freebeacon--2020-05-19--Aid Groups Slam U.N. Council Failure to Take Coronavirus Action

NEW YORK ( Reuters ) – Several aid groups criticized the U.N. Security Council on Tuesday for being unable to agree on a resolution backing U.N. chief Antonio Guterres ’ call for a global ceasefire so the world can focus on combating the coronavirus pandemic .
The 15-member council has been negotiating for two months , but talks have been stymied by a stand-off between veto-powers China and the United States over whether to urge support for the World Health Organization .
Washington does not want a reference to the global health body , while Beijing wanted it included .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the face of COVID is shameful .
To millions of people , it is also incomprehensible , '' said David Miliband , chief executive of the International Rescue Committee , in a joint statement with International Crisis Group , CARE USA and Save the Children .
The new coronavirus causes the illness COVID-19 , which has infected more than 4.8 million people and killed over 319,000 globally .
Rob Malley , chief executive of International Crisis Group , criticized the United States and China for treating the council negotiations as an opportunity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a chance to `` make a straightforward call for a reduction in violence during the pandemic . ''
`` Neither Washington nor Beijing seems able or willing to show leadership at the U.N. during a global crisis , '' he said .
The United States suspended funding to the WHO last month , accusing it of promoting Chinese `` disinformation '' about the novel coronavirus outbreak , although WHO officials denied the accusation and China said it was transparent and open .
`` The U.N. Security Council has a historic opportunity to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aid workers have full access , '' said Inger Ashing , chief executive of Save the Children .
`` Countries should not be counting their dead children but focus on battling the virus within their borders . ''

By Michelle Nichols
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Several aid groups criticized the U.N. Security Council on Tuesday for being unable to agree on a resolution backing U.N. chief Antonio Guterres’ call for a global ceasefire so the world can focus on combating the coronavirus pandemic.
The 15-member council has been negotiating for two months, but talks have been stymied by a stand-off between veto-powers China and the United States over whether to urge support for the World Health Organization. Washington does not want a reference to the global health body, while Beijing wanted it included.
"The paralysis of the Security Council in the face of COVID is shameful. To millions of people, it is also incomprehensible," said David Miliband, chief executive of the International Rescue Committee, in a joint statement with International Crisis Group, CARE USA and Save the Children.
The new coronavirus causes the illness COVID-19, which has infected more than 4.8 million people and killed over 319,000 globally.
Rob Malley, chief executive of International Crisis Group, criticized the United States and China for treating the council negotiations as an opportunity for a "blame game" instead of a chance to "make a straightforward call for a reduction in violence during the pandemic."
"Neither Washington nor Beijing seems able or willing to show leadership at the U.N. during a global crisis," he said.
The United States suspended funding to the WHO last month, accusing it of promoting Chinese "disinformation" about the novel coronavirus outbreak, although WHO officials denied the accusation and China said it was transparent and open.
"The U.N. Security Council has a historic opportunity to stop the fighting globally and to ensure aid workers have full access," said Inger Ashing, chief executive of Save the Children. "Countries should not be counting their dead children but focus on battling the virus within their borders."


freebeacon--2020-05-19--FACT CHECK: Nancy Pelosi’s Anti-Trump Body-Shaming Tirade Failed to Mention These Fat Democrats

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ( D. , Calif. ) delivered an unhinged body-shaming tirade on Monday when asked about President Donald Trump 's private efforts to ward off coronavirus by taking the anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine .
`` He 's our president and I would rather he not be taking something that has not been approved by the scientists , especially in his age group and in his , shall we say , weight group—morbidly obese , '' Pelosi told CNN 's Anderson Cooper .
`` So , I think it 's not a good idea . ''
Pelosi , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at least one thing right .
Trump is indeed our president , and every American should be rooting for his success in every aspect of life—personal , professional , political , and physical .
However , Pelosi 's deranged assertion that Trump is `` morbidly obese '' was false , according to the very scientists whose expertise she claims to worship .
CNN 's own fact-checking intern , Chris Cillizza , had to set the speaker straight .
Cillizza calculated that in order for the 6-foot-3 Trump to be considered morbidly obese—under the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gain almost 80 pounds .
Pelosi also neglected to mention that a prominent medical expert once described Trump as the `` healthiest individual ever elected to the presidency . ''
But that 's not all .
The octogenarian politician omitted important contextual information in the course of verbally assaulting Trump 's body , which like all human bodies is beautiful and should be celebrated by all .
As it turns out , there are a number of Democratic politicians with fat bodies—a key detail Pelosi failed to mention during her anti-Trump interview on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much-needed context to the speaker 's comments , several fat Democrats are pictured below .

