! ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , smiling , with an oversized yellow cowboy hat saying `` We gon ' get free money ! ''
`` THIS is the kind of garbage that divides us , '' he wrote on Facebook .
`` I don ’ t see nor look at the color of a person ’ s skin and I find it repugnant of those that do .
I apologize for nothing and the meme stays . ''
IndyStar left messages for reaction with the governor 's office , the Speaker 's office and the Indiana Republican Party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are entirely his own.
” Lucas is a Marine , owns an awning company and was first elected in 2012 .
He 's most known for his ardent support of gun rights and has a history of making controversial comments .
In June 2017 , he posted a letter to Facebook saying women should arm themselves to avoid becoming victims of rape .
While he indicated he wanted to empower women , others accused him of victim blaming .
In January 2017 , Lucas was criticized for another Facebook post he shared after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ post showed a police officer in riot gear , pepper-spraying a woman in the face , with the overlaying text : `` Participation trophies , now in liquid form . ''
In December 2016 , he posted a meme on Facebook of a woman in a car trunk with the caption : `` Wan na know who loves you more : your wife or your dog ?
Lock them both in your trunk and see who 's happy to see you when you let them out . ''
Lucas deleted and apologized for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2017 after he received criticism from the Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence .
He later said he believed those posts were blown out of proportion .

Indiana lawmaker accused of racism for posting meme of black children celebrating 'free money'
INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana state Rep. Jim Lucas is defending himself against accusations of racism — again — after he posted a photo on Facebook of black kids dancing with the words "We gon' get free money!"
Jeannine Lee Lake, an African American woman who is running as a Democrat against U.S. Rep. Greg Pence in the heavily Republican 6th Congressional District, was among several people who commented on Lucas's latest Facebook post saying it was racist.
"It makes me want to cry," she told IndyStar. "And that's the truth. I'm just amazed. He's a leader in our state. This is not Indiana. It's not the best of Indiana certainly. And it's sickening."
Reached this morning on his cell phone, Lucas, R-Seymour, said he doesn't see color and doesn't believe his post was racist. He's said he created the meme Monday night to protest federal bailouts that have created more debt for future generations. He happened to find a picture of black kids dancing in the meme generator, he said, but could have just as easily chosen a photo with white kids.
And, as for the language, he said that's how he and other people talk.
"I don’t see anything wrong with it," he said. "People who want to find racism are going to find racism in anything."
Lucas, who has a history of controversial social media posts, defended himself similarly from similar accusations last August when he posted a photo of a hangman's gallows on a story about a black man who pleaded guilty to rape.
"This is just like that whole thing of when I used the picture of the gallows," Lucas said, "and everybody made an issue out of that because I used an image of a gallows on a post about a black professed rapist."
Lake pointed out the image is not representative of Lucas's district roughly between Indianapolis and Louisville. Seymour is 84% white, 13% Hispanic and 2% black.
"He should know how that hearkens back to black face," she said, "that kind of heralding of mocking one's race. I'm sorry I don't think it's a mistake. I think he knew exactly what he was doing and I hope people express their outrage on his page."
Reaction on Facebook was mixed
As of late Tuesday morning, the meme had 128 comments and 24 shares.
Some folks, like Lake, indicated they were disgusted in the comments.
"This post is patently racist and inappropriate," said one person. "I expect much better from an elected official."
"I thought even you had more integrity than to post something this patently offensive," wrote one. "This is about as low as it gets. No need to respond to my comment. It's just sad that you can post something as offensive and racist as this and still get reelected."
Another said "the racist garbage comes out in you again. You are an embarrassment!"
And another simply asked: "What is wrong with you man."
Many others defended Lucas.
"Jim, you just can't win whatever you do," wrote one. "Hang in there, many support what you do."
Others defended what they saw as his larger point.
"Everyone sees that the dems are trying to buy votes and keep the economy down through the election - at any cost," wrote one. "We’re all going to pay for this, not the elite politicians sticking our cash in their pockets."
Lucas adds more memes
Lucas pointed out he created several memes Monday night, including one saying people should think for themselves, one saying the Constitution does not allow for the stay-at-home order, and one expressing skepticism about the economy reopening when the coronavirus curve is flattened.
"It's a vicious circle," he told IndyStar. "The government puts people in a situation that makes them desperate. They shut down the businesses and they take away all of the options and the only option they have is the government giving them money."
After his interview with IndyStar, he created a new post this morning defending the meme, using a photo of the image he found on the meme generator without the added words.
"I used this STOCK PHOTO of a little boy dancing and celebrating," he said in the post, "because the government is handing out free money, to everyone, regardless of their skin color. I phrased it in a celebratory way and have danced and mocked things in that exact same manner myself."
He then posted a photo of several toothless white kids with the words: "We gon' get free money!" Then he posted a picture of himself, smiling, with an oversized yellow cowboy hat saying "We gon' get free money!"
"THIS is the kind of garbage that divides us," he wrote on Facebook. "I don’t see nor look at the color of a person’s skin and I find it repugnant of those that do. I apologize for nothing and the meme stays."
IndyStar left messages for reaction with the governor's office, the Speaker's office and the Indiana Republican Party.
“If you’ve observed Rep. Lucas long enough," said GOP spokesman Jake Oakman,
"you know that his views are entirely his own.”
Lucas has a history of controversy
Lucas is a Marine, owns an awning company and was first elected in 2012. He's most known for his ardent support of gun rights and has a history of making controversial comments.
In June 2017, he posted a letter to Facebook saying women should arm themselves to avoid becoming victims of rape. While he indicated he wanted to empower women, others accused him of victim blaming.
In January 2017, Lucas was criticized for another Facebook post he shared after the post-inauguration Women's March. The post showed a police officer in riot gear, pepper-spraying a woman in the face, with the overlaying text: "Participation trophies, now in liquid form."
In December 2016, he posted a meme on Facebook of a woman in a car trunk with the caption: "Wanna know who loves you more: your wife or your dog? Lock them both in your trunk and see who's happy to see you when you let them out."
Lucas deleted and apologized for the posts in December 2016 and January 2017 after he received criticism from the Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
He later said he believed those posts were blown out of proportion.
Follow Chris Sikich on Twitter: @ChrisSikich


usatoday--2020-05-12--Pennsylvania Gov. Wolf threatens consequences for counties, businesses that reopen too soon

