freebeacon--2020-03-26--Most Americans Think Media Have Done A Terrible Job Covering Coronavirus

Most Americans approve of the way their leaders and institutions are responding to the coronavirus pandemic , with one notable exception .
According to the latest Gallup survey , the news media are the only institution without a majority approval rating with respect to their handling of the China-caused pandemic .
Just 44 percent of Americans said they approved of the media 's handling of the crisis , compared to 55 percent who said they disapproved .
Americans view President Donald Trump much more favorably , with 60 percent approving of his response to the coronavirus and just 38 percent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approval , 37 percent disapproval—is more popular than the media when it comes to its handling of the pandemic .
That 's embarrassing .
Most Americans are correct .
Our nation 's journalists have become completely unhinged in response to the coronavirus .
Major media outlets spent most of January and February attempting to downplay the seriousness of the virus and attacking Trump 's decision to ban travel from China as racist and unnecessary .
`` Is this going to be a deadly pandemic ?
No , '' the official Vox account tweeted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Vox was publishing articles denouncing the China travel ban and interviews with so-called experts saying things like , `` The risk of acquiring this infection outside of Hubei and , truly , outside of China is remarkably low . ''
Meanwhile , another Vox Media property , the Verge , was scolding the American public with headlines such as , `` The New Coronavirus is Not an Excuse to Be Racist . ''
Earlier this week , Vox explained that the tweet from January had been deleted because it `` no longer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
It certainty was n't the only media outlet forced to change its tone in response to `` reality . ''
The Washington Post , Los Angeles Times , Daily Beast , Mother Jones , and USA Today , among others , ran headlines insisting the coronavirus was far less dangerous than the seasonal flu before `` reality '' forced them to take it seriously .
Nevertheless , the media persist in demanding our trust and respect .
Members of the media have continued to beclown themselves amidst the crisis while hysterically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outlets have self-righteously declared an end to live coverage of the president 's coronavirus briefings , as if out of some moral obligation to the public—even though the public thinks Trump is a more reliable source of information than the media are .
Trump 's approval rating has risen during the crisis , and that 's really caused journalists to lose their minds .
MSNBC 's Andrea Mitchell , for example , recently said in frustration : `` No matter what [ Trump ] says , people seem to be seeing him as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ columnist Jamelle Bouie suggested the president 's rising poll numbers were due to the fact that `` evening news broadcasts are featuring a truncated Trump who appears more competent than he is as a result of editing . ''
The media 's attacks on Trump 's handling of the coronavirus crisis have become increasingly bizarre .
THE POLITICO , for example , recently scolded his `` passivity in what by all rights would be a dream scenario for an authoritarian strongman . ''
Meanwhile , some media outlets have applauded the response of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China , presumably in an effort to make Trump look bad by comparison .
Others , such as the Economist , are actually publishing Chinese propaganda .
The following tweet , from a Washington Post senior editor , is a snapshot of the media 's collective derangement during this time of crisis .
There was once a time when the American media commanded the trust and respect of the public .
That no longer reflects the reality in the country , and the media have only themselves to blame .

Most Americans approve of the way their leaders and institutions are responding to the coronavirus pandemic, with one notable exception.
According to the latest Gallup survey, the news media are the only institution without a majority approval rating with respect to their handling of the China-caused pandemic. Just 44 percent of Americans said they approved of the media's handling of the crisis, compared to 55 percent who said they disapproved.
Americans view President Donald Trump much more favorably, with 60 percent approving of his response to the coronavirus and just 38 percent saying they disapproved. Even Congress—59 percent approval, 37 percent disapproval—is more popular than the media when it comes to its handling of the pandemic. That's embarrassing.
Most Americans are correct. Our nation's journalists have become completely unhinged in response to the coronavirus. Major media outlets spent most of January and February attempting to downplay the seriousness of the virus and attacking Trump's decision to ban travel from China as racist and unnecessary.
"Is this going to be a deadly pandemic? No," the official Vox account tweeted on Jan. 31. Around that time, Vox was publishing articles denouncing the China travel ban and interviews with so-called experts saying things like, "The risk of acquiring this infection outside of Hubei and, truly, outside of China is remarkably low." Meanwhile, another Vox Media property, the Verge, was scolding the American public with headlines such as, "The New Coronavirus is Not an Excuse to Be Racist."
Earlier this week, Vox explained that the tweet from January had been deleted because it "no longer reflects the reality of the coronavirus story." It certainty wasn't the only media outlet forced to change its tone in response to "reality." The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Daily Beast, Mother Jones, and USA Today, among others, ran headlines insisting the coronavirus was far less dangerous than the seasonal flu before "reality" forced them to take it seriously. Nevertheless, the media persist in demanding our trust and respect.
Members of the media have continued to beclown themselves amidst the crisis while hysterically criticizing the Trump administration. Some major outlets have self-righteously declared an end to live coverage of the president's coronavirus briefings, as if out of some moral obligation to the public—even though the public thinks Trump is a more reliable source of information than the media are.
Trump's approval rating has risen during the crisis, and that's really caused journalists to lose their minds. MSNBC's Andrea Mitchell, for example, recently said in frustration: "No matter what [Trump] says, people seem to be seeing him as a leader." New York Times columnist Jamelle Bouie suggested the president's rising poll numbers were due to the fact that "evening news broadcasts are featuring a truncated Trump who appears more competent than he is as a result of editing."
The media's attacks on Trump's handling of the coronavirus crisis have become increasingly bizarre. THE POLITICO, for example, recently scolded his "passivity in what by all rights would be a dream scenario for an authoritarian strongman." Meanwhile, some media outlets have applauded the response of actual authoritarian regimes such as Russia and China, presumably in an effort to make Trump look bad by comparison. Others, such as the Economist, are actually publishing Chinese propaganda.
The following tweet, from a Washington Post senior editor, is a snapshot of the media's collective derangement during this time of crisis.
Scott McMillan, a 56-year-old lawyer, tweeted that it's more vital to revive the economy than to save people who are ‘not productive,’ like the elderly and infirm. So I called his parents. https://t.co/czDOkbGI49 — Marc Fisher (@mffisher) March 25, 2020
There was once a time when the American media commanded the trust and respect of the public. That no longer reflects the reality in the country, and the media have only themselves to blame.


freebeacon--2020-03-26--WATCH: U.S. Space Force Successfully Launches First Rocket Into Orbit

The U.S. Space Force successfully launched its first rocket Thursday , sending a military communications satellite into space from Cape @ @ @ @ @ Florida .
The Advanced Extremely High Frequency satellite will join five others of its kind @ @ @ @ @ 's terrestrial troops complete global communications coverage .

The U.S. Space Force successfully launched its first rocket Thursday, sending a military communications satellite into space from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.
The Advanced Extremely High Frequency satellite will join five others of its kind in orbit, giving America's terrestrial troops complete global communications coverage.


freebeacon--2020-03-26--Happy 80th Birthday, Nancy Pelosi!

Happy 80th Birthday, Nancy Pelosi!

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ( D. , Calif. ) celebrated her 80th birthday on Thursday as the American people continue @ @ @ @ @ the Senate-passed $ 2 trillion coronavirus relief package .
Most would agree that she does @ @ @ @ @ than 79 .
Born in 1940 , more than a year before the Japanese sneak @ @ @ @ @ the left-wing Democrat has enjoyed one of the most successful female political careers in American @ @ @ @ @ terms of longevity .
She is even older than the two remaining Democratic presidential candidates—former @ @ @ @ @ Sen. Bernie Sanders ( I. , Vt. ) —both of whom would turn 80 during @ @ @ @ @ , if elected .
Pelosi 's successful transition to octogenarian status means she has officially @ @ @ @ @ at risk of serious illness and death due to the coronavirus .
The China Center @ @ @ @ @ a fatality rate of nearly 15 percent among coronavirus patients over the age of 80 @

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D., Calif.) celebrated her 80th birthday on Thursday as the American people continue to await House action on the Senate-passed $2 trillion coronavirus relief package. Most would agree that she doesn't look a day older than 79.
Born in 1940, more than a year before the Japanese sneak attack on Pearl Harbor, the left-wing Democrat has enjoyed one of the most successful female political careers in American history, at least in terms of longevity. She is even older than the two remaining Democratic presidential candidates—former vice president Joe Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I., Vt.)—both of whom would turn 80 during their first term in office, if elected.
Pelosi's successful transition to octogenarian status means she has officially entered the age demographic most at risk of serious illness and death due to the coronavirus. The China Center for Disease Control has observed a fatality rate of nearly 15 percent among coronavirus patients over the age of 80.
Happy Birthday!