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D., Calif.) delivered an unhinged body-shaming tirade on Monday when asked about President Donald Trump's private efforts to ward off coronavirus by taking the anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine.
"He's our president and I would rather he not be taking something that has not been approved by the scientists, especially in his age group and in his, shall we say, weight group—morbidly obese," Pelosi told CNN's Anderson Cooper. "So, I think it's not a good idea."
Pelosi, who recently celebrated her 80th birthday, got at least one thing right. Trump is indeed our president, and every American should be rooting for his success in every aspect of life—personal, professional, political, and physical.
However, Pelosi's deranged assertion that Trump is "morbidly obese" was false, according to the very scientists whose expertise she claims to worship. CNN's own fact-checking intern, Chris Cillizza, had to set the speaker straight. Cillizza calculated that in order for the 6-foot-3 Trump to be considered morbidly obese—under the scientifically approved definition—the president would need to gain almost 80 pounds.
Pelosi also neglected to mention that a prominent medical expert once described Trump as the "healthiest individual ever elected to the presidency." But that's not all. The octogenarian politician omitted important contextual information in the course of verbally assaulting Trump's body, which like all human bodies is beautiful and should be celebrated by all.
As it turns out, there are a number of Democratic politicians with fat bodies—a key detail Pelosi failed to mention during her anti-Trump interview on CNN. In the interest of providing much-needed context to the speaker's comments, several fat Democrats are pictured below.


freebeacon--2020-05-19--Schumer Defends Cuomo Ordering Nursing Homes to Accept Coronavirus Patients Despite Reversal

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer ( D. , N.Y. ) on Tuesday defended New York governor Andrew Cuomo 's ( D. ) controversial order requiring nursing homes to admit coronavirus-infected patients despite Cuomo 's reversal of the decision last week .
`` I think the governor and [ Mayor Bill de Blasio ] , frankly , have handled things very well , '' Schumer said on MSNBC 's Morning Joe .
`` We 've been the epicenter of the crisis with so much going on and the issues of hospitals and nursing homes were very hard to manage .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Despite an increasing coronavirus death toll in New York nursing homes—over 5,500 nursing home residents have died from the virus in the state—Schumer said he supported Cuomo 's handling of the issue .
`` I think our governor has handled it well , '' Schumer said .
`` I do n't have any dispute with what he has done . ''
Although New York reversed the order on May 10 , Schumer said the government could not predict at the time whether hospitals would be overloaded with patients .
Cuomo emphasized the importance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would not put the `` elderly at risk to boost the economy '' on March 24 .
The next day , the New York State Department of Health said nursing homes could not refuse individuals with coronavirus who were medically stable .
The CDC in early March had warned that older adults were at high risk of becoming ill or dying from the virus and urged nursing homes to restrict visits .
In response to the nursing home deaths , Cuomo on Wednesday said , `` We did everything we could . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't save everyone .
You 're going to lose people , that 's life , '' Cuomo said .
Democratic and Republican lawmakers are calling for an independent investigation into New York 's nursing home crisis , which has accounted for roughly 20 percent of the state 's coronavirus deaths .