YORK , Pa. – Two days after state Rep. Mike Jones , R-York Township , told York County business owners he thought they had Gov .
Tom Wolf “ on the ropes , ” Wolf punched back .
He listed consequences , from losing discretionary federal stimulus funds to putting liquor licenses at risk , in a Monday statement for counties and businesses that try to move to yellow before the state allows .
“ I can not allow residents in a red county to get sick because their local officials can ’ t see the invisible risk of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ So , I must , and I will impose consequences if a county locally lifts restrictions when it has not yet been given the go-ahead by the state.
” Wolf ’ s actions came after elected officials and businesses in many counties not named to move to yellow on May 15 started to fight back .
Scattered restaurants opened for in-house dining Sunday which as Mother ’ s Day is one of the biggest days of the year for them .
Coronavirus updates : Gov .
Wolf has harsh words @ @ @ @ @ @ @ District attorneys said they wouldn ’ t prosecute businesses that opened and followed mitigation guidelines , so law enforcement shouldn ’ t even issue criminal citations .
Jones defied CDC guidelines against large gatherings by hosting approximately 150 business owners to discuss how they could reopen now .
“ Republicans are voting for business ; the Democrats aren ’ t , ” Jones said at the meeting .
“ But we ’ ve seen some cracks in the armor.
” Jones admitted they don ’ t have the veto-proof votes or even complete @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way on everything.
” The representative said Saturday that “ when you call his bluff and you fight , they cave .
… The bark is way , way worse than the bite.
” But Wolf showed his teeth with the threat of lost licenses , insurance and discretionary funds on Monday .
He said the following could happen to counties that do not abide by the law to remain closed : • Counties will not be eligible for federal stimulus discretionary funds the state receives and he intends to provide to counties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Businesses in counties that do not abide by the law will no longer be eligible for business liability insurance and the protections it provides .
• Restaurants that reopen for dine-in service in counties that have not been authorized to reopen will be at risk of losing their liquor license .
• County residents receiving unemployment compensation will be able to continue to receive benefits even if their employer reopens .
At a Monday news conference , Wolf had strong words for elected politicians who want to take things into their own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cowardly ” and said they are engaging in “ behavior that is both selfish and unsafe.
” And he had additional warnings for business owners who want to follow those elected officials .
Along with the potential to lose a liquor license , business owners who open early could find themselves at risk of losing their health department certificate and certificate of occupancy .
“ All of these depend upon you doing everything you can to keep your patrons safe , ” Wolf said Monday .
“ And by opening before the evidence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ undue risk with the safety of your customers .
“ It ’ s not only morally wrong , it ’ s also really bad business.
” Senate leaders quickly pounced on Wolf ’ s statements , urging him to stop name-calling and to instead engage with elected officials .
“ You can only govern to the willingness of the people to be governed .
Gov .
Wolf has lost that , ” Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati , R-25 , and Senate Majority Leader Jake Corman , R-34 , said in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ done an outstanding job of rising to the cause of reducing community spread and flattening the curve .
Instead of threatening local officials and communities , the Governor should listen to the outcry in response to his dogma.
” Scarnati and Corman said elected officials are the ones Pennsylvania residents are turning to with their concerns .
And , because of that , Wolf should talk with elected officials because they are the “ best measure when it comes to knowing if their communities can return to their livelihoods in a safe way.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ but it is the state Legislature who ultimately controls the purse strings , '' said Jones .
`` By unnecessarily decimating the economy , he has ironically rendered himself a toothless lion .
With looming massive budget shortfalls and constituents reaching their breaking point , the governor lacks both the financial and political capital to follow through on any of his threats against our counties or businesses.
” Want to talk more about politics ?
: Join our Facebook group : ‘ Across the Aisle , Across the Nation.
’ Wolf and Secretary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they are making reopening decisions based on the advice of scientists , medical professionals and the state ’ s epidemiologists .
They are factoring in case counts , modeling , geographic location , contact tracing and testing capabilities for counties , regions and the entire state .
Each county is considered individually before deciding on placement into the red , yellow or green phases , the governor ’ s news release said .
Scarnati and Corman said the decision to open a county shouldn ’ t come from Wolf and Levine , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know the community .
And proposed legislation will do that , they said .
The pair said the Senate will move ahead with legislation this week to allow counties , with help from local emergency and health officials , to make reopening decisions for their communities .
“ This includes allowing employers to reopen if they adhere to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Pennsylvania Department of Health safety requirements , ” the senators said .
“ This legislation is not only the right approach , but is the best approach for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are dealing .
”

Pennsylvania Gov. Wolf threatens consequences for counties, businesses that reopen too soon
Show Caption Hide Caption Protesters tell Gov. Wolf to 'open up' Pennsylvania Approximately 150 protesters chanted and carried signs telling Wolf they want Pennsylvania to get back to work. Shelly Stallsmith, mstallsmith@ydr.com
YORK, Pa. – Two days after state Rep. Mike Jones, R-York Township, told York County business owners he thought they had Gov. Tom Wolf “on the ropes,” Wolf punched back.
He listed consequences, from losing discretionary federal stimulus funds to putting liquor licenses at risk, in a Monday statement for counties and businesses that try to move to yellow before the state allows.
“I cannot allow residents in a red county to get sick because their local officials can’t see the invisible risk of the virus in their community,” Wolf said. “So, I must, and I will impose consequences if a county locally lifts restrictions when it has not yet been given the go-ahead by the state.”
Wolf’s actions came after elected officials and businesses in many counties not named to move to yellow on May 15 started to fight back.
Scattered restaurants opened for in-house dining Sunday which as Mother’s Day is one of the biggest days of the year for them.
Reopening: Central Pa. beginning to mutiny against Gov. Wolf's shutdown orders
Coronavirus updates: Gov. Wolf has harsh words for those who 'surrender' to COVID
District attorneys said they wouldn’t prosecute businesses that opened and followed mitigation guidelines, so law enforcement shouldn’t even issue criminal citations.
Jones defied CDC guidelines against large gatherings by hosting approximately 150 business owners to discuss how they could reopen now.
“Republicans are voting for business; the Democrats aren’t,” Jones said at the meeting. “But we’ve seen some cracks in the armor.”
Jones admitted they don’t have the veto-proof votes or even complete Republican support “to vote the right way on everything.”
The representative said Saturday that “when you call his bluff and you fight, they cave. … The bark is way, way worse than the bite.”
But Wolf showed his teeth with the threat of lost licenses, insurance and discretionary funds on Monday.
He said the following could happen to counties that do not abide by the law to remain closed:
Counties will not be eligible for federal stimulus discretionary funds the state receives and he intends to provide to counties for populations of fewer than 500,000.
Businesses in counties that do not abide by the law will no longer be eligible for business liability insurance and the protections it provides.
Restaurants that reopen for dine-in service in counties that have not been authorized to reopen will be at risk of losing their liquor license.
County residents receiving unemployment compensation will be able to continue to receive benefits even if their employer reopens.
At a Monday news conference, Wolf had strong words for elected politicians who want to take things into their own hands. He called their actions “cowardly” and said they are engaging in “behavior that is both selfish and unsafe.”
And he had additional warnings for business owners who want to follow those elected officials.
Along with the potential to lose a liquor license, business owners who open early could find themselves at risk of losing their health department certificate and certificate of occupancy.
“All of these depend upon you doing everything you can to keep your patrons safe,” Wolf said Monday. “And by opening before the evidence suggests you should, you are taking undue risk with the safety of your customers.
“It’s not only morally wrong, it’s also really bad business.”
Senate leaders quickly pounced on Wolf’s statements, urging him to stop name-calling and to instead engage with elected officials.
“You can only govern to the willingness of the people to be governed. Gov. Wolf has lost that,” Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati, R-25, and Senate Majority Leader Jake Corman, R-34, said in a joint statement.
“Pennsylvania residents have done an outstanding job of rising to the cause of reducing community spread and flattening the curve. Instead of threatening local officials and communities, the Governor should listen to the outcry in response to his dogma.”
Scarnati and Corman said elected officials are the ones Pennsylvania residents are turning to with their concerns. And, because of that, Wolf should talk with elected officials because they are the “best measure when it comes to knowing if their communities can return to their livelihoods in a safe way.”
“I respect the governor, but it is the state Legislature who ultimately controls the purse strings," said Jones. "By unnecessarily decimating the economy, he has ironically rendered himself a toothless lion. With looming massive budget shortfalls and constituents reaching their breaking point, the governor lacks both the financial and political capital to follow through on any of his threats against our counties or businesses.”
Want to talk more about politics?: Join our Facebook group: ‘Across the Aisle, Across the Nation.’
Wolf and Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine have said they are making reopening decisions based on the advice of scientists, medical professionals and the state’s epidemiologists. They are factoring in case counts, modeling, geographic location, contact tracing and testing capabilities for counties, regions and the entire state.
Each county is considered individually before deciding on placement into the red, yellow or green phases, the governor’s news release said.
Scarnati and Corman said the decision to open a county shouldn’t come from Wolf and Levine, it should come from the people who best know the community.
And proposed legislation will do that, they said. The pair said the Senate will move ahead with legislation this week to allow counties, with help from local emergency and health officials, to make reopening decisions for their communities.
“This includes allowing employers to reopen if they adhere to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Pennsylvania Department of Health safety requirements,” the senators said. “This legislation is not only the right approach, but is the best approach for the public health emergency with which we are dealing.”
Follow Shelly Stallsmith on Twitter: @ShelStallsmith.