Trump’s Unheralded Reason

Contrary to the impression one forms from immersion in the news of the day over the past four years , we are quite certain President Donald Trump is not accorded sufficient credit where he is generally found most wanting , particularly by his media critics : on matters of reason and judgment .
The coronavirus crisis that now consumes his administration has shown the president to be a man of some courage and intellectual dexterity .
He promptly exercised his authority to limit travel of foreign nationals from China into the United States by a proclamation issued on Jan. 31 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ observer giving himself credit for the decision .
That same day , Joe Biden admonished Trump for his xenophobia and other alleged sins : `` We are in the midst of a crisis with the coronavirus .
We need to lead the way with science—not Donald Trump 's record of hysteria , xenophobia , and fear mongering .
He is the worst possible person to lead our country through a global health emergency . ''
When Trump subsequently referred to `` the Chinese virus , '' Biden further criticized Trump for `` xenophobic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fact check , PolitiFact counseled that `` experts say '' Trump 's reference to `` the Chinese virus '' could `` foster discrimination toward people of Chinese or Asian origin . ''
Even when Trump is right , he 's wrong .
Though derided for his disinclination to follow the advice of experts , Trump has relied on the medical experts advising him on the crisis to defer the easing of current social distancing restrictions he had argued for just days before .
Having expressed the hope that he could ease the restrictions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the conclusion that prudence dictated an extension of the current regime devastating the economy—an unprecedented economic contraction that is entirely self-inflicted , but necessary .
We will cut off a limb to save the rest of the body .
Addressing Trump 's decision to extend the current guidelines , director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Dr. Anthony Fauci told CNN that he and coronavirus response coordinator Dr. Deborah Birx `` made it very clear to him that if we pull back on what we were doing and did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] , there would be more avoidable suffering and avoidable death .
So it was a pretty clear decision on his part . ''
Fauci put it this way : `` We showed him the data , he looked at the data and he got it right away , '' Fauci said .
`` Dr. Debbie Birx and I went in together and leaned over the desk and said ‘ Here is the data , take a look . '
He looked at them , he understood them , and he just shook @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we got to do it . '
'' Sounds like a reasonable decision .
If we had to guess Trump 's way forward , we think that Trump will follow the path charted by Scott Gottlieb and his colleagues at the American Enterprise Institute .
Perhaps that is because it 's the only one we 've seen so far , but it seems to balance caution with necessity .
It 's reasonable .
The problem , however , is that we ca n't go on like this indefinitely .
As Trump has observed—reasonably—the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disease .
The press did n't give him any credit for that observation either .
If only it were interested in getting the White House to flesh out the cost-benefit analysis implicit in the scenarios it is contemplating , it might yet serve a true public purpose .
Yet the press prefers to play the fool for Trump .

Contrary to the impression one forms from immersion in the news of the day over the past four years, we are quite certain President Donald Trump is not accorded sufficient credit where he is generally found most wanting, particularly by his media critics: on matters of reason and judgment.
The coronavirus crisis that now consumes his administration has shown the president to be a man of some courage and intellectual dexterity. He promptly exercised his authority to limit travel of foreign nationals from China into the United States by a proclamation issued on Jan. 31. He seems to be the only observer giving himself credit for the decision.
That same day, Joe Biden admonished Trump for his xenophobia and other alleged sins: "We are in the midst of a crisis with the coronavirus. We need to lead the way with science—not Donald Trump's record of hysteria, xenophobia, and fear mongering. He is the worst possible person to lead our country through a global health emergency." When Trump subsequently referred to "the Chinese virus," Biden further criticized Trump for "xenophobic fear-mongering." In a March 27 fact check, PolitiFact counseled that "experts say" Trump's reference to "the Chinese virus" could "foster discrimination toward people of Chinese or Asian origin."
Even when Trump is right, he's wrong.
Though derided for his disinclination to follow the advice of experts, Trump has relied on the medical experts advising him on the crisis to defer the easing of current social distancing restrictions he had argued for just days before. Having expressed the hope that he could ease the restrictions by Easter, the president reluctantly came to the conclusion that prudence dictated an extension of the current regime devastating the economy—an unprecedented economic contraction that is entirely self-inflicted, but necessary. We will cut off a limb to save the rest of the body.
Addressing Trump's decision to extend the current guidelines, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Dr. Anthony Fauci told CNN that he and coronavirus response coordinator Dr. Deborah Birx "made it very clear to him that if we pull back on what we were doing and didn't extend [the social distancing guidelines], there would be more avoidable suffering and avoidable death. So it was a pretty clear decision on his part."
Fauci put it this way: "We showed him the data, he looked at the data, and he got it right away," Fauci said. "Dr. Debbie Birx and I went in together and leaned over the desk and said, 'Here is the data, take a look.' He looked at them, he understood them, and he just shook his head and said, 'I guess we got to do it.'"
Sounds like a reasonable decision. If we had to guess Trump's way forward, we think that Trump will follow the path charted by Scott Gottlieb and his colleagues at the American Enterprise Institute. Perhaps that is because it's the only one we've seen so far, but it seems to balance caution with necessity. It's reasonable.
The problem, however, is that we can't go on like this indefinitely. As Trump has observed—reasonably—the cure threatens to be worse than the disease. The press didn't give him any credit for that observation either. If only it were interested in getting the White House to flesh out the cost-benefit analysis implicit in the scenarios it is contemplating, it might yet serve a true public purpose. Yet the press prefers to play the fool for Trump.


freebeacon--2020-03-30--Best of Biden’s Basement Broadcasts

Best of Biden’s Basement Broadcasts

The Washington Free Beacon looks back at the best of Joe Biden 's dispatches from Delaware as the coronavirus sidelines @ @ @ @ @ is senior writer at the Washington Free Beacon .
He was previously a sports reporter @ @ @ @ @ and has done freelance sports reporting for the Washington Post .
He graduated from Vanderbilt @ @ @ @ @ in Marietta , Ga. His Twitter handle is @ DavidRutz .
He can be reached @ @ @ @ @

The Washington Free Beacon looks back at the best of Joe Biden's dispatches from Delaware as the coronavirus sidelines his campaign.


freebeacon--2020-03-30--Harvard Agrees to Pay Dining Hall Workers After Free Beacon Report

Facing pressure and protests from employment rights advocates on and off campus , Harvard University on Friday agreed to pay its contract dining hall employees and other workers through the end of the semester .
Student groups launched a call-in campaign last Friday aimed at administrators after the university said it planned to pay its direct-hire dining employees for just 30 days after their jobs were eliminated and did not extend the paid leave to contract workers .
Harvard has the largest endowment of any school in the country at $ 40.9 billion .
The school shut down its dining @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transitioned to online learning in response to the coronavirus pandemic earlier this month .
Jason Newton , a spokesman for the university , told the Washington Free Beacon that Harvard had agreed to provide `` pay and benefits to direct-hire and contract workers through May 28 , and also financial relief to keep the childcare centers on Harvard 's campus open through June 30 , ensuring pay and benefits for their 180 employees . ''
The decision was announced in a letter to administrators on Friday .
`` For our workforce , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ success of this institution , this unprecedented public health emergency has created innumerable challenges , '' said Harvard executive vice president Katie Lapp in a letter to the university 's deans .
`` The steps I share today are aimed at providing greater certainty for them in these uncertain times with regards to their pay and benefits , and greater stability for them and their families . ''
The announcement came hours after a coalition of students and faculty members , organized by the Harvard Labor & Employment Action Project , had launched @ @ @ @ @ @ @ university to extend its paid leave to contract workers on Friday .
The campaign urged supporters to call Provost Alan Garber , Harvard Law School dean John Manning , Harvard Medical School dean George Daley , and other university administrators .
In a sample script posted on the group 's Facebook page , callers were advised to say they were `` disturbed to hear that these subcontracted workers are not even receiving the 30 days ' pay that directly hired workers will receive '' and ask Harvard to `` ensure that all campus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and their families during this global pandemic . ''
Union officials , who had been negotiating with Harvard over the workers ' issues , praised the university 's decision .
Carlos Aramayo , president of UNITE HERE Local 26 , the union that represents Harvard 's dining employees , said the group `` commends Harvard for making the right decision for its dining hall workers and the public at large . ''
`` Compensating workers , whether they are direct employees or subcontracted employees , who are staying at home to help solve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to face unnecessary financial burdens during this already difficult time , '' said Aramayo .
University president Lawrence Bacow and his wife tested positive for coronavirus last week .
He said he and his wife received their results within 24 hours of being tested , a sharp contrast to reports from many Americans across the country who have said they had to wait up to a week or longer to receive test results .

Facing pressure and protests from employment rights advocates on and off campus, Harvard University on Friday agreed to pay its contract dining hall employees and other workers through the end of the semester.
Student groups launched a call-in campaign last Friday aimed at administrators after the university said it planned to pay its direct-hire dining employees for just 30 days after their jobs were eliminated and did not extend the paid leave to contract workers.
Harvard has the largest endowment of any school in the country at $40.9 billion. The school shut down its dining halls and other campus facilities after it transitioned to online learning in response to the coronavirus pandemic earlier this month.
Jason Newton, a spokesman for the university, told the Washington Free Beacon that Harvard had agreed to provide "pay and benefits to direct-hire and contract workers through May 28, and also financial relief to keep the childcare centers on Harvard's campus open through June 30, ensuring pay and benefits for their 180 employees."
The decision was announced in a letter to administrators on Friday.
"For our workforce, who each day are so critical to the success of this institution, this unprecedented public health emergency has created innumerable challenges," said Harvard executive vice president Katie Lapp in a letter to the university's deans. "The steps I share today are aimed at providing greater certainty for them in these uncertain times with regards to their pay and benefits, and greater stability for them and their families."
The announcement came hours after a coalition of students and faculty members, organized by the Harvard Labor & Employment Action Project, had launched a call-in protest aimed at getting the university to extend its paid leave to contract workers on Friday.
The campaign urged supporters to call Provost Alan Garber, Harvard Law School dean John Manning, Harvard Medical School dean George Daley, and other university administrators.
In a sample script posted on the group's Facebook page, callers were advised to say they were "disturbed to hear that these subcontracted workers are not even receiving the 30 days' pay that directly hired workers will receive" and ask Harvard to "ensure that all campus workers can support and care for themselves and their families during this global pandemic."
Union officials, who had been negotiating with Harvard over the workers' issues, praised the university's decision.
Carlos Aramayo, president of UNITE HERE Local 26, the union that represents Harvard's dining employees, said the group "commends Harvard for making the right decision for its dining hall workers and the public at large."
"Compensating workers, whether they are direct employees or subcontracted employees, who are staying at home to help solve this crisis helps ensure no one has to face unnecessary financial burdens during this already difficult time," said Aramayo.
University president Lawrence Bacow and his wife tested positive for coronavirus last week. He said he and his wife received their results within 24 hours of being tested, a sharp contrast to reports from many Americans across the country who have said they had to wait up to a week or longer to receive test results.