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D., N.Y.) on Tuesday defended New York governor Andrew Cuomo's (D.) controversial order requiring nursing homes to admit coronavirus-infected patients despite Cuomo's reversal of the decision last week.
"I think the governor and [Mayor Bill de Blasio], frankly, have handled things very well," Schumer said on MSNBC's Morning Joe. "We've been the epicenter of the crisis with so much going on and the issues of hospitals and nursing homes were very hard to manage. I think they managed it well."
Despite an increasing coronavirus death toll in New York nursing homes—over 5,500 nursing home residents have died from the virus in the state—Schumer said he supported Cuomo's handling of the issue.
"I think our governor has handled it well," Schumer said. "I don't have any dispute with what he has done."
Although New York reversed the order on May 10, Schumer said the government could not predict at the time whether hospitals would be overloaded with patients.
Cuomo emphasized the importance of maintaining social distancing and said he would not put the "elderly at risk to boost the economy" on March 24. The next day, the New York State Department of Health said nursing homes could not refuse individuals with coronavirus who were medically stable.
The CDC in early March had warned that older adults were at high risk of becoming ill or dying from the virus and urged nursing homes to restrict visits.
In response to the nursing home deaths, Cuomo on Wednesday said, "We did everything we could."
"As a society, you can't save everyone. You're going to lose people, that's life," Cuomo said.
Democratic and Republican lawmakers are calling for an independent investigation into New York's nursing home crisis, which has accounted for roughly 20 percent of the state's coronavirus deaths.


freebeacon--2020-05-19--Whitmer: I Had ‘Opening Conversation’ About Being Biden’s Running Mate

Michigan 's struggles with the deadly coronavirus have Governor Gretchen Whitmer 's ( D. ) undivided attention as long as the possible V.P .
pick is not talking to the Joe Biden campaign about potentially joining the Democratic ticket .
Whitmer appeared on NBC 's Today Show on Tuesday to stress that the national spotlight has not diminished her attention to the plight of Michigan residents .
`` I 've had a conversation with some folks .
… It was just an opening conversation , and it 's not something that I would call a professional , formalized vetting , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I am making a little bit of time to stay connected to the campaign , but the most important thing that I have to do right now is be the governor of my home state .
That 's all that matters to me in this moment . ''
Whitmer 's national profile has surged during the pandemic , in part due to the governor 's feuding with President Donald Trump .
She has been a frequent guest on network and cable news programs while remaining coy about her interest in running with Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last month that she was `` not thinking about politics . ''
`` All of my energy is going into helping my state through this crisis , unlike one that we 've seen in 100 years in this country , '' she said on Tuesday .
`` We have to get it right .
I was elected to be the governor of the state of Michigan . ''
She has faced mass protests from conservative Michiganders for her extensive lockdown orders , drawing particular criticism when she declared marijuana dispensaries and lottery ticket @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gardening and hardware stores .
She was also forced to rescind a contract to a Democratic consulting firm for tracking the coronavirus after critics balked .
Whitmer is one of several women on Biden 's shortlist to join him on the 2020 ticket .
Michigan is a prime pickup target for Democrats after Trump became the first Republican presidential candidate since 1988 to win it .

Michigan's struggles with the deadly coronavirus have Governor Gretchen Whitmer's (D.) undivided attention as long as the possible V.P. pick is not talking to the Joe Biden campaign about potentially joining the Democratic ticket.
Whitmer appeared on NBC's Today Show on Tuesday to stress that the national spotlight has not diminished her attention to the plight of Michigan residents.
"I've had a conversation with some folks. ... It was just an opening conversation, and it's not something that I would call a professional, formalized vetting," she said on Today. "I am making a little bit of time to stay connected to the campaign, but the most important thing that I have to do right now is be the governor of my home state. That's all that matters to me in this moment."
Whitmer's national profile has surged during the pandemic, in part due to the governor's feuding with President Donald Trump. She has been a frequent guest on network and cable news programs while remaining coy about her interest in running with Biden. She told the New York Times last month that she was "not thinking about politics."
"All of my energy is going into helping my state through this crisis, unlike one that we've seen in 100 years in this country," she said on Tuesday. "We have to get it right. I was elected to be the governor of the state of Michigan."
She has faced mass protests from conservative Michiganders for her extensive lockdown orders, drawing particular criticism when she declared marijuana dispensaries and lottery ticket vendors "essential" businesses while shuttering gardening and hardware stores. She was also forced to rescind a contract to a Democratic consulting firm for tracking the coronavirus after critics balked.
Whitmer is one of several women on Biden's shortlist to join him on the 2020 ticket. Michigan is a prime pickup target for Democrats after Trump became the first Republican presidential candidate since 1988 to win it.