usatoday--2020-05-12--'Classless': McConnell says Obama 'should have kept his mouth shut' on Trump's handling of coronavir

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said Monday that former President Barack Obama `` should have kept his mouth shut '' on the Trump administration 's handling of the coronavirus pandemic .
The Kentucky Republican criticized Obama while speaking with President Donald Trump 's daughter-in-law , Lara Trump , during a Trump reelection campaign live stream .
`` I think President Obama should have kept his mouth shut , '' McConnell said .
`` You know , we know he does n't like much this administration is doing .
That 's understandable .
But I think it 's a little bit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ administration that comes after you . ''
McConnell appeared to take aim at Obama 's comments from Friday , when the Democrat reportedly told 3,000 of his former staffers during a private call that the White House response to the COVID-19 pandemic has been an `` absolute chaotic disaster . ''
Obama , who until Friday had otherwise largely refrained from critiquing his successor 's actions during the coronavirus crisis , also reportedly blamed the `` anemic and spotty '' response on a `` mindset '' in the Trump administration of `` what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to heck with everyone else . ''
McConnell said Obama should take lessons from former Presidents George H.W .
Bush and George W. Bush .
Both were Republicans followed by Democrats .
`` You had your shot .
you were there for eight years , '' McConnell said .
`` I think the tradition that the Bushes set up – of not critiquing the president who comes after you – is a good tradition . ''
'Chaotic disaster ' : Obama slams US coronavirus response in call with former staffers Still , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ means enjoyed a cordial relationship with one another .
Earlier this month , Bush released a video urging unity to fight COVID-19 while praising health care workers and other Americans who are meeting a historic `` shared threat . ''
`` In the final analysis , we are not partisan combatants , '' Bush said .
`` We are human beings , equally vulnerable and equally wonderful in the sight of God .
We rise or fall together , and we are determined to rise . ''
While Bush 's video did not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not thrilled with the message .
In a series of tweets after the video was released , Trump alluded to his impeachment trial and said Bush `` was nowhere to be found in speaking up against the greatest Hoax in American history ! ''
Trump , who has claimed that his administration 's response to the pandemic saved `` millions of lives , '' has also criticized his predecessor over the years and worked to roll back several key policies that Obama enacted during his time in the White House .
Partisan bickering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As of Tuesday morning , the virus has resulted in over 80,000 deaths and 1.3 million confirmed cases in the U.S. Obama has endorsed and promised to campaign `` as hard as I can '' for his former vice president , Biden , who is seeking to make Trump a one-term president by winning this year 's election .
During Monday 's live stream , Lara Trump also asked McConnell about why some Democrats `` seem insistent '' on `` keeping the economy shut down '' during the pandemic .
'Needless suffering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warns of dangers if US opens too early amid coronavirus pandemic McConnell replied that `` I do n't know what it is ... the Democrats seem to actually prefer keeping people locked up at home , and that 's one of the reasons some of the governors have begun to run into trouble . ''
He then alluded to Kentucky Gov .
Andy Beshear , highlighting how the Democrat has lost several federal court cases related to a travel ban and restrictions on church services in the Bluegrass State during the pandemic .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the executive orders that governors have issued in an effort to limit the spread of COVID-19 , McConnell said .
The governors , McConnell said , have been `` struck down ( and ) been overruled for being sort of drunk with power and the opportunity to keep everybody locked up . ''
COVID-19 expert : Coronavirus will rage 'until it infects everybody it possibly can '

'Classless': McConnell says Obama 'should have kept his mouth shut' on Trump's handling of coronavirus
Show Caption Hide Caption The White House adopts new coronavirus safety measures Aides and reporters wore face masks at President Trump's Rose Garden briefing as part of new safety measures. Associated Press, Wochit
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said Monday that former President Barack Obama "should have kept his mouth shut" on the Trump administration's handling of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Kentucky Republican criticized Obama while speaking with President Donald Trump's daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, during a Trump reelection campaign live stream.
"I think President Obama should have kept his mouth shut," McConnell said. "You know, we know he doesn't like much this administration is doing. That's understandable. But I think it's a little bit classless, frankly, to critique an administration that comes after you."
McConnell appeared to take aim at Obama's comments from Friday, when the Democrat reportedly told 3,000 of his former staffers during a private call that the White House response to the COVID-19 pandemic has been an "absolute chaotic disaster."
Obama, who until Friday had otherwise largely refrained from critiquing his successor's actions during the coronavirus crisis, also reportedly blamed the "anemic and spotty" response on a "mindset" in the Trump administration of "what's in it for me, and to heck with everyone else."
McConnell said Obama should take lessons from former Presidents George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush. Both were Republicans followed by Democrats.
"You had your shot. you were there for eight years," McConnell said. "I think the tradition that the Bushes set up – of not critiquing the president who comes after you – is a good tradition."
'Chaotic disaster': Obama slams US coronavirus response in call with former staffers
Still, the younger Bush and Trump have by no means enjoyed a cordial relationship with one another.
Earlier this month, Bush released a video urging unity to fight COVID-19 while praising health care workers and other Americans who are meeting a historic "shared threat."
"In the final analysis, we are not partisan combatants," Bush said. "We are human beings, equally vulnerable and equally wonderful in the sight of God. We rise or fall together, and we are determined to rise."
While Bush's video did not mention Trump, the current commander-in-chief was not thrilled with the message.
In a series of tweets after the video was released, Trump alluded to his impeachment trial and said Bush "was nowhere to be found in speaking up against the greatest Hoax in American history!"
Trump, who has claimed that his administration's response to the pandemic saved "millions of lives," has also criticized his predecessor over the years and worked to roll back several key policies that Obama enacted during his time in the White House.
Partisan bickering has not subsided during the coronavirus pandemic.
As of Tuesday morning, the virus has resulted in over 80,000 deaths and 1.3 million confirmed cases in the U.S.
Obama has endorsed and promised to campaign "as hard as I can" for his former vice president, Biden, who is seeking to make Trump a one-term president by winning this year's election.
During Monday's live stream, Lara Trump also asked McConnell about why some Democrats "seem insistent" on "keeping the economy shut down" during the pandemic.
'Needless suffering and death': Dr. Anthony Fauci warns of dangers if US opens too early amid coronavirus pandemic
McConnell replied that "I don't know what it is ... the Democrats seem to actually prefer keeping people locked up at home, and that's one of the reasons some of the governors have begun to run into trouble."
He then alluded to Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, highlighting how the Democrat has lost several federal court cases related to a travel ban and restrictions on church services in the Bluegrass State during the pandemic.
Americans are "beginning to chafe" at the executive orders that governors have issued in an effort to limit the spread of COVID-19, McConnell said.
The governors, McConnell said, have been "struck down (and) been overruled for being sort of drunk with power and the opportunity to keep everybody locked up."
COVID-19 expert: Coronavirus will rage 'until it infects everybody it possibly can'