freebeacon--2020-03-30--FLASHBACK: MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow Makes ‘Nonsense’ Prediction About Navy Hospital Ship Reaching New Y

FLASHBACK: MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow Makes ‘Nonsense’ Prediction About Navy Hospital Ship Reaching New York

The USNS Comfort , a Navy hospital ship that has delivered humanitarian aid around the world , arrived in New York City on Monday to provide much-needed medical resources amid the ongoing coronavirus outbreak .
The ship will help ease the burden on New York 's health care system by housing about 1,000 patients who require urgent treatment but are not infected with coronavirus .
The Comfort ‘ s arrival comes 10 days after MSNBC 's Rachel Maddow scoffed at the idea that federal resources would reach New York City at all .
`` The Navy hospital ships the president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Comfort and the Mercy , there 's no sign that they 'll be anywhere on site helping out anywhere in the country for weeks yet , '' Maddow said dismissively on her show .
`` He said one of those ships would be operational in New York Harbor by next week .
That 's nonsense . ''
President Donald J. Trump described the Comfort as a `` 70,000-ton message of hope and solidarity to the incredible people of New York , '' while Gov .
Andrew Cuomo ( D. , N.Y. ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ York Harbor .
`` This day will be remembered , '' said Cuomo .
`` The hospital capacity we add now will save lives . ''

"There's no sign that they'll be anywhere on site helping out anywhere in the country for weeks"
The USNS Comfort, a Navy hospital ship that has delivered humanitarian aid around the world, arrived in New York City on Monday to provide much-needed medical resources amid the ongoing coronavirus outbreak. The ship will help ease the burden on New York's health care system by housing about 1,000 patients who require urgent treatment but are not infected with coronavirus.
The Comfort's arrival comes 10 days after MSNBC's Rachel Maddow scoffed at the idea that federal resources would reach New York City at all.
"The Navy hospital ships the president made such a big deal of, the Comfort and the Mercy, there's no sign that they'll be anywhere on site helping out anywhere in the country for weeks yet," Maddow said dismissively on her show. "He said one of those ships would be operational in New York Harbor by next week. That's nonsense."
President Donald J. Trump described the Comfort as a "70,000-ton message of hope and solidarity to the incredible people of New York," while Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D., N.Y.) hailed the ship's arrival in New York Harbor. "This day will be remembered," said Cuomo. "The hospital capacity we add now will save lives."


freebeacon--2020-03-30--Trump Admin Extends Sanctions Waivers Permitting Iranian Nuclear Work

The Trump administration is renewing a set of sanctions waivers that permit Iran to engage in nuclear work , a move likely to irritate congressional hawks who have pressured the administration to nix the waivers for months .
The sanctions waivers allow Iran to engage in limited nuclear work , including at its Arak plant , a heavy-water reactor that critics say could provide Tehran with a plutonium-based pathway to a nuclear weapon .
Despite pressure from GOP hardliners in Congress , the State Department has repeatedly renewed the waivers , arguing they are necessary to keep tabs on Iran @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be extended for 60 days , after which the Trump administration will reevaluate whether to end the waivers once and for all , a senior State Department official confirmed to the Washington Free Beacon .
The waivers have emerged as a point of controversy between Republican lawmakers and the Trump administration , with several members of Congress going public to accuse the administration of undermining its own so-called maximum pressure campaign against Tehran .
The waivers have also created friction inside the administration .
While the State Department has leaned towards ending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lobbied in favor of them , sources told the Free Beacon .
One U.S. official involved in Iran diplomacy told the Free Beacon that Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin has pushed for the nuclear waivers to be renewed .
`` Every few months Steve Mnuchin makes up a new reason to preserve the Iran deal and undermine the president 's maximum pressure campaign on Iran , '' said the source , speaking only on background about ongoing discussions .
`` Last time Treasury made up something about European diplomacy .
This time they used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time they 'll say the situation heading into the summer is very delicate .
The excuses change but the policy is always the same . ''
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told the Free Beacon in late February he consistently reviews the nuclear waivers to ensure they are needed to keep tabs on Iran 's nuclear work .
This review process has become all the more necessary as Iran limits access to its facilities .
International nuclear inspectors with the International Atomic Energy Agency have publicly accused Tehran of blocking entry to key @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make our best assessment of whether allowing those waivers to continue reduces risk to the United States or increases risk , '' Pompeo said at the time .
Parts of the waivers have prevented Iran 's nuclear program from pushing forward , Pompeo said .
`` They 've given us access and information that 's been to our benefit .
The analysis that the president has come to when he made the decision to extend those waivers is that it was in our interest . ''
Pompeo 's approach has not satisfied Iran @ @ @ @ @ @ @ often support the secretary of state 's forward-leaning stance on sanctions .
Rep. Liz Cheney ( R. , Wyo . )
, for instance , introduced legislation late last year that would force the administration to end the waivers .
That bill was spearheaded by Sen. Ted Cruz ( R. , Texas ) in the Senate .
`` These ‘ civil nuclear ' waivers legitimize Iran 's illicit nuclear infrastructure and help sustain President Obama 's disastrous nuclear deal , '' Cheney said when she introduced the legislation .
`` Congress is determined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exit from that deal and his successful maximum pressure campaign against Tehran . ''
Richard Goldberg , a former senior Iran adviser to the Trump administration 's National Security Council , said the repeated renewal of the waivers undermines President Donald Trump 's efforts to kill the 2015 nuclear deal .
While Trump withdrew America from the deal , the waivers have kept key portions of the accord in place .
`` The administration risks undermining a key commitment President Trump made to dismantle the Iran nuclear deal , '' said Goldberg , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Defense of Democracies .
`` Instead , the administration will soon own the deal and all its dangerous sunset provisions .
They can ’ t just blame Obama when they keep the deal going . ''

The Trump administration is renewing a set of sanctions waivers that permit Iran to engage in nuclear work, a move likely to irritate congressional hawks who have pressured the administration to nix the waivers for months.
The sanctions waivers allow Iran to engage in limited nuclear work, including at its Arak plant, a heavy-water reactor that critics say could provide Tehran with a plutonium-based pathway to a nuclear weapon. Despite pressure from GOP hardliners in Congress, the State Department has repeatedly renewed the waivers, arguing they are necessary to keep tabs on Iran's nuclear work.
The nuclear waivers will be extended for 60 days, after which the Trump administration will reevaluate whether to end the waivers once and for all, a senior State Department official confirmed to the Washington Free Beacon.
The waivers have emerged as a point of controversy between Republican lawmakers and the Trump administration, with several members of Congress going public to accuse the administration of undermining its own so-called maximum pressure campaign against Tehran. The waivers have also created friction inside the administration. While the State Department has leaned towards ending the waivers, the Treasury Department has lobbied in favor of them, sources told the Free Beacon.
One U.S. official involved in Iran diplomacy told the Free Beacon that Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin has pushed for the nuclear waivers to be renewed.
"Every few months Steve Mnuchin makes up a new reason to preserve the Iran deal and undermine the president's maximum pressure campaign on Iran," said the source, speaking only on background about ongoing discussions. "Last time Treasury made up something about European diplomacy. This time they used the coronavirus as an excuse. Next time they'll say the situation heading into the summer is very delicate. The excuses change but the policy is always the same."
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told the Free Beacon in late February he consistently reviews the nuclear waivers to ensure they are needed to keep tabs on Iran's nuclear work. This review process has become all the more necessary as Iran limits access to its facilities. International nuclear inspectors with the International Atomic Energy Agency have publicly accused Tehran of blocking entry to key sites.
"We go back and make our best assessment of whether allowing those waivers to continue reduces risk to the United States or increases risk," Pompeo said at the time.
Parts of the waivers have prevented Iran's nuclear program from pushing forward, Pompeo said.
"They've given us access and information that's been to our benefit. The analysis that the president has come to when he made the decision to extend those waivers is that it was in our interest."
Pompeo's approach has not satisfied Iran hawks in Congress, including those who often support the secretary of state's forward-leaning stance on sanctions.
Rep. Liz Cheney (R., Wyo.), for instance, introduced legislation late last year that would force the administration to end the waivers. That bill was spearheaded by Sen. Ted Cruz (R., Texas) in the Senate.
"These 'civil nuclear' waivers legitimize Iran's illicit nuclear infrastructure and help sustain President Obama's disastrous nuclear deal," Cheney said when she introduced the legislation. "Congress is determined to support President Donald Trump's rightful exit from that deal and his successful maximum pressure campaign against Tehran."
Richard Goldberg, a former senior Iran adviser to the Trump administration's National Security Council, said the repeated renewal of the waivers undermines President Donald Trump's efforts to kill the 2015 nuclear deal. While Trump withdrew America from the deal, the waivers have kept key portions of the accord in place.
"The administration risks undermining a key commitment President Trump made to dismantle the Iran nuclear deal," said Goldberg, now a senior adviser at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. "Instead, the administration will soon own the deal and all its dangerous sunset provisions. They can’t just blame Obama when they keep the deal going."


freebeacon--2020-03-30--Finally, Some Good News: Navy’s Stealth Destroyer Almost Ready for Combat