freebeacon--2020-05-19--Politico Correspondent: Warren Unfairly Attacked Mnuchin to Score Political Points

Politico chief economic correspondent Ben White said Sen. Elizabeth Warren ( D. , Mass . )
unfairly attacked Treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin by misrepresenting the government 's handling of corporate coronavirus loans .
`` Senator Warren here is trying to score points , populist points saying we 're giving away money to corporations who fire their employees , '' White said Tuesday on MSNBC .
`` As the treasury secretary said , that 's not particularly fair because that 's not what 's happening . ''
During Mnuchin 's Tuesday testimony before the Senate Banking Committee about coronavirus relief efforts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ companies that received federal funding from the coronavirus stimulus packages to keep workers on payroll .
Mnuchin did not address whether companies would be required to maintain payrolls , but he said keeping people employed is a priority .
Warren criticized Mnuchin for prioritizing aid to Wall Street and `` leaving the American people behind . ''
White said there is a debate over how businesses can use federal funding , adding that Warren 's criticism unfairly neglected to take into account businesses that need financial flexibility .
`` Businesses have a lot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , rent , mortgage , all of the other stuff that is on their balance sheet , '' White said .
`` So a lot of businesses want that flexibility . ''
`` It is actually probably a good idea to give it to them while at the same time trying to make sure that the focus is on keeping people employed , '' White added .
`` Senator Warren was trying to score some political points there .
Maybe she did , but I do n't think she was entirely fair .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ respond to the economic fallout from the coronavirus crisis .
A report released Monday found the department has spent little of the $ 500 billion in small business and local government funding apportioned to it by the CARES Act .
Warren 's attack comes in the wake of a failed presidential run in which the senator reversed her position on accepting super PAC money as her campaign neared its end .

Politico chief economic correspondent Ben White said Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D., Mass.) unfairly attacked Treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin by misrepresenting the government's handling of corporate coronavirus loans.
"Senator Warren here is trying to score points, populist points saying we're giving away money to corporations who fire their employees," White said Tuesday on MSNBC. "As the treasury secretary said, that's not particularly fair because that's not what's happening."
During Mnuchin's Tuesday testimony before the Senate Banking Committee about coronavirus relief efforts, Warren asked if Mnuchin would require companies that received federal funding from the coronavirus stimulus packages to keep workers on payroll. Mnuchin did not address whether companies would be required to maintain payrolls, but he said keeping people employed is a priority.
Warren criticized Mnuchin for prioritizing aid to Wall Street and "leaving the American people behind."
White said there is a debate over how businesses can use federal funding, adding that Warren's criticism unfairly neglected to take into account businesses that need financial flexibility.
"Businesses have a lot of things they have to pay for, rent, mortgage, all of the other stuff that is on their balance sheet," White said. "So a lot of businesses want that flexibility."
"It is actually probably a good idea to give it to them while at the same time trying to make sure that the focus is on keeping people employed," White added. "Senator Warren was trying to score some political points there. Maybe she did, but I don't think she was entirely fair."
The Treasury Department has scrambled to respond to the economic fallout from the coronavirus crisis. A report released Monday found the department has spent little of the $500 billion in small business and local government funding apportioned to it by the CARES Act.
Warren's attack comes in the wake of a failed presidential run in which the senator reversed her position on accepting super PAC money as her campaign neared its end.


freebeacon--2020-05-19--Biden Pledge to Dump Keystone Pipeline Would Kill Thousands of Jobs, Analysis Says