usatoday--2020-05-12--Bipartisan group of senators want $200 million in diaper assistance in next coronavirus rescue bill

A bipartisan group of senators on Monday called for the next coronavirus rescue package to include $ 200 million in diaper assistance as families contend with shortages and increased demand amid layoffs and lost income .
Sens .
Joni Ernst , R-Iowa , and Chris Murphy , D-Conn. , called for the diaper relief in a joint letter to Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer .
They were joined by Sens .
Tammy Baldwin , D-Wis. , Bob Casey , D-Pa. , Susan Collins , R-Maine , Kevin Cramer , R-N.D. , and Thom Tillis , R-N.C. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dire circumstances .
Even as parents face layoffs and unprecedented unemployment numbers , recent reporting has shown a run on diapers from stockpiling and supply chain issues leaving families unsure if they will be able to access diapers for their children , '' the senators wrote .
One in three families already could not afford a steady supply of diapers before the pandemic began , with low-income families spending about 14 % of their income on the disposable baby products , the senators said .
Though nonprofits help by distributing more than 80 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be done , they added .
`` Even before the COVID-19 pandemic hit , nonprofit diaper bank distribution only met five to six percent of diaper need .
Most diaper banks , which were already oversubscribed and had waiting lists for partner agencies , are now facing severe supply shortages due to the demand increase as more families experience job loss during this pandemic , '' the senators said .
Looking for Pampers and Huggies ?
: Diapers and wipes return to store shelves as COVID-19 shortages ease While some turned to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was n't an option for those without a washing machine or easy access to a laundromat .
Many child care providers require the parents to supply disposal diapers and wo n't accept the kids without them .
`` Essential workers should not have to worry about diaper need becoming a barrier for accessing childcare , '' the senators said .
As with toilet paper and several other hygiene products , many shoppers stockpiled supplies of diapers when the outbreak began , draining the shelves and causing a shortage from which experts predict it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fully recover .
Despite this plea from the senators , which they call a `` necessity for the health and well-being of every young child , '' their proposal is just one of several items lawmakers have floated as possible inclusions in a future stimulus bill , the fate of which remains uncertain .
Some Republicans have balked at the direct relief for local and state governments that have been proposed by Democrats , while President Donald Trump has proposed a payroll tax cut that Democrats oppose .
McConnell has suggested Congress pause @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expressed opposition to including what he calls `` pre-existing partisan wish-lists '' or `` tangential left-wing daydreams . ''
More checks ?
A payroll tax cut ?
: Trump and Congress are split on the next coronavirus stimulus plan

Bipartisan group of senators want $200 million in diaper assistance in next coronavirus rescue bill
Show Caption Hide Caption Coronavirus: Tips for dealing with diaper, baby wipe shortage COVID-19 stockpiling wiped out diapers and wipes. Baby essentials are returning to shelves, but it could be two months before they are easy to find. USA TODAY
A bipartisan group of senators on Monday called for the next coronavirus rescue package to include $200 million in diaper assistance as families contend with shortages and increased demand amid layoffs and lost income.
Sens. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, and Chris Murphy, D-Conn., called for the diaper relief in a joint letter to Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. They were joined by Sens. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., Bob Casey, D-Pa., Susan Collins, R-Maine, Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., and Thom Tillis, R-N.C.
"COVID-19 has forced working families into dire circumstances. Even as parents face layoffs and unprecedented unemployment numbers, recent reporting has shown a run on diapers from stockpiling and supply chain issues leaving families unsure if they will be able to access diapers for their children," the senators wrote.
One in three families already could not afford a steady supply of diapers before the pandemic began, with low-income families spending about 14% of their income on the disposable baby products, the senators said. Though nonprofits help by distributing more than 80 million diapers a month, more needs to be done, they added.
"Even before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, nonprofit diaper bank distribution only met five to six percent of diaper need. Most diaper banks, which were already oversubscribed and had waiting lists for partner agencies, are now facing severe supply shortages due to the demand increase as more families experience job loss during this pandemic," the senators said.
Looking for Pampers and Huggies?: Diapers and wipes return to store shelves as COVID-19 shortages ease
Tips on how to deal with money stress and ways to seek help Marriage and family therapist Adriana Alejandre shares tips to handle anxiety over money and how to look for help during quarantine. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
While some turned to cloth diapers as a backup, that wasn't an option for those without a washing machine or easy access to a laundromat. Many child care providers require the parents to supply disposal diapers and won't accept the kids without them.
"Essential workers should not have to worry about diaper need becoming a barrier for accessing childcare," the senators said.
As with toilet paper and several other hygiene products, many shoppers stockpiled supplies of diapers when the outbreak began, draining the shelves and causing a shortage from which experts predict it could take at least another month to fully recover.
Despite this plea from the senators, which they call a "necessity for the health and well-being of every young child," their proposal is just one of several items lawmakers have floated as possible inclusions in a future stimulus bill, the fate of which remains uncertain.
Some Republicans have balked at the direct relief for local and state governments that have been proposed by Democrats, while President Donald Trump has proposed a payroll tax cut that Democrats oppose. McConnell has suggested Congress pause before approving additional stimulus money and has expressed opposition to including what he calls "pre-existing partisan wish-lists" or "tangential left-wing daydreams."
Contributing: Jessica Guynn
More checks? A payroll tax cut?: Trump and Congress are split on the next coronavirus stimulus plan


usatoday--2020-05-13--Judge in Michael Flynn case delaying decision on DOJ request to abandon prosecution