Amid the turmoil of the China-caused pandemic , good news is hard to find .
As such , it 's important to highlight and celebrate the positive stories that nourish the American soul .
Luckily , our armed forces have supplied a few .
For example… The USS Zumwalt , the Navy 's first stealth destroyer , will soon complete the installation of its combat system and be ready for active duty , according to Defense News .
Originally commissioned in 2016 , the Zumwalt has been described as `` the largest and most technologically advanced surface combatant in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ war fighting technology and weaponry available . ''
Its imminent entry into the U.S. fleet is great news for fans of American military supremacy and bad news for the enemies of freedom .
But the Navy was n't done bringing good news .
In addition to welcoming this advanced weapon of war into its ranks , the Navy is delivering much-needed medical resources to New York City , which has suffered one of the worst coronavirus outbreaks in the country .
The USNS Comfort , a Navy hospital ship that delivers humanitarian aid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ York Harbor on Monday to the delight of Gov .
Andrew Cuomo ( D. ) and other state leaders .
The ship will help to ease the burden on the city 's health care system by providing care to patients not infected with the coronavirus .
President Donald J. Trump described the Comfort as a `` 70,000-ton message of hope and solidarity to the incredible people of New York . ''
The Comfort ‘ s arrival in New York might have come as a surprise to some—MSNBC 's Rachel Maddow , for example @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` nonsense '' the idea that Navy hospital ships would `` be anywhere on-site helping out anywhere in the country for weeks yet . ''

Amid the turmoil of the China-caused pandemic, good news is hard to find. As such, it's important to highlight and celebrate the positive stories that nourish the American soul. Luckily, our armed forces have supplied a few. For example...
The USS Zumwalt, the Navy's first stealth destroyer, will soon complete the installation of its combat system and be ready for active duty, according to Defense News.
Originally commissioned in 2016, the Zumwalt has been described as "the largest and most technologically advanced surface combatant in the world," featuring "the latest war fighting technology and weaponry available." Its imminent entry into the U.S. fleet is great news for fans of American military supremacy and bad news for the enemies of freedom.
But the Navy wasn't done bringing good news. In addition to welcoming this advanced weapon of war into its ranks, the Navy is delivering much-needed medical resources to New York City, which has suffered one of the worst coronavirus outbreaks in the country. The USNS Comfort, a Navy hospital ship that delivers humanitarian aid around the world, sailed into New York Harbor on Monday to the delight of Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D.) and other state leaders.
We will fight every way we can to save every life we can. Thank you, USNS Comfort. Welcome to New York. pic.twitter.com/ppGrJ0rGE5 — Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) March 30, 2020
The ship will help to ease the burden on the city's health care system by providing care to patients not infected with the coronavirus. President Donald J. Trump described the Comfort as a "70,000-ton message of hope and solidarity to the incredible people of New York."
https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1244672122414338048
The Comfort's arrival in New York might have come as a surprise to some—MSNBC's Rachel Maddow, for example, who on March 20 dismissed as "nonsense" the idea that Navy hospital ships would "be anywhere on-site helping out anywhere in the country for weeks yet."
FLASHBACK: MSNBC's Rachel Maddow: "nonsense" hospital ship will be in NYC soonhttps://t.co/fkfH6uf12m pic.twitter.com/7lSMTLPVs2 — RNC Research (@RNCResearch) March 30, 2020


freebeacon--2020-03-30--Iranian Health Minister Says U.S. Sanctions Have Not Hindered Coronavirus Response

Iran 's health minister is disputing claims from top regime figures suggesting that American economic sanctions are preventing Iran from fighting the coronavirus .
`` Although it is hard to fight Corona under sanctions , since the beginning [ of the outbreak ] we have not faced a shortage of special drugs needed to treat this disease , '' Saeed Namaki , the Islamic Republic 's health minister , said , according to an independent translation of his Farsi language remarks provided to the Washington Free Beacon .
Namaki 's remarks contradict claims by Iranian leaders that American sanctions have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ humanitarian goods .
Iran and its American allies have pushed for full-scale sanctions relief since the coronavirus began to spread in Iran , which is among the nations hardest hit by the virus .
While U.S. sanctions remain in place , they have not targeted humanitarian goods , according to senior Trump administration officials .
Western media outlets have uncritically repeated the Iranian regime 's claims , but new data suggest Iran still has access to pharmaceuticals .
The U.S. State Department has alleged that Iranian regime figures stole more than a billion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last year , just before the virus erupted .
`` Despite assertions that U.S. sanctions have worsened the coronavirus epidemic in Iran , the data do not indicate that Iran has had difficulty maintaining its imports of pharmaceuticals , '' the Foundation for Defense of Democracies concluded in a recent policy brief written by Saeed Ghasseminejad and David Adesnik .
`` According to the official Eurostat database , total EU exports to Iran fell from €8.9 billion in 2018 to 4.5 billion [ euros ] in 2019 , while pharmaceutical exports fell from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] .
Most U.S. sanctions went into effect in November 2018 , six months after the U.S. withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal , '' according to the brief .
`` Thus , a year-on-year comparison of 2018 to 2019 provides a good , though imperfect , approximation of the sanctions ' impact . ''
U.S. sanctions have never been applied to Iran 's trade in food , medication , and other humanitarian goods .
`` While Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif often insists that sanctions prevent Iran from importing medicine , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ denied that this is the case .
Some have directly blamed corruption and mismanagement for the country 's shortages , '' FDD wrote .

Iran's health minister is disputing claims from top regime figures suggesting that American economic sanctions are preventing Iran from fighting the coronavirus.
"Although it is hard to fight Corona under sanctions, since the beginning [of the outbreak] we have not faced a shortage of special drugs needed to treat this disease," Saeed Namaki, the Islamic Republic's health minister, said, according to an independent translation of his Farsi language remarks provided to the Washington Free Beacon.
Namaki's remarks contradict claims by Iranian leaders that American sanctions have prevented Iran from importing medicine and other humanitarian goods. Iran and its American allies have pushed for full-scale sanctions relief since the coronavirus began to spread in Iran, which is among the nations hardest hit by the virus.
While U.S. sanctions remain in place, they have not targeted humanitarian goods, according to senior Trump administration officials. Western media outlets have uncritically repeated the Iranian regime's claims, but new data suggest Iran still has access to pharmaceuticals. The U.S. State Department has alleged that Iranian regime figures stole more than a billion dollars in humanitarian aid sent to Tehran last year, just before the virus erupted.
"Despite assertions that U.S. sanctions have worsened the coronavirus epidemic in Iran, the data do not indicate that Iran has had difficulty maintaining its imports of pharmaceuticals," the Foundation for Defense of Democracies concluded in a recent policy brief written by Saeed Ghasseminejad and David Adesnik.
"According to the official Eurostat database, total EU exports to Iran fell from €8.9 billion in 2018 to 4.5 billion [euros] in 2019, while pharmaceutical exports fell from 738 million to 698 million [euros]. Most U.S. sanctions went into effect in November 2018, six months after the U.S. withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal," according to the brief. "Thus, a year-on-year comparison of 2018 to 2019 provides a good, though imperfect, approximation of the sanctions' impact."
U.S. sanctions have never been applied to Iran's trade in food, medication, and other humanitarian goods.
"While Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif often insists that sanctions prevent Iran from importing medicine, the regime's own health officials have consistently denied that this is the case. Some have directly blamed corruption and mismanagement for the country's shortages," FDD wrote.


freebeacon--2020-03-31--Pennsylvania Allows Planned Parenthood to Perform Abortions Despite Elective Surgery Ban

Planned Parenthood clinics in Pennsylvania have eliminated all services except for abortion in the wake of a statewide ban on elective surgeries meant to preserve scarce medical resources amid the coronavirus pandemic .
Democratic governor Tom Wolf issued a directive ordering the shut down of all businesses `` that are not life sustaining '' on March 20 , and a guidance from the state government prohibits elective procedures performed by health care services and hospitals .
Despite these directives , Planned Parenthood Keystone , which serves central and eastern Pennsylvania , announced it would remain open `` for abortion services @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operations .
Hospitals are facing shortages of medical supplies necessary to deal with the pandemic as the number of coronavirus patients drastically increases across the state and country .
The abortion clinics also requested donations of personal protective equipment , including `` hand sanitizer , home-sewn masks , shoe covers , and surgical hats , '' so they could continue to perform abortions .
The order , issued on March 20 , came after the state 's health secretary urged doctors and patients to consider postponing noncritical surgeries .
The state 's largest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continued to proceed with abortions , even as it stopped providing routine exams and other services .
Planned Parenthood did not respond to a request for comment .
`` The paradox is just striking , here we 're making an exception for life-sustaining procedures and yet an exception to that is this one medical procedure that 's life-ending , '' Tom Brejcha , president and chief legal counsel for the Thomas More Society , told the Washington Free Beacon .
Pennsylvania had 31,260 abortions in 2017 , according to the Guttmacher Institute , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 19,000 of those procedures likely required in-clinic services , as medication abortions accounted for 39 percent of all abortions in the United States in 2017 , the most recent numbers made available by the institute .
Wolf has been an outspoken ally of abortion supporters while in office .
In October 2019 , he stated his intention to veto any pro-life legislation that came across his desk after Republicans in the state legislature introduced a `` heartbeat bill '' banning abortions after six weeks .
Planned Parenthood has contributed $ 27,500 to Wolf @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to state campaign finance records .
Wolf 's office did not respond to a request for comment .
Pennsylvania is not the only state dealing with issues surrounding abortion providers in the midst of the pandemic .
Texas included abortion clinics in a statewide order postponing surgeries and nonessential medical procedures .
A federal judge blocked the order on Monday , saying it prevented women `` from exercising what the Supreme Court has declared is their fundamental constitutional right to terminate a pregnancy before a fetus is viable . ''
Pro-life groups ripped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abortion clinics when hospitals and other facilities are struggling to deal with the pandemic .
`` It is unconscionable that Governor Wolf has allowed elective abortions to proceed during this crisis when all resources are needed for essential medical procedures , '' said Susan B. Anthony List president Marjorie Dannenfelser in a statement .
An open letter from the Pennsylvania Family Institute called on Wolf to specifically address continued abortion procedures .
`` Abortion is an elective procedure that should not be permitted at the peak of the coronavirus crisis , '' the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is always the risk that some women will have complications from the procedure that will need emergency hospital care , which will only further drain our overstretched health care system . ''
Jeanne Mancini , president of the March for Life , said lawmakers should apply the ban on elective procedures across the board , rather than protecting the interests of abortion clinics .
`` Killing unborn children is n't health care and certainly does n't provide necessary medical help or assistance for coronavirus , '' Mancini said .
`` At a time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thin , it is very disappointing to see politicians use this vulnerable moment in our country 's history to play politics and advocate for abortion . ''
Several counties in Pennsylvania are under stay-at-home orders as the number of coronavirus cases in the state passed 4,000 .