Joe Biden will kill the Keystone XL pipeline project if elected , his campaign said Monday , a move that would likely cost thousands of jobs and millions in local tax revenue .
That termination would cost tens of thousands of jobs , which would result in billions of dollars in lost wages , according to estimates published last year by the State Department .
Those reductions would in turn cost state and local governments millions in tax revenue , up to 10 percent of annual property tax revenues in 17 counties across three states .
Biden 's announcement is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ credibility among the Democratic party 's environmentalist base , which has vocally opposed the pipeline since the project was first started in 2010 .
Doing so , however , will likely further alienate the top Democrat from voters in oil-rich swing states like Pennsylvania—while , one expert told the Washington Free Beacon , likely having little actual impact on fossil fuel consumption .
`` Biden promising to revoke Keystone ’ s approval is a pander , '' Josiah Neeley , a senior fellow in energy policy at the R Street Institute , told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unless oil prices recover it ’ s a meaningless pander , as the tar sands won ’ t be profitable anyway . ''
Neeley estimated that production of a barrel of oil from the Alberta , Canada tar sands where the Keystone XL originates costs roughly $ 60 a barrel .
With the global demand collapse due to the coronavirus pandemic , however , crude oil is currently trading around $ 30 to $ 35 a barrel , meaning there 's little economic incentive to actually dredge crude out of the ground to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down the Keystone XL is unlikely to have a major impact on fossil fuels , it will cut off the money needed to fund the pipeline 's construction—and with it , thousands of jobs .
The State Department estimated that two years of constructing the pipeline would produce 42,100 jobs , including 16,100 directly working on the pipeline , and another 26,000 created through indirect spending driven by the project .
Some of the pipeline has already been constructed , Neeley noted , so those figures represent an upper bound on remaining employment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past and future employment facilitated by the Keystone XL are substantial : $ 2.05 billion in employee earnings , according to the State Department , 80 percent of which would spread throughout the country in indirect spending .
The crackdown on the project would come as the economy struggles to recover from the coronavirus-induced recession .
Over 20 million people went unemployed in April , and Federal Reserve chairman Jerome Powell indicated in a Sunday interview that unemployment could reach 25 percent—rates not seen since the Great Depression .
Even with some recovery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elevated by next year—the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office projects 10 percent unemployment through 2021 .
Lost economic activity has tax implications , too .
The State Department estimated that the project would generate $ 55.6 million in tax revenue across 3 states and 27 counties .
Seventeen of those counties would see a more-than-10 percent bump in their annual revenues , a substantial boon .
Biden 's campaign told Politico that the presumptive Democratic nominee would `` proudly '' rescind Keystone XL 's permit , effectively terminating construction of the 1,200-mile pipeline .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ his campaign noted , follows from his agitation against it while serving in the Obama White House .
The Obama administration denied construction of the pipeline—which required federal approval because it crosses the Canadian-American border—in 2015 , after five years of regulatory dispute .
Just four days after taking office , President Donald Trump invited the project 's owners to reapply , approving the project three months later .
Biden 's promise is just the latest instance demonstrating the candidate 's hostility to fossil fuels .
In a March primary debate , Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United States as well as all drilling , `` period . ''
His campaign later clarified that he intended to ban drilling on public lands and at sea and backed off a total ban on fracking .
Such policies would likely have a substantial economic impact , notably in swing states .
The energy industry employs 106,000 people in must-win Pennsylvania alone , most provided by the state 's rich oil shale reserves .
Fracking is also widely credited with facilitating America 's transition to becoming a net petroleum exporter , which substantially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like Iran and Russia .