WASHINGTON – A federal judge is delaying an immediate decision on a Justice Department request to abandon the prosecution of former national security adviser Michael Flynn , saying that he will allow time for outside parties to challenge the government 's position .
U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan , in a Tuesday order , said he would set a schedule for parties to submit their challenges at a later date , injecting more drama into the case against the former Army general who first pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI in 2017 about his communications with then-Russian Ambassador Sergey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sullivan did not address the Justice Department 's effort to drop the case , saying only that he `` anticipates that individuals and organizations '' will attempt to file arguments of their own .
`` Accordingly , at the appropriate time , the Court will enter a scheduling order governing the submission of any amicus curiae briefs , '' Sullivan said .
Flynn ’ s lawyers quickly responded , saying that outside parties had no standing in the case .
“ A criminal case is a dispute between the United States and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lawyers argued in their own filing .
“ There is no place for third parties to meddle in the dispute , and certainly not to usurp the role of the government ’ s counsel .
For the Court to allow another to stand in the place of the government would be a violation of the separation of powers.
” Describing the case as drawing `` extraordinary national and international interest , '' attorneys for Flynn said outside parties were `` free to express their views '' but there was no provision to join @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made repeated reference to a group of former prosecutors they dubbed `` Watergate prosecutors '' who sought to enter the case , but they asked the judge to deny them a forum .
Justice 's decision has prompted a wave of protest , including from about 2,000 former department officials who have called for the ouster of Attorney General William Barr '' The 'Watergate Prosecutors ' have no special role and no authority whatsoever to insert themselves in this litigation on behalf of anyone , '' Flynn 's attorneys said .
`` They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ requests and attempts this court has quickly and resoundingly denied . ''
Instead , Flynn 's lawyers appealed for the judge to follow the Justice Department 's recommendation .
`` Moreover , this travesty of justice has already consumed three or more years of an innocent man ’ s life – and that of his entire family , '' the attorneys argued .
`` No further delay should be tolerated or any further expense caused to him and his defense .
This Court should enter the order proposed by the government immediately .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ move is highly unusual and suggests the judge will take his time in deciding whether to dismiss the case against Flynn .
`` Then again , I can not remember another instance where a defendant pleaded guilty twice and then the DOJ moves to dismiss the case .
Under no regime except Trump has anything like this occurred , '' said Patrick Cotter , a former federal prosecutor .
Cotter said he 's one of the signatories in a third-party brief that will be filed soon .
Sullivan 's decision also raises the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ required to present evidence to support its motion to dismiss , Cotter said .
The department also could appeal Sullivan 's order and force him to accept the motion .
Jonathan Turley , a constitutional law professor at George Washington University , said allowing third parties to weigh in `` can certainly add more heat but not light . ''
`` More importantly , it is unlikely to change the outcome , '' Turley said on Twitter .
`` This appears to confirm that he is unlikely to go quietly into the night @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Sullivan 's directive comes less than a week after the Justice Department set off a political firestorm by announcing its intention to drop the prosecution of the retired Army general .
Justice officials , in court documents filed Thursday , claimed that the FBI 's 2017 interview of the then-national security adviser was `` unjustified '' as they sought to learn about his communications with then-Ambassador Kislyak .
In that interview , Flynn lied when he told agents that he had not discussed sanctions imposed against Russia by the Obama administration .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ cooperate with Russia special counsel Robert Mueller before reversing course early this year when he sought to withdraw his plea , asserting that he was duped by federal investigators .
`` The government is not persuaded that the January 24 , 2017 interview was conducted with a legitimate investigative basis and therefore does not believe Mr. Flynn ’ s statements were material even if untrue , '' the Justice Department concluded .
`` Moreover , we do not believe that the government can prove either the relevant false statements or their materiality beyond @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the Justice Department flies in the face of a searing rebuke of Flynn by Sullivan , who oversaw an initial sentencing hearing in December 2018 .
`` Arguably , you sold your country out , '' Sullivan said then .
`` I 'm going to be frank with you .
This is a very serious offense .
It involves making false statements to the FBI on the premises of the White House – in the West Wing . ''

Kevin Johnson and Kristine Phillips, USA TODAY

Judge in Michael Flynn case delaying decision on DOJ request to abandon prosecution
Show Caption Hide Caption Justice Department dropping its case against Gen. Michael Flynn The DOJ will drop the criminal case against Gen. Michael Flynn for lying to the FBI about contact with a Russian Ambassador. Flynn pleaded guilty. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – A federal judge is delaying an immediate decision on a Justice Department request to abandon the prosecution of former national security adviser Michael Flynn, saying he will allow time for outside parties to challenge the government's position.
U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan said in an order Tuesday that he would set a schedule for parties to submit their challenges at a later date, injecting more drama into the case against the former Army general who first pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI in 2017 about his communications with then-Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak.
In the brief order, Sullivan did not address the Justice Department's effort to drop the case, saying only that he "anticipates that individuals and organizations" will seek to file arguments of their own.
"Accordingly, at the appropriate time, the Court will enter a scheduling order governing the submission of any amicus curiae briefs," Sullivan said.
Flynn’s lawyers quickly responded and said outside parties had no standing in the case.
“A criminal case is a dispute between the United States and a criminal defendant,” Flynn’s lawyers argued in their own filing. “There is no place for third parties to meddle in the dispute, and certainly not to usurp the role of the government’s counsel. For the Court to allow another to stand in the place of the government would be a violation of the separation of powers.”
Describing the case as drawing "extraordinary national and international interest," attorneys for Flynn said outside parties were "free to express their views" but there was no provision to join an ongoing criminal case.
The attorneys made repeated reference to a group of former prosecutors they dubbed "Watergate prosecutors" who sought to enter the case, but they asked the judge to deny them a forum. The Justice Department's decision has prompted a wave of protest, including from about 2,000 former department officials who have called for the ouster of Attorney General William Barr
"The 'Watergate Prosecutors' have no special role and no authority whatsoever to insert themselves in this litigation on behalf of anyone," Flynn's attorneys said. "They are no different than all those whose requests and attempts this court has quickly and resoundingly denied."
Instead, Flynn's lawyers appealed for the judge to follow the Justice Department's recommendation.
"Moreover, this travesty of justice has already consumed three or more years of an innocent man’s life – and that of his entire family," the attorneys argued. "No further delay should be tolerated or any further expense caused to him and his defense. This Court should enter the order proposed by the government immediately."
Former federal prosecutors said Sullivan's move is highly unusual and suggests the judge will take his time in deciding whether to dismiss the case against Flynn.
"Then again, I cannot remember another instance where a defendant pleaded guilty twice and then the DOJ moves to dismiss the case. Under no regime except Trump has anything like this occurred," said Patrick Cotter, a former federal prosecutor. Cotter said he's one of the signatories in a third-party brief that will be filed soon.
Sullivan's decision also raises the likelihood that the Justice Department would be required to present evidence to support its motion to dismiss, Cotter said. The department also could appeal Sullivan's order and force him to accept the motion.
Jonathan Turley, a constitutional law professor at George Washington University, said allowing third parties to weigh in "can certainly add more heat but not light."
"More importantly, it is unlikely to change the outcome," Turley said on Twitter. "This appears to confirm that he is unlikely to go quietly into the night with a ruling on the papers."
Sullivan's directive comes less than a week after the Justice Department set off a political firestorm by announcing its intention to drop the prosecution of the retired Army general.
Justice officials, in court documents filed Thursday, said the FBI's 2017 interview of the then-national security adviser was "unjustified" as they sought to learn about his communications with then-Ambassador Kislyak.
In that interview, Flynn lied when he told agents that he had not discussed sanctions imposed against Russia by the Obama administration. He subsequently pleaded guilty and agreed to cooperate with Russia special counsel Robert Mueller before reversing course early this year when he sought to withdraw his plea, asserting that he was duped by federal investigators.
"The government is not persuaded that the January 24, 2017 interview was conducted with a legitimate investigative basis and therefore does not believe Mr. Flynn’s statements were material even if untrue," the Justice Department concluded. "Moreover, we do not believe that the government can prove either the relevant false statements or their materiality beyond a reasonable doubt."
Unwinding Mueller inquiry: Michael Flynn case continues DOJ's dismantling of Robert Mueller's investigation 'brick by brick'
The decision by the Justice Department flies in the face of a searing rebuke of Flynn by Sullivan, who oversaw an initial sentencing hearing in December 2018.
"Arguably, you sold your country out," Sullivan said then. "I'm going to be frank with you. This is a very serious offense. It involves making false statements to the FBI on the premises of the White House – in the West Wing."