Planned Parenthood clinics in Pennsylvania have eliminated all services except for abortion in the wake of a statewide ban on elective surgeries meant to preserve scarce medical resources amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Democratic governor Tom Wolf issued a directive ordering the shut down of all businesses "that are not life sustaining" on March 20, and a guidance from the state government prohibits elective procedures performed by health care services and hospitals. Despite these directives, Planned Parenthood Keystone, which serves central and eastern Pennsylvania, announced it would remain open "for abortion services only" while shutting down its other operations.
Hospitals are facing shortages of medical supplies necessary to deal with the pandemic as the number of coronavirus patients drastically increases across the state and country. The abortion clinics also requested donations of personal protective equipment, including "hand sanitizer, home-sewn masks, shoe covers, and surgical hats," so they could continue to perform abortions.
The order, issued on March 20, came after the state's health secretary urged doctors and patients to consider postponing noncritical surgeries. The state's largest abortion provider has ignored the directive and continued to proceed with abortions, even as it stopped providing routine exams and other services. Planned Parenthood did not respond to a request for comment.
"The paradox is just striking, here we're making an exception for life-sustaining procedures and yet an exception to that is this one medical procedure that's life-ending," Tom Brejcha, president and chief legal counsel for the Thomas More Society, told the Washington Free Beacon.
Pennsylvania had 31,260 abortions in 2017, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a pro-abortion think tank. More than 19,000 of those procedures likely required in-clinic services, as medication abortions accounted for 39 percent of all abortions in the United States in 2017, the most recent numbers made available by the institute.
Wolf has been an outspoken ally of abortion supporters while in office. In October 2019, he stated his intention to veto any pro-life legislation that came across his desk after Republicans in the state legislature introduced a "heartbeat bill" banning abortions after six weeks. Planned Parenthood has contributed $27,500 to Wolf's campaign coffers since 2014, according to state campaign finance records.
Wolf's office did not respond to a request for comment.
Pennsylvania is not the only state dealing with issues surrounding abortion providers in the midst of the pandemic. Texas included abortion clinics in a statewide order postponing surgeries and nonessential medical procedures. A federal judge blocked the order on Monday, saying it prevented women "from exercising what the Supreme Court has declared is their fundamental constitutional right to terminate a pregnancy before a fetus is viable."
Pro-life groups ripped Wolf for failing to take action against abortion clinics when hospitals and other facilities are struggling to deal with the pandemic.
"It is unconscionable that Governor Wolf has allowed elective abortions to proceed during this crisis when all resources are needed for essential medical procedures," said Susan B. Anthony List president Marjorie Dannenfelser in a statement.
An open letter from the Pennsylvania Family Institute called on Wolf to specifically address continued abortion procedures.
"Abortion is an elective procedure that should not be permitted at the peak of the coronavirus crisis," the letter states. "With abortions there is always the risk that some women will have complications from the procedure that will need emergency hospital care, which will only further drain our overstretched health care system."
Jeanne Mancini, president of the March for Life, said lawmakers should apply the ban on elective procedures across the board, rather than protecting the interests of abortion clinics.
"Killing unborn children isn't health care and certainly doesn't provide necessary medical help or assistance for coronavirus," Mancini said. "At a time when medical staff and resources are spread thin, it is very disappointing to see politicians use this vulnerable moment in our country's history to play politics and advocate for abortion."
Several counties in Pennsylvania are under stay-at-home orders as the number of coronavirus cases in the state passed 4,000.


freebeacon--2020-03-31--New Jersey Backs Down on Gun-Store Closures

New Jersey gun stores will reopen after Democrat governor Phil Murphy abandoned an attempted statewide shutdown stemming from the coronavirus outbreak .
On Monday , Murphy said the stores will be able to operate `` by appointment only and under limited hours '' during the duration of his emergency shutdown order .
The move came two days after the federal government updated its essential business guidance to include gun stores , ranges , and manufacturers .
Murphy said he disagreed with the nonbinding guidance issued by the Department of Homeland Security but would follow its prescriptions .
`` In accordance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the federal Department of Homeland Security , we will allow firearms retailers to operate , '' Murphy said during a Monday press conference .
`` It wouldn ’ t have been my definition , but that ’ s the definition at the federal level , and I didn ’ t get a vote on that . ''
Murphy 's initial order closed not only businesses , but the state 's background check system , making it effectively impossible to purchase legal firearms in the state .
His reversal may signal an end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should be considered `` essential '' businesses as states enact stay-at-home orders to combat the pandemic .
Pennsylvania and Delaware have also reversed bans .
Texas told cities and counties within the state on Friday that gun stores are `` essential '' and can not be closed .
Gun-rights groups praised the Trump administration for updating their guidance and influencing Governor Murphy .
`` New Jersey 's decision to recognize gun stores as ‘ essential ' is all thanks to President Trump and the DHS 's decision to declare firearm or ammunition product @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and shooting ranges as critical infrastructure to remain open during any state shutdown , '' Lars Dalseide , a National Rifle Association spokesman , told the Washington Free Beacon .
The National Shooting Sports Foundation ( NSSF ) , a gun industry trade group that lobbied for DHS to add gun companies to the `` essential '' list , said it pursued the federal change in an effort to prevent such policies from being enacted .
`` This underscores the importance of why we worked with the White House and the Department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ listed as essential critical infrastructure , '' Mark Oliva , a spokesman for the group , told the Free Beacon .
`` This designation is crucial to allowing for commerce in firearms and the ability of Americans to exercise their Second Amendment rights . ''
The group said the industry is willing to abide by social distancing guidelines in an effort to keep customers safe , but believes total shutdowns directly violate Americans ' constitutional rights .
`` Your ability to exercise your Second Amendment rights begins with your ability to legally obtain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` If you are denied access to the gun counter and you are denied access to running a state-required , a federally required background check to legally purchase a gun , you are being denied your rights .
And that 's what Governor Murphy was doing . ''
Gun-rights groups have also taken legal action against states and localities that have shuttered stores in reaction to coronavirus .
The NRA , Second Amendment Foundation ( SAF ) , and Firearms Policy Coalition ( FPC ) all filed suits against New Jersey over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legal strategy for FPC , said the group was `` pleased '' that Murphy `` begrudgingly reversed his decision . ''
Alan Gottlieb , SAF founder , said his group was `` delighted '' with the new policy .
`` Our lawsuit cut right to the heart of what the Second Amendment is all about , which is personal protection during emergency situations like the ongoing coronavirus pandemic that has gripped the nation , '' he said in a statement .
`` Regardless what some politicians might think , the Second Amendment is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the First , Fourth , Fifth or other constitutional protections . ''
While the groups said the governor 's reversal is likely to be enough to end their lawsuits against the state , the Association of New Jersey Rifle and Pistol Clubs told Politico it is still pursuing its suit in an attempt to set a precedent that would `` [ prevent ] this from ever happening again . ''
Kraut said FPC and other gun-rights organizations would monitor developments in New Jersey as they pursue legal action in other states , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The governor has made his disdain for an enumerated constitutional right well known , and it is clear he will not show the Second Amendment the respect it is due unless forced to do so , '' he told the Free Beacon .
`` FPC and our friends at other organizations will continue to take legal action as necessary to protect the People ’ s right to keep and bear arms when modern day Kings believe they can relegate the Second Amendment to the pages of history .
`` This case is not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ start . ''