Joe Biden will kill the Keystone XL pipeline project if elected, his campaign said Monday, a move that would likely cost thousands of jobs and millions in local tax revenue.
That termination would cost tens of thousands of jobs, which would result in billions of dollars in lost wages, according to estimates published last year by the State Department. Those reductions would in turn cost state and local governments millions in tax revenue, up to 10 percent of annual property tax revenues in 17 counties across three states.
Biden's announcement is just his latest move to shore up credibility among the Democratic party's environmentalist base, which has vocally opposed the pipeline since the project was first started in 2010. Doing so, however, will likely further alienate the top Democrat from voters in oil-rich swing states like Pennsylvania—while, one expert told the Washington Free Beacon, likely having little actual impact on fossil fuel consumption.
"Biden promising to revoke Keystone’s approval is a pander," Josiah Neeley, a senior fellow in energy policy at the R Street Institute, told the Washington Free Beacon, "but unless oil prices recover it’s a meaningless pander, as the tar sands won’t be profitable anyway."
Neeley estimated that production of a barrel of oil from the Alberta, Canada tar sands where the Keystone XL originates costs roughly $60 a barrel. With the global demand collapse due to the coronavirus pandemic, however, crude oil is currently trading around $30 to $35 a barrel, meaning there's little economic incentive to actually dredge crude out of the ground to send down the pipeline.
While closing down the Keystone XL is unlikely to have a major impact on fossil fuels, it will cut off the money needed to fund the pipeline's construction—and with it, thousands of jobs. The State Department estimated that two years of constructing the pipeline would produce 42,100 jobs, including 16,100 directly working on the pipeline, and another 26,000 created through indirect spending driven by the project.
Some of the pipeline has already been constructed, Neeley noted, so those figures represent an upper bound on remaining employment. But the wage effects of both past and future employment facilitated by the Keystone XL are substantial: $2.05 billion in employee earnings, according to the State Department, 80 percent of which would spread throughout the country in indirect spending.
The crackdown on the project would come as the economy struggles to recover from the coronavirus-induced recession. Over 20 million people went unemployed in April, and Federal Reserve chairman Jerome Powell indicated in a Sunday interview that unemployment could reach 25 percent—rates not seen since the Great Depression. Even with some recovery, joblessness is still likely to be elevated by next year—the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office projects 10 percent unemployment through 2021.
Lost economic activity has tax implications, too. The State Department estimated that the project would generate $55.6 million in tax revenue across 3 states and 27 counties. Seventeen of those counties would see a more-than-10 percent bump in their annual revenues, a substantial boon.
Biden's campaign told Politico that the presumptive Democratic nominee would "proudly" rescind Keystone XL's permit, effectively terminating construction of the 1,200-mile pipeline.
Biden's opposition to the pipeline, his campaign noted, follows from his agitation against it while serving in the Obama White House. The Obama administration denied construction of the pipeline—which required federal approval because it crosses the Canadian-American border—in 2015, after five years of regulatory dispute. Just four days after taking office, President Donald Trump invited the project's owners to reapply, approving the project three months later.
Biden's promise is just the latest instance demonstrating the candidate's hostility to fossil fuels. In a March primary debate, Biden said he would end fracking in the United States as well as all drilling, "period." His campaign later clarified that he intended to ban drilling on public lands and at sea and backed off a total ban on fracking.
Such policies would likely have a substantial economic impact, notably in swing states. The energy industry employs 106,000 people in must-win Pennsylvania alone, most provided by the state's rich oil shale reserves. Fracking is also widely credited with facilitating America's transition to becoming a net petroleum exporter, which substantially reduces U.S. dependence on oil-rich foreign states like Iran and Russia.


freebeacon--2020-05-19--Trump Admin Sanctions Chinese Firm Aiding Iran’s Weapons Smuggling Network

The Trump administration on Tuesday issued new sanctions on a Chinese firm that it says is providing critical services to Iran 's Mahan Air , an airline that the United States has designated for terrorism due to its smuggling of weapons and terrorist fighters .
Sanctions will immediately be applied to Shanghai Saint Logistics Limited , a Chinese company that `` provides general sales agent services '' for Mahan , according to the State Department .
The United States first listed Mahan Air as a `` specially designated global terrorist '' in 2011 due to its role in Tehran 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Middle East .
It was designated again in 2019 under weapons of mass destruction authority for allegedly shipping banned missile and nuclear infrastructure to Iran .
China is one of the few countries still doing business with the airline and it is likely the coronavirus first spread to Iran because of the daily flights between the two countries .
`` The People 's Republic of China is one of the rapidly dwindling number of countries that welcomes Mahan Air , which ferries weapons and terrorists around the world for the Islamic Republic of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pompeo said in a statement announcing the new sanctions .
`` Such cooperation has consequences . ''
Mahan also ships goods to the Maduro regime in Venezuela , which the United States views as illegitimate .
`` It is equally troubling that Mahan Air appears to be carrying gold from Venezuela 's vaults back to Iran , depriving the Venezuelan people of resources needed to rebuild their economy , '' Pompeo said .