usatoday--2020-05-13--'I don't think you're the end-all': Rand Paul slams Anthony Fauci at Senate hearing

Sen. Rand Paul tangled with the nation 's foremost COVID-19 public health expert during a Senate committee hearing Tuesday over sending kids back to school and reopening the economy .
Speaking during a meeting of the Committee on Health , Education , Labor and Pensions , Paul , R-Ky. , said it is `` ridiculous '' to have a national strategy of not sending kids back to school in the fall and attacked Dr. Anthony Fauci , director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases .
Paul said that the COVID-19 mortality rate of children is much lower @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sweden , which has kept schools open for children under 16 and is outside the top 10 countries in the world for COVID-19 deaths per capita .
Sweden does , however , have the largest number of COVID-19 cases and fatalities in Scandinavia .
`` If we keep kids out of school for another year , what 's going to happen is the poor and underprivileged kids who do n't have a parent that 's able to teach them at home are not going to learn for a full year , '' Paul @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Messages and tone conflict in a long-distance COVID-19 debate Paul rebuked Fauci , saying : `` I do n't think you 're the end-all .
I do n't think you 're the one person who gets to make a decision .
We can listen to your advice , but there are people on the other side saying there 's not going to be a surge and that we can safely open the economy . ''
Fauci took exception to Paul 's comments , saying he never made himself out to be the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that he does n't give advice about `` anything other than public health . ''
Though Fauci said that children have lower mortality rates than adults and the elderly , he added that `` I think we better be careful if we are not cavalier in thinking that children are completely immune to the deleterious effects '' of COVID-19 .
`` I am very careful , and hopefully humble , in knowing that I do n't know everything about this disease , '' Fauci said .
`` And that 's why I 'm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Paul 's comments came less than a day after Kentucky Gov .
Andy Beshear announced a 10-year-old Kentucky child was in critical condition due to COVID-19 .
Answering a question from Sen. Lamar Alexander , R-Tenn. , earlier in the hearing , Fauci called the possibility of having a vaccine in time for the return of K-12 or college students in the fall “ unrealistic.
” '' Even at the top speed we 're going , we do n't see a vaccine playing in the ability of individuals to get back to @ @ @ @ @ @

Ben Tobin and Mandy McLaren, Louisville Courier Journal

'I don't think you're the end-all': Rand Paul slams Anthony Fauci at Senate hearing
Show Caption Hide Caption Coronavirus: Fauci says more deaths to come if no adequate response Dr. Anthony Fauci told senators "it is without a doubt that there will be infections" in the fall and warned of more deaths without adequate response. Associated Press, USA TODAY
Sen. Rand Paul tangled with the nation's foremost COVID-19 public health expert during a Senate committee hearing Tuesday over sending kids back to school and reopening the economy.
Speaking during a meeting of the Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, Paul, R-Ky., said it is "ridiculous" to have a national strategy of not sending kids back to school in the fall and attacked Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
Paul said that the COVID-19 mortality rate of children is much lower than adults, and he pointed to Sweden, which has kept schools open for children under 16 and is outside the top 10 countries in the world for COVID-19 deaths per capita. Sweden does, however, have the largest number of COVID-19 cases and fatalities in Scandinavia.
"If we keep kids out of school for another year, what's going to happen is the poor and underprivileged kids who don't have a parent that's able to teach them at home are not going to learn for a full year," Paul said.
The president vs. the doctor: Messages and tone conflict in a long-distance COVID-19 debate
Paul rebuked Fauci, saying: "I don't think you're the end-all. I don't think you're the one person who gets to make a decision. We can listen to your advice, but there are people on the other side saying there's not going to be a surge and that we can safely open the economy."
Fauci: Hopeful of vaccine trials by winter The Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Dr. Anthony Fauci says the government is working on several potential vaccines for COVID-19. (May 12) AP
Fauci took exception to Paul's comments, saying he never made himself out to be the "only voice of this" and that he doesn't give advice about "anything other than public health."
Though Fauci said that children have lower mortality rates than adults and the elderly, he added that "I think we better be careful if we are not cavalier in thinking that children are completely immune to the deleterious effects" of COVID-19.
"I am very careful, and hopefully humble, in knowing that I don't know everything about this disease," Fauci said. "And that's why I'm very reserved in making broad predictions."
Fauci's testimony: 5 takeaways from the Senate coronavirus hearing
Paul's comments came less than a day after Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear announced a 10-year-old Kentucky child was in critical condition due to COVID-19.
Answering a question from Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., earlier in the hearing, Fauci called the possibility of having a vaccine in time for the return of K-12 or college students in the fall “unrealistic.”
"Even at the top speed we're going, we don't see a vaccine playing in the ability of individuals to get back to school, this term."
Follow Ben Tobin on Twitter: @TobinBen.


usatoday--2020-05-13--Indiana lawmaker accused of racism for posting meme of black children celebrating 'free money'


usatoday--2020-05-13--Health experts tell House coronavirus committee that millions more tests per week are needed