New Jersey gun stores will reopen after Democrat governor Phil Murphy abandoned an attempted statewide shutdown stemming from the coronavirus outbreak.
On Monday, Murphy said the stores will be able to operate "by appointment only and under limited hours" during the duration of his emergency shutdown order. The move came two days after the federal government updated its essential business guidance to include gun stores, ranges, and manufacturers. Murphy said he disagreed with the nonbinding guidance issued by the Department of Homeland Security but would follow its prescriptions.
"In accordance with the guidance released over the weekend by the federal Department of Homeland Security, we will allow firearms retailers to operate," Murphy said during a Monday press conference. "It wouldn’t have been my definition, but that’s the definition at the federal level, and I didn’t get a vote on that."
Murphy's initial order closed not only businesses, but the state's background check system, making it effectively impossible to purchase legal firearms in the state. His reversal may signal an end to the debate over whether gun stores should be considered "essential" businesses as states enact stay-at-home orders to combat the pandemic. Pennsylvania and Delaware have also reversed bans. Texas told cities and counties within the state on Friday that gun stores are "essential" and cannot be closed.
Gun-rights groups praised the Trump administration for updating their guidance and influencing Governor Murphy.
"New Jersey's decision to recognize gun stores as 'essential' is all thanks to President Trump and the DHS's decision to declare firearm or ammunition product manufacturers, retailers, importers, distributors, and shooting ranges as critical infrastructure to remain open during any state shutdown," Lars Dalseide, a National Rifle Association spokesman, told the Washington Free Beacon.
The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), a gun industry trade group that lobbied for DHS to add gun companies to the "essential" list, said it pursued the federal change in an effort to prevent such policies from being enacted.
"This underscores the importance of why we worked with the White House and the Department of Homeland Security to get firearms businesses listed as essential critical infrastructure," Mark Oliva, a spokesman for the group, told the Free Beacon. "This designation is crucial to allowing for commerce in firearms and the ability of Americans to exercise their Second Amendment rights."
The group said the industry is willing to abide by social distancing guidelines in an effort to keep customers safe, but believes total shutdowns directly violate Americans' constitutional rights.
"Your ability to exercise your Second Amendment rights begins with your ability to legally obtain a firearm," Oliva said. "If you are denied access to the gun counter and you are denied access to running a state-required, a federally required background check to legally purchase a gun, you are being denied your rights. And that's what Governor Murphy was doing."
Gun-rights groups have also taken legal action against states and localities that have shuttered stores in reaction to coronavirus. The NRA, Second Amendment Foundation (SAF), and Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) all filed suits against New Jersey over the order.
Adam Kraut, director of legal strategy for FPC, said the group was "pleased" that Murphy "begrudgingly reversed his decision." Alan Gottlieb, SAF founder, said his group was "delighted" with the new policy.
"Our lawsuit cut right to the heart of what the Second Amendment is all about, which is personal protection during emergency situations like the ongoing coronavirus pandemic that has gripped the nation," he said in a statement. "Regardless what some politicians might think, the Second Amendment is not subject to emergency orders, same as the First, Fourth, Fifth or other constitutional protections."
While the groups said the governor's reversal is likely to be enough to end their lawsuits against the state, the Association of New Jersey Rifle and Pistol Clubs told Politico it is still pursuing its suit in an attempt to set a precedent that would "[prevent] this from ever happening again."
Kraut said FPC and other gun-rights organizations would monitor developments in New Jersey as they pursue legal action in other states, including North Carolina and California.
"The governor has made his disdain for an enumerated constitutional right well known, and it is clear he will not show the Second Amendment the respect it is due unless forced to do so," he told the Free Beacon. "FPC and our friends at other organizations will continue to take legal action as necessary to protect the People’s right to keep and bear arms when modern day Kings believe they can relegate the Second Amendment to the pages of history.
"This case is not over, but it's a great start."


freebeacon--2020-03-31--Biden Super PAC Joins Forces With David Brock Group to Form $175 Million Anti-Trump Coalition

The super PAC supporting former vice president Joe Biden has joined forces with liberal operative David Brock 's opposition research group to form a $ 175 million network opposing President Donald Trump .
Pro-Biden super PAC Unite the Country and Brock 's American Bridge PAC announced Monday they will collaborate on research , polling , and ad buys against President Trump .
The groups are teaming up in hopes of surpassing the Priorities USA super PAC , which is affiliated with the Democratic Party , as the largest outside group backing Biden 's candidacy .
The coalition 's resources , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 175 million benchmark the groups have publicly stated as their goal .
The pro-Biden PAC 's founders also started a massive dark money group that will spend tens of millions during the 2020 cycle .
The new partnership may also heighten an existing rivalry between Priorities and Brock 's network of groups , and could ultimately divert money away from official party organs such as the cash-strapped Democratic National Committee .
Officials from Unite the Country and American Bridge said they formed the coalition to avoid competing against one another for fundraising @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between the PACs .
The partnership will be led by former Massachusetts governor Deval Patrick .
Future Majority , a dark money organization that plans to spend $ 60 million in swing states like Pennsylvania , Michigan , and Wisconsin , went unmentioned in the groups ' announcement despite its close proximity to the coalition .
Future Majority lists Matthew Tompkins , a D.C. fundraiser , as its governor in D.C. business records .
Tompkins also established Unite the Country .
Brock has already poured millions into the same states as Future Majority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ similar efforts leading up to the November elections .
Unite the Country and American Bridge did not respond to requests for comment on their partnership and the role Future Majority may play in their upcoming campaign .
Priorities USA , meanwhile , has so far raised $ 27 million this cycle and plans to spend at least $ 150 million .
It raised $ 192 million throughout the 2016 election cycle .
The pro-Biden PAC and Brock 's American Bridge PAC have combined to take in $ 35 million , according to their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Commission .
George Soros 's Democracy PAC has given to both Priorities USA ( $ 3 million ) and American Bridge ( $ 2 million ) this year .
Other deep-pocketed donors like Bernard Schwartz , chairman of the New York-based private investment firm BLS Investments , have also given to Priorities ( $ 100,000 ) , American Bridge ( $ 450,000 ) , and Unite the Country ( $ 300,000 ) .
The Times reported that allies of Brock 's group and Priorities are pushing party officials to have Biden 's campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it prefers .
The rivalry may force donors to pick which network to fund moving forward .
Tension between Brock-supported groups and party officials has mounted for years .
Operatives and organizers expressed hostility toward Brock following the 2016 election and urged him to stop attempting to help the Democratic Party .
A senior official for Clinton 's campaign called Brock 's constellation of PACs and organizations `` useless '' and said his tens of millions spent on the election might as well have been thrown `` down a well . ''
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in criticizing Brock , calling him `` f—king weird '' and likening him to the character Mugatu from the movie Zoolander .
`` I do n't know what the f—k [ Brock 's network ] did besides raise a ton of money , and I do n't think the after-action report on 2016 says we need more David Brock , '' the official said at the time .
`` Probably the opposite is true . ''
Despite the criticism , Brock wasted no time getting back into the fold after Trump 's election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Florida , as Trump was being sworn into office , where he pitched his four-year plan of kicking `` Donald Trump 's ass '' to more than 100 liberal donors .
The plan was detailed in confidential documents obtained on-site by the Washington Free Beacon .
The Biden campaign and Priorities USA did not respond to requests for comment .

The super PAC supporting former vice president Joe Biden has joined forces with liberal operative David Brock's opposition research group to form a $175 million network opposing President Donald Trump.
Pro-Biden super PAC Unite the Country and Brock's American Bridge PAC announced Monday they will collaborate on research, polling, and ad buys against President Trump. The groups are teaming up in hopes of surpassing the Priorities USA super PAC, which is affiliated with the Democratic Party, as the largest outside group backing Biden's candidacy.
The coalition's resources, however, could extend far beyond the $175 million benchmark the groups have publicly stated as their goal. The pro-Biden PAC's founders also started a massive dark money group that will spend tens of millions during the 2020 cycle. The new partnership may also heighten an existing rivalry between Priorities and Brock's network of groups and could ultimately divert money away from official party organs such as the cash-strapped Democratic National Committee.
Officials from Unite the Country and American Bridge said they formed the coalition to avoid competing against one another for fundraising and to ensure there is no redundancy between the PACs. The partnership will be led by former Massachusetts governor Deval Patrick.
Future Majority, a dark money organization that plans to spend $60 million in swing states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin, went unmentioned in the groups' announcement despite its close proximity to the coalition. Future Majority lists Matthew Tompkins, a D.C. fundraiser, as its governor in D.C. business records. Tompkins also established Unite the Country. Brock has already poured millions into the same states as Future Majority and will spend $50 million on similar efforts leading up to the November elections.
Unite the Country and American Bridge did not respond to requests for comment on their partnership and the role Future Majority may play in their upcoming campaign.
Priorities USA, meanwhile, has so far raised $27 million this cycle and plans to spend at least $150 million. It raised $192 million throughout the 2016 election cycle. The pro-Biden PAC and Brock's American Bridge PAC have combined to take in $35 million, according to their most recent reports to the Federal Election Commission.
George Soros's Democracy PAC has given to both Priorities USA ($3 million) and American Bridge ($2 million) this year. Other deep-pocketed donors like Bernard Schwartz, chairman of the New York-based private investment firm BLS Investments, have also given to Priorities ($100,000), American Bridge ($450,000), and Unite the Country ($300,000).
The New York Times reported that allies of Brock's group and Priorities are pushing party officials to have Biden's campaign "signal" which of the groups it prefers. The rivalry may force donors to pick which network to fund moving forward.
Tension between Brock-supported groups and party officials has mounted for years. Operatives and organizers expressed hostility toward Brock following the 2016 election and urged him to stop attempting to help the Democratic Party.
A senior official for Clinton's campaign called Brock's constellation of PACs and organizations "useless" and said his tens of millions spent on the election might as well have been thrown "down a well."
A former Obama administration official was more forceful in criticizing Brock, calling him "f—ing weird" and likening him to the character Mugatu from the movie Zoolander. "I don't know what the f— [Brock's network] did besides raise a ton of money, and I don't think the after-action report on 2016 says we need more David Brock," the official said at the time. "Probably the opposite is true."
Despite the criticism, Brock wasted no time getting back into the fold after Trump's election. The operative held a secret gathering in Florida, as Trump was being sworn into office, where he pitched his four-year plan of kicking "Donald Trump's ass" to more than 100 liberal donors. The plan was detailed in confidential documents obtained on-site by the Washington Free Beacon.
The Biden campaign and Priorities USA did not respond to requests for comment.


freebeacon--2020-03-31--U.S. Prepared to Retaliate Against Iranian Terror Attacks in Iraq

The coronavirus pandemic will not stop the United States from waging retaliatory attacks against Iranian-backed militia groups that launch strikes on American outposts in Iraq , Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said .
`` We will always respond to protect and defend Americans , '' Pompeo told reporters on Tuesday when asked about recent attacks by Iranian-armed militia groups in Iraq .
`` Whether it 's our diplomats in our embassies and consulates inside of Iraq , or Department of Defense people who are serving or there are civilians who are contractors , we 'll always do everything we can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will respond if they are threatened . ''
The coronavirus has not impacted the United States ' ability to respond , Pompeo said .
His remarks come on the heels of a missile attack on coalition forces in Iraq that killed two Americans and one British soldier .
As the Iranian regime struggles to combat the virus 's spread , it has not stopped providing financial resources and weapons to terrorist factions across the region .
`` We have seen attacks on Americans , attempted efforts in some cases as well as inside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Pompeo said .
Pompeo said the State Department is aware those Shia militias have been trained and equipped by Iran .
`` We will respond against all of those who facilitated , trained , equipped , and enabled those attacks on America , '' Pompeo said .
`` That holds as true today as it did two weeks , four weeks , or back in the beginning of January , when we took a strike against [ Iranian general ] Qassem Soleimani . ''