The Trump administration on Tuesday issued new sanctions on a Chinese firm that it says is providing critical services to Iran's Mahan Air, an airline that the United States has designated for terrorism due to its smuggling of weapons and terrorist fighters.
Sanctions will immediately be applied to Shanghai Saint Logistics Limited, a Chinese company that "provides general sales agent services" for Mahan, according to the State Department. The United States first listed Mahan Air as a "specially designated global terrorist" in 2011 due to its role in Tehran's shipment of weapons and soldiers across the Middle East. It was designated again in 2019 under weapons of mass destruction authority for allegedly shipping banned missile and nuclear infrastructure to Iran.
China is one of the few countries still doing business with the airline and it is likely the coronavirus first spread to Iran because of the daily flights between the two countries.
"The People's Republic of China is one of the rapidly dwindling number of countries that welcomes Mahan Air, which ferries weapons and terrorists around the world for the Islamic Republic of Iran," Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement announcing the new sanctions. "Such cooperation has consequences."
Mahan also ships goods to the Maduro regime in Venezuela, which the United States views as illegitimate.
"It is equally troubling that Mahan Air appears to be carrying gold from Venezuela's vaults back to Iran, depriving the Venezuelan people of resources needed to rebuild their economy," Pompeo said.


freebeacon--2020-05-19--Biden 2020: Vote for Someone Else

Biden 2020: Vote for Someone Else

Presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden has repeatedly told voters during the 2020 cycle to choose other candidates if they take @ @ @ @ @ climate change policy , or sexual assault allegations from former staffer Tara Reade .
David @ @ @ @ @ the Washington Free Beacon .
He was previously a sports reporter for two years in @ @ @ @ @ sports reporting for the Washington Post .
He graduated from Vanderbilt University in 2010 and @ @ @ @ @ His Twitter handle is @ DavidRutz .
He can be reached at rutz @ freebeacon.com @

Presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden has repeatedly told voters during the 2020 cycle to choose other candidates if they take issue with his age, climate change policy, or sexual assault allegations from former staffer Tara Reade.


freebeacon--2020-05-19--Iowa Democrat Refuses to Say Whether Illegal Border Crossings Should be Decriminalized

Iowa Senate candidate Theresa Greenfield refused to take a position on decriminalizing illegal border crossings at the Democratic primary debate on Monday .
Asked by Iowa Press host David Yepsen if it should be `` illegal to cross the border without documentation , '' Greenfield failed to offer a stance , saying , `` We need to address issues like that . ''
`` Our immigration system is broken .
We need to modernize it .
We need to address issues like that .
We need to make sure that it 's humane .
We need to make sure that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Greenfield said .
`` But anything specific about this particular question on coming into the U.S. without proper paperwork ? ''
Yepsen asked .
`` The whole system is broken , Dave , '' Greenfield said .
Greenfield has previously faced criticism for being vague on policy .
She failed to outline positions on her campaign website until February—more than nine months after announcing her candidacy in June—according to the Internet Archive 's Wayback Machine .
Greenfield has acknowledged the shortcoming , admitting to voters that she is `` not a policy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forum .
Navy veteran Mike Franken , attorney Kimberly Graham , and insurance executive Eddie Mauro also participated in Monday 's in-person debate .
Greenfield , however , has attracted attention as the front-runner in the field after receiving the backing of national party leaders within days of her campaign launch .
Prior to the debate , the campaign for Sen. Joni Ernst ( R. , Iowa ) took aim at Greenfield 's lack of preparedness , highlighting the businesswoman 's interview with the Des Moines Register .
Greenfield stammered when asked whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right track in Afghanistan