WASHINGTON – As many as 6 million Americans could be tested for the coronavirus every week by September – and it still might not be enough to allow the entire country to reopen safely .
A panel of health experts on Wednesday told a congressional panel monitoring the federal response to the COVID-19 pandemic that the progress being made on ramping up testing remains far short considering that states are beginning to loosen social distancing restrictions enacted over the past two months .
`` It was inadequate testing that precipitated the national shutdown .
We must not make the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nation , '' Ashish Jha , director of the Harvard Global Health Institute , told the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis .
`` The U.S. needs more than 900,000 tests every day to safely open up again .
We are doing about a third of that . ''
Jha and other experts urged more transparency at the federal level and better coordination on the strategic deployment of existing tests to gauge a community 's vulnerability .
More : Pelosi names seven Democratic lawmakers to committee tasked with overseeing coronavirus stimulus money Mark @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Medicare & Medicaid Services under President George W. Bush , said 2 million to 3 million tests were done in the past week .
`` That 's a significant increase of where we 've been , '' he told the committee .
Based on the administration 's expectations about testing increases this month , McClellan said the nation should be on track for 3½ million a week by the end of the month and `` maybe 6 million per week by September . ''
That still would be about 300,000 tests a week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Institute is calling for .
And , McLellan said , current testing could be improved through more strategic distribution of available kits .
Scott Gottlieb , former Food and Drug Administration commissioner under President Donald Trump , said flattening case numbers show an improving situation and technological advances will boost testing capacity in the coming weeks .
But he also cautioned about moving too quickly .
`` We 're seeing signs of a slowing epidemic nationally but we 're still going to be reopening against a backdrop of more spread than we anticipated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Red states , most of them in the South , have led efforts to reopen their economies , cheered on by Trump , whose administration released a reopening plan that reportedly excluded more restrictive measures than government health experts recommended .
`` The question that is being discussed at every kitchen table in America right now ( is ) how will we know when we are ready to safely reopen our country ?
To answer that question , we should be informed by history and guided by science , '' said Committee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we all want to reopen as soon as possible , doing so before the proper safeguards are in place would cause more sickness and death . ''
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi created the panel to monitor the spending of more than $ 2 trillion – so far – to combat the crisis and help the U.S. economy battered by a virus that has upended daily life .
Republicans opposed the creation of the commission , viewing it as a partisan effort to tarnish the president .
Republicans on the committee spent much of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ panel when the House already has eight standing committees to conduct oversight .
`` This is crazy , '' said Indiana GOP Rep. Jackie Walorski , comparing the panel to the efforts by Democrats to impeach Trump last year .
`` The last thing this coronavirus effort needed was another committee . ''

Health experts tell House coronavirus committee that millions more tests per week are needed
Show Caption Hide Caption Coronavirus: Fauci says more deaths to come if no adequate response Dr. Anthony Fauci told senators "it is without a doubt that there will be infections" in the fall and warned of more deaths without adequate response. Associated Press, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – As many as 6 million Americans could be tested for the coronavirus every week by September – and it still might not be enough to allow the entire country to reopen safely.
A panel of health experts on Wednesday told a congressional panel monitoring the federal response to the COVID-19 pandemic that the progress being made on ramping up testing remains far short considering that states are beginning to loosen social distancing restrictions enacted over the past two months.
"It was inadequate testing that precipitated the national shutdown. We must not make the same mistake again as we open up our nation," Ashish Jha, director of the Harvard Global Health Institute, told the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis. "The U.S. needs more than 900,000 tests every day to safely open up again. We are doing about a third of that."
Jha and other experts urged more transparency at the federal level and better coordination on the strategic deployment of existing tests to gauge a community's vulnerability.
More: Pelosi names seven Democratic lawmakers to committee tasked with overseeing coronavirus stimulus money
Mark McClellan, who ran the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services under President George W. Bush, said 2 million to 3 million tests were done in the past week.
"That's a significant increase of where we've been," he told the committee.
Based on the administration's expectations about testing increases this month, McClellan said the nation should be on track for 3½ million a week by the end of the month and "maybe 6 million per week by September."
That still would be about 300,000 tests a week short of what the Harvard Global Health Institute is calling for. And, McLellan said, current testing could be improved through more strategic distribution of available kits.
Scott Gottlieb, former Food and Drug Administration commissioner under President Donald Trump, said flattening case numbers show an improving situation and technological advances will boost testing capacity in the coming weeks. But he also cautioned about moving too quickly.
"We're seeing signs of a slowing epidemic nationally but we're still going to be reopening against a backdrop of more spread than we anticipated," he told the House committee.
Red states, most of them in the South, have led efforts to reopen their economies, cheered on by Trump, whose administration released a reopening plan that reportedly excluded more restrictive measures than government health experts recommended.
"The question that is being discussed at every kitchen table in America right now (is) how will we know when we are ready to safely reopen our country? To answer that question, we should be informed by history and guided by science," said Committee Chairman James Clyburn, D-S.C. "While we all want to reopen as soon as possible, doing so before the proper safeguards are in place would cause more sickness and death."
More: US coronavirus map: Tracking the outbreak
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi created the panel to monitor the spending of more than $2 trillion – so far – to combat the crisis and help the U.S. economy battered by a virus that has upended daily life. Republicans opposed the creation of the commission, viewing it as a partisan effort to tarnish the president.
Republicans on the committee spent much of their time questioning the validity of the panel when the House already has eight standing committees to conduct oversight.
"This is crazy," said Indiana GOP Rep. Jackie Walorski, comparing the panel to the efforts by Democrats to impeach Trump last year. "The last thing this coronavirus effort needed was another committee."


usatoday--2020-05-13--Supreme Court wary of 'chaos' if presidential electors win discretion to go rogue

WASHINGTON – The Supreme Court appeared extremely wary Wednesday of letting 538 electors choose the president without restrictions , rather than the voters .
Calling it the `` avoid-chaos principle of judging , '' Associate Justice Brett Kavanaugh said allowing members of the Electoral College to stray from the winner of their states ' popular vote in all 50 states could be seen as disenfranchising the nation 's voters .
`` We have to look forward , and just being realistic , judges are going to worry about chaos , '' Kavanaugh said .
The question before the court on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ oral arguments was simple : Must the people chosen on Election Day to cast ballots for the winner of their state 's popular vote keep their pledge , as 32 states require ?
Or can they go rogue , as 18 states allow ?
Justices on both sides of the ideological aisle expressed concern that the electors could be bribed , particularly by the losing party in a close election .
Associate Justice Samuel Alito said that could lead to uncertainty about the real winner .
`` Of course , the possibility exists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Lawrence Lessig , the attorney for several Washington state electors who switched their votes in 2016 .
He sought to assure the justices that such discretion seldom would alter elections .
The justices also expressed concern , however , about the limits of state powers to force electors ' hands .
If the electors who cast ballots in December can not change their votes , Lessig and Jason Harrow , the lawyer for Colorado electors , said , they could be forced to elect someone who died , suffered a stroke or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` That rigidity has no place in our constitutional universe , '' Harrow said .
`` We must be able to vote our conscience , or else why have human beings involved in this process ? ''
said Polly Baca , one of the wayward Colorado electors , after the hearing was completed .
Virtually all the justices expressed concerns that rogue electors could vote however they pleased .
Associate Justice Clarence Thomas asked what would happen if an elector who had pledged to vote for a state 's winning candidate instead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lord of the Rings character .
Harrow said that would be an invalid vote for a nonperson , `` no matter how big a fan many people are of Froddo Baggins . ''
Chief Justice John Roberts also worried about giving electors so much leeway that they could flip a coin , as long as they chose a person and `` not a giraffe . ''
But the chief justice , like others , appeared concerned as well about giving states too much power over electors , so that they could go so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legislators .
Colorado Attorney General Philip Weiser acknowledged states “ can pick whoever they want.
” But he labeled electors unmoored from state directives a `` treacherous experiment '' and a `` dangerous time bomb . ''
And Washington Solicitor General Noah Purcell warned that if states can not remove or penalize wayward electors , `` it would radically change how American presidential elections have always worked in our country . ''
The justices usually seek to sidestep politics when they can .
But several of the cases heard in the past two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issues they deemed important to address now .
Among them : President Trump 's effort keep his private financial records away from congressional and prosecutorial investigators , which the court heard Tuesday , as well as the government 's effort to keep a lid on political robocalls to cellphones .
In the presidential electors case , the controversy is not partisan , and failure to act could put the nation in a bind if a razor-thin margin in November gives electors inordinate power to upend the election .
Never before has this happened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tried to be in 2016 , enough to change the results of five previous presidential elections .
The 2020 presidential election already faces unusual challenges .
Many states are seeking to expand absentee voting in the face of the coronavirus pandemic , which has relegated presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden to a makeshift basement studio while President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence are dealing with staff members who are positive in the White House 's own ranks .
Washington 's Supreme Court last year upheld $ 1,000 fines against three Democratic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Colin Powell rather than Hillary Clinton , who had won the state 's popular vote .
They had sought to deny Trump the presidency by convincing electors to choose a different Republican candidate .
Their ultimate goal : eliminating the Electoral College that gave the Oval Office to Trump in 2016 and to George W. Bush in 2000 though both lost the popular vote in those years .
By contrast , the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit , based in Denver , ruled that a rogue vote cast by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ John Kasich rather than Clinton deserved to be counted .
The Supreme Court decided in January to hear both appeals , lest it be forced to intervene in a potential emergency situation after Election Day should an electors ' rebellion this year potentially affect results .
Under the Constitution , each state appoints electors to cast the electoral ballots .
Thirty-two states and the District of Columbia require them to vote for the winner of the popular vote .
Some block nonconforming ballots from being counted or replace electors who do n't toe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for criminal penalties .
Washington 's Supreme Court ruled that the state was within its rights to issue the first-ever fines for so-called faithless electors .
`` An elector acts under the authority of the state , and no First Amendment right is violated when a state imposes a fine based on an elector ’ s violation of his pledge , '' that court ruled in an 8-1 decision .
The 10th Circuit set a different precedent in the Colorado case .
`` The states may not interfere with the electors ’ exercise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vice president by removing the elector and nullifying his vote , '' the federal appeals court ruled .