The coronavirus pandemic will not stop the United States from waging retaliatory attacks against Iranian-backed militia groups that launch strikes on American outposts in Iraq, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said.
"We will always respond to protect and defend Americans," Pompeo told reporters on Tuesday when asked about recent attacks by Iranian-armed militia groups in Iraq. "Whether it's our diplomats in our embassies and consulates inside of Iraq, or Department of Defense people who are serving or there are civilians who are contractors, we'll always do everything we can to defend and protect them. We will respond if they are threatened."
The coronavirus has not impacted the United States' ability to respond, Pompeo said. His remarks come on the heels of a missile attack on coalition forces in Iraq that killed two Americans and one British soldier.
As the Iranian regime struggles to combat the virus's spread, it has not stopped providing financial resources and weapons to terrorist factions across the region.
"We have seen attacks on Americans, attempted efforts in some cases as well as inside of Iraq conducted by Shia militias," Pompeo said.
Pompeo said the State Department is aware those Shia militias have been trained and equipped by Iran.
"We will respond against all of those who facilitated, trained, equipped, and enabled those attacks on America," Pompeo said. "That holds as true today as it did two weeks, four weeks, or back in the beginning of January, when we took a strike against [Iranian general] Qassem Soleimani."


freebeacon--2020-03-31--The New York Times Embarrasses Itself

The New York Times Embarrasses Itself

The New York Times touts itself as a tireless purveyor of facts .
One installment in its latest ad campaign reads : `` Truth .
It 's hard to find . ''
But the Times ‘ s recent coverage of the coronavirus pandemic suggests the so-called paper of record is itself struggling to find the truth .
The Times printed a correction on Tuesday to rectify its reporters ' mischaracterization of a coronavirus study by the Society of Critical Care Medicine ( SCCM ) .
It was the second time in four days the Times had published ( and subsequently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SCCM study estimated that as many as 1 million coronavirus patients could require ventilators over the course of the entire pandemic .
The New York Times , among others , reported that the United States would need 1 million ventilators to adequately care for coronavirus patients .
As it turns out , that 's a pretty significant difference .
New York Times campaign reporter Trip Gabriel promoted ( 407 retweets ) his colleagues ' inaccurate reporting as evidence that President Donald Trump 's approach to the crisis `` will doom people to die @ @ @ @ @ @ @ article stated incorrectly that the SCCM study indicated the United States `` could need up to a million machines over the course of the outbreak . ''
Several days later , Gabriel posted an addendum ( 11 retweets ) to `` clarify . ''
Here 's the correction printed in the Times that same day .
Here 's the correction the Times published on Tuesday , after an article in Saturday 's print edition cited the same inaccurate characterization of the study 's findings to criticize Trump 's coronavirus response coordinator , Dr. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mistakes .
But making the same mistake twice in less than a week and being forced to run identical corrections days after the fact ?
That 's pretty embarrassing for the New York Times , an institution prone to fits of ostentatious self-regard which promotes itself with ( award-winning ) slogans such as : `` Truth .
It 's more important now than ever . ''
As is so often the case when the media messes up , this particular error is the result of a mischaracterization that just happens to make Donald @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
On the same day the Times published its first story on the SCCM study , the paper also ran an article about major television networks debating whether to stop airing Trump 's daily briefings on the coronavirus to prevent the spread of `` information that doctors and public health officials have called ill informed , misleading or downright wrong . ''
Perhaps the media should get their own houses in order and hunt down the elusive truth about why , despite Trump 's shortcomings , the American people still see the president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ national media .

The New York Times touts itself as a tireless purveyor of facts. One installment in its latest ad campaign reads: "Truth. It's hard to find." But the Times's recent coverage of the coronavirus pandemic suggests the so-called paper of record is itself struggling to find the truth.
The Times printed a correction on Tuesday to rectify its reporters' mischaracterization of a coronavirus study by the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM). It was the second time in four days the Times had published (and subsequently corrected) the same error.
The SCCM study estimated that as many as 1 million coronavirus patients could require ventilators over the course of the entire pandemic. The New York Times, among others, reported that the United States would need 1 million ventilators to adequately care for coronavirus patients. As it turns out, that's a pretty significant difference.
New York Times campaign reporter Trip Gabriel promoted (407 retweets) his colleagues' inaccurate reporting as evidence that President Donald Trump's approach to the crisis "will doom people to die." At the time, the article stated incorrectly that the SCCM study indicated the United States "could need up to a million machines over the course of the outbreak."
There are at most 200k ventilators in the US. One million are expected to be needed. Experts say the Trump administration approach - let states fend for themselves in the market rather than a central authority step in - will doom people to die. https://t.co/aC9Pwkf7bA — Trip Gabriel (@tripgabriel) March 26, 2020
Several days later, Gabriel posted an addendum (11 retweets) to "clarify."
To clarify: The study, by the Society of Critical Care Medicine, projected that as many as 1 million people in the U.S. may need treatment with a ventilator over the course of the pandemic, not that the U.S. will need 1 million total ventilators. A cxn was added to the story. — Trip Gabriel (@tripgabriel) March 28, 2020
Here's the correction printed in the Times that same day.
Here's the correction the Times published on Tuesday, after an article in Saturday's print edition cited the same inaccurate characterization of the study's findings to criticize Trump's coronavirus response coordinator, Dr. Deborah Birx.
Sure, everyone makes mistakes. But making the same mistake twice in less than a week and being forced to run identical corrections days after the fact? That's pretty embarrassing for the New York Times, an institution prone to fits of ostentatious self-regard which promotes itself with (award-winning) slogans such as: "Truth. It's more important now than ever." As is so often the case when the media messes up, this particular error is the result of a mischaracterization that just happens to make Donald Trump and the Republican Party look bad.
On the same day the Times published its first story on the SCCM study, the paper also ran an article about major television networks debating whether to stop airing Trump's daily briefings on the coronavirus to prevent the spread of "information that doctors and public health officials have called ill informed, misleading or downright wrong."
Perhaps the media should get their own houses in order and hunt down the elusive truth about why, despite Trump's shortcomings, the American people still see the president as a more reliable source than the national media.
Why indeed.


freebeacon--2020-03-31--Democratic AGs Want Abortion Pill Restrictions Lifted During Coronavirus

Twenty-one Democratic attorneys general are asking government agencies to lift restrictions on an abortion-inducing drug because of the coronavirus pandemic .
California attorney general Xavier Becerra sent a letter signed by 20 other Democratic attorneys general to the Department of Health and Human Services and the Food and Drug Administration on March 30 .
The letter requests the rescinding of a safety program required for medication that carries health risks and demands that the two departments allow easier access to abortion medication , facilitating abortions that could happen without the patient having to leave her home .
The request for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ states face questions about whether abortion services should qualify as essential care exempt from state lockdowns .
The drug in question , mifepristone , can be used to cause an abortion during early stages of pregnancy .
The letter asks HHS and the FDA to waive the drug 's Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy ( REMS ) to facilitate out-of-clinic abortions .
REMS requires providers to be registered with an FDA safety program and with the drug manufacturer .
It also requires patients to be informed of the drug 's potential side effects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` onerous and medically unnecessary '' during the coronavirus outbreak and could force women to travel to obtain abortions .
The letter also says mifepristone is safer than other over-the-counter drugs and has been found to have high safety ratings in past studies .
It requests that , at a minimum , the FDA use its `` enforcement discretion to allow certified prescribers to use telehealth for mifepristone . ''
`` These women are putting themselves and their families at risk when they seek out the healthcare that they need , and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no matter where they live , they can continue to receive necessary , safe , and legal abortion care , '' the letter concludes .
The letter comes in the midst of legal clashes over abortion .
Federal judges ordered the temporary lifting of abortion restrictions in Alabama , Texas , and Ohio earlier this week .
The cases will be heard early next month as state governments attempt to impose penalties on abortion providers who continue to operate during the pandemic .
The Kentucky state government issued a statewide ban on abortions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The state 's attorney general said the ban is necessary , with an exception for cases involving threats to the health of the mother , to contribute to social distancing and conserve medical resources for coronavirus treatments .
Other states deemed abortions essential care and allowed abortion clinics to stay open during the pandemic .
A Planned Parenthood affiliate in Pennsylvania shut down all services it offered except for abortions after the state governor ordered all non-life-sustaining services be shut down .
The clinic also requested donations of vital medical equipment to continue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country as hospitals are inundated with coronavirus patients .
Twenty of the attorney general offices did not respond to a request for comment .
The Maryland attorney general office told the Washington Free Beacon it did not have any further reasoning beyond the rationale in the letter .
The pro-life Susan B. Anthony List criticized the letter , saying it could recklessly endanger women .
`` The radical abortion lobby is shamelessly exploiting the fears of women and families during this national crisis to promote a dramatic expansion of chemical abortion , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dangerous drugs is needed most , '' SBA List president Marjorie Dannenfelser told the Free Beacon .
`` This reckless push by the abortion industry puts everyone at risk , including women who may be more vulnerable to infection after an abortion . ''