Richard Wolf and Kristine Phillips, USA TODAY

Supreme Court wary of 'chaos' if presidential electors win discretion to go rogue
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 appeared extremely wary Wednesday of letting 538 electors choose the president without restrictions, rather than the voters.
Calling it the "avoid-chaos principle of judging," Associate Justice Brett Kavanaugh said allowing members of the Electoral College to stray from the winner of their states' popular vote in all 50 states could be seen as disenfranchising the nation's voters.
"We have to look forward, and just being realistic, judges are going to worry about chaos," Kavanaugh said.
The question before the court on its last day of live, telephonic oral arguments was simple: Must the people chosen on Election Day to cast ballots for the winner of their state's popular vote keep their pledge, as 32 states require? Or can they go rogue, as 18 states allow?
More: Supreme Court confronts 'faithless electors' as 2020 presidential election looms
Justices on both sides of the ideological aisle expressed concern that the electors could be bribed, particularly by the losing party in a close election. Associate Justice Samuel Alito said that could lead to uncertainty about the real winner.
"Of course, the possibility exists. You could flip electors," said Lawrence Lessig, the attorney for several Washington state electors who switched their votes in 2016. He sought to assure the justices that such discretion seldom would alter elections.
The justices also expressed concern, however, about the limits of state powers to force electors' hands. If the electors who cast ballots in December cannot change their votes, Lessig and Jason Harrow, the lawyer for Colorado electors, said, they could be forced to elect someone who died, suffered a stroke or was convicted of bribery after Election Day.
"That rigidity has no place in our constitutional universe," Harrow said.
"We must be able to vote our conscience, or else why have human beings involved in this process?" said Polly Baca, one of the wayward Colorado electors, after the hearing was completed.
A vote for Frodo Baggins?
Virtually all the justices expressed concerns that rogue electors could vote however they pleased. Associate Justice Clarence Thomas asked what would happen if an elector who had pledged to vote for a state's winning candidate instead voted for Froddo Baggins, the fictional Lord of the Rings character.
Harrow said that would be an invalid vote for a nonperson, "no matter how big a fan many people are of Froddo Baggins."
Chief Justice John Roberts also worried about giving electors so much leeway that they could flip a coin, as long as they chose a person and "not a giraffe."
But the chief justice, like others, appeared concerned as well about giving states too much power over electors, so that they could go so far as to choose relatives of state legislators.
Colorado Attorney General Philip Weiser acknowledged states “can pick whoever they want.” But he labeled electors unmoored from state directives a "treacherous experiment" and a "dangerous time bomb."
And Washington Solicitor General Noah Purcell warned that if states cannot remove or penalize wayward electors, "it would radically change how American presidential elections have always worked in our country."
The justices usually seek to sidestep politics when they can. But several of the cases heard in the past two weeks of telephonic oral arguments presented political issues they deemed important to address now.
Among them: President Trump's effort keep his private financial records away from congressional and prosecutorial investigators, which the court heard Tuesday, as well as the government's effort to keep a lid on political robocalls to cellphones.
In the presidential electors case, the controversy is not partisan, and failure to act could put the nation in a bind if a razor-thin margin in November gives electors inordinate power to upend the election.
Never before has this happened. But 10 electors were disloyal or tried to be in 2016, enough to change the results of five previous presidential elections.
The 2020 presidential election already faces unusual challenges. Many states are seeking to expand absentee voting in the face of the coronavirus pandemic, which has relegated presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden to a makeshift basement studio while President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence are dealing with staff members who are positive in the White House's own ranks.
Two states, different rulings
Washington's Supreme Court last year upheld $1,000 fines against three Democratic electors who cast votes in December 2016 for Colin Powell rather than Hillary Clinton, who had won the state's popular vote. They had sought to deny Trump the presidency by convincing electors to choose a different Republican candidate.
Their ultimate goal: eliminating the Electoral College that gave the Oval Office to Trump in 2016 and to George W. Bush in 2000 though both lost the popular vote in those years.
By contrast, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit, based in Denver, ruled that a rogue vote cast by a Democratic elector in Colorado for Republican John Kasich rather than Clinton deserved to be counted.
The Supreme Court decided in January to hear both appeals, lest it be forced to intervene in a potential emergency situation after Election Day should an electors' rebellion this year potentially affect results.
Under the Constitution, each state appoints electors to cast the electoral ballots. Thirty-two states and the District of Columbia require them to vote for the winner of the popular vote. Some block nonconforming ballots from being counted or replace electors who don't toe the line. A few states provide for criminal penalties.
Washington's Supreme Court ruled that the state was within its rights to issue the first-ever fines for so-called faithless electors.
"An elector acts under the authority of the state, and no First Amendment right is violated when a state imposes a fine based on an elector’s violation of his pledge," that court ruled in an 8-1 decision.
The 10th Circuit set a different precedent in the Colorado case. "The states may not interfere with the electors’ exercise of discretion in voting for president and vice president by removing the elector and nullifying his vote," the federal appeals court ruled.