Twenty-one Democratic attorneys general are asking government agencies to lift restrictions on an abortion-inducing drug because of the coronavirus pandemic.
California attorney general Xavier Becerra sent a letter signed by 20 other Democratic attorneys general to the Department of Health and Human Services and the Food and Drug Administration on March 30. The letter requests the rescinding of a safety program required for medication that carries health risks and demands that the two departments allow easier access to abortion medication, facilitating abortions that could happen without the patient having to leave her home.
The request for significantly loosened restrictions on abortion comes as states face questions about whether abortion services should qualify as essential care exempt from state lockdowns.
The drug in question, mifepristone, can be used to cause an abortion during early stages of pregnancy. The letter asks HHS and the FDA to waive the drug's Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) to facilitate out-of-clinic abortions.
REMS requires providers to be registered with an FDA safety program and with the drug manufacturer. It also requires patients to be informed of the drug's potential side effects.
The letter says the restrictions are "onerous and medically unnecessary" during the coronavirus outbreak and could force women to travel to obtain abortions.
The letter also says mifepristone is safer than other over-the-counter drugs and has been found to have high safety ratings in past studies.
It requests that, at a minimum, the FDA use its "enforcement discretion to allow certified prescribers to use telehealth for mifepristone."
"These women are putting themselves and their families at risk when they seek out the healthcare that they need, and the federal government must act to ensure that no matter where they live, they can continue to receive necessary, safe, and legal abortion care," the letter concludes.
The letter comes in the midst of legal clashes over abortion. Federal judges ordered the temporary lifting of abortion restrictions in Alabama, Texas, and Ohio earlier this week. The cases will be heard early next month as state governments attempt to impose penalties on abortion providers who continue to operate during the pandemic.
The Kentucky state government issued a statewide ban on abortions for the duration of the pandemic. The state's attorney general said the ban is necessary, with an exception for cases involving threats to the health of the mother, to contribute to social distancing and conserve medical resources for coronavirus treatments.
Other states deemed abortions essential care and allowed abortion clinics to stay open during the pandemic. A Planned Parenthood affiliate in Pennsylvania shut down all services it offered except for abortions after the state governor ordered all non-life-sustaining services be shut down. The clinic also requested donations of vital medical equipment to continue performing the procedures, despite shortages across the country as hospitals are inundated with coronavirus patients.
Twenty of the attorney general offices did not respond to a request for comment. The Maryland attorney general office told the Washington Free Beacon it did not have any further reasoning beyond the rationale in the letter.
The pro-life Susan B. Anthony List criticized the letter, saying it could recklessly endanger women.
"The radical abortion lobby is shamelessly exploiting the fears of women and families during this national crisis to promote a dramatic expansion of chemical abortion, just when protective FDA regulation of these dangerous drugs is needed most," SBA List president Marjorie Dannenfelser told the Free Beacon. "This reckless push by the abortion industry puts everyone at risk, including women who may be more vulnerable to infection after an abortion."


freebeacon--2020-03-31--State Department Has Rescued More Than 27,000 Americans Abroad Amid Coronavirus Outbreak

The State Department has rescued more than 27,000 Americans from 50 countries during the past several weeks since the coronavirus stranded scores of U.S. citizens abroad , including in some countries that have been placed on complete lockdown .
`` As of today we have repatriated over 20—I think it 's 6 , or 27,000 U.S. citizens from more than 50 countries , '' Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told reporters Tuesday during a press conference at Foggy Bottom .
`` The stories of our team 's heart and character and commitment to excellence are truly amazing . ''
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Wuhan , China , where the virus first began to spread .
With commercial travel reduced or completely halted in many countries around the world , Americans have petitioned the State Department for help .
The United States has been able to work with its local embassies to coordinate commercial travel and chartered flights for those stranded outside of the country .
One American `` critically ill from the virus '' who was suffering in Bhutan , a South Asian country , was rescued , according to Pompeo .
`` In Bhutan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , an American was critically ill from the virus , intubated on a ventilator , and frankly expected to die in a country located in one of the most remote corners of the world , '' he said .
`` But we came to the rescue .
Our team arranged a biocontainment transport from Bhutan to an intensive care unit in Baltimore , Md.
, a distance of nearly 8,000 miles . ''
That included a flight through Kathmandu , which is notoriously difficult to navigate .
`` To fly through Kathmandu , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make that flight , '' Pompeo said .
`` It was one of the most complex medical evacuations in history , and the State Department pulled it off . ''
The rescue effort is among the most unique ever undertaken by the State Department .
`` Never in the department 's 230-year history have we led a worldwide evacuation of such enormous geographic complexity and such geographic scale , '' Pompeo said .
These efforts will continue during the next several weeks as more Americans petition the State Department to help them evacuate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how many more Americans are trying to make their way back home , Pompeo said his administration will do all it can to aid Americans abroad .
`` We do not know in some countries how long the continued commercial flights in your country may continue to operate , '' Pompeo warned .
`` We ca n't guarantee the U.S. government 's ability to arrange chartered flights indefinitely where commercial options no longer exist . ''
Meanwhile , the United States has coordinated a massive international aid effort , sending $ 274 million @ @ @ @ @

The State Department has rescued more than 27,000 Americans from 50 countries during the past several weeks since the coronavirus stranded scores of U.S. citizens abroad, including in some countries that have been placed on complete lockdown.
"As of today we have repatriated over 20—I think it's 6, or 27,000 U.S. citizens from more than 50 countries," Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told reporters Tuesday during a press conference at Foggy Bottom. "The stories of our team's heart and character and commitment to excellence are truly amazing."
This includes more than 800 Americans who were in Wuhan, China, where the virus first began to spread.
With commercial travel reduced or completely halted in many countries around the world, Americans have petitioned the State Department for help. The United States has been able to work with its local embassies to coordinate commercial travel and chartered flights for those stranded outside of the country.
One American "critically ill from the virus" who was suffering in Bhutan, a South Asian country, was rescued, according to Pompeo.
"In Bhutan, no easy place to get to, an American was critically ill from the virus, intubated on a ventilator, and frankly expected to die in a country located in one of the most remote corners of the world," he said. "But we came to the rescue. Our team arranged a biocontainment transport from Bhutan to an intensive care unit in Baltimore, Md., a distance of nearly 8,000 miles."
That included a flight through Kathmandu, which is notoriously difficult to navigate.
"To fly through Kathmandu, there are about 12 pilots who can make that flight," Pompeo said. "It was one of the most complex medical evacuations in history, and the State Department pulled it off."
The rescue effort is among the most unique ever undertaken by the State Department.
"Never in the department's 230-year history have we led a worldwide evacuation of such enormous geographic complexity and such geographic scale," Pompeo said.
These efforts will continue during the next several weeks as more Americans petition the State Department to help them evacuate foreign countries.
While it is unclear how many more Americans are trying to make their way back home, Pompeo said his administration will do all it can to aid Americans abroad.
"We do not know in some countries how long the continued commercial flights in your country may continue to operate," Pompeo warned. "We can't guarantee the U.S. government's ability to arrange chartered flights indefinitely where commercial options no longer exist."
Meanwhile, the United States has coordinated a massive international aid effort, sending $274 million to some 64 countries.


freebeacon--2020-03-31--Idaho Bars Biologically Male Athletes From Competing in All-Female Sports

Idaho governor Brad Little ( R. ) on Monday signed the Fairness in Women 's Sports Act to prohibit biologically male students from participating in all-female sports .
`` Athletic teams or sports designated for females , women , or girls shall not be open to students of the male sex , '' the bill states .
The law cites differences in male and female physiology that results in distinct athletic capabilities .
`` Under this bill , boys and men will not be able to take the place of girls and women in sports because it is not fair @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Reuters .
Female students from Connecticut have filed a federal lawsuit seeking to prevent schools in the state from allowing transgender people to compete in women 's sports after the students lost competitions to athletes born male .
Chelsea Mitchell , one of the athletes challenging the state of Connecticut , said she was happy about Idaho 's new legislation .
`` I have lost four state championships because my state 's policy ignores the physical advantages males have over females in sports and allows males to compete in the girls ' category @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Four times I was the fastest female in my race , but I did n't get the gold medal or the state title ; the males in my race took that honor .
I have watched this happen over and over again in my sport in Connecticut , as so many girls have been impacted . ''
The governor also signed a second bill on Monday that prohibits transgender people from changing their sex on their birth certificate .
Sam Brinton , the head of advocacy and government affairs for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this policy would endanger the lives of transgender youth .
`` It is a sad day in the United States when lawmakers are more determined to stop trans young people from playing games than to provide them with the care , support , and opportunities they need to survive and thrive , '' he said .

Idaho governor Brad Little (R.) on Monday signed the Fairness in Women's Sports Act to prohibit biologically male students from participating in all-female sports.
"Athletic teams or sports designated for females, women, or girls shall not be open to students of the male sex," the bill states.
The law cites differences in male and female physiology that results in distinct athletic capabilities.
"Under this bill, boys and men will not be able to take the place of girls and women in sports because it is not fair," state representative Barbara Ehardt told Reuters.
Female students from Connecticut have filed a federal lawsuit seeking to prevent schools in the state from allowing transgender people to compete in women's sports after the students lost competitions to athletes born male.
Chelsea Mitchell, one of the athletes challenging the state of Connecticut, said she was happy about Idaho's new legislation.
"I have lost four state championships because my state's policy ignores the physical advantages males have over females in sports and allows males to compete in the girls' category," Mitchell told the Daily Wire. "Four times I was the fastest female in my race, but I didn't get the gold medal or the state title; the males in my race took that honor. I have watched this happen over and over again in my sport in Connecticut, as so many girls have been impacted."
The governor also signed a second bill on Monday that prohibits transgender people from changing their sex on their birth certificate.
Sam Brinton, the head of advocacy and government affairs for the pro-trans group the Trevor Project, argued this policy would endanger the lives of transgender youth.
"It is a sad day in the United States when lawmakers are more determined to stop trans young people from playing games than to provide them with the care, support, and opportunities they need to survive and thrive," he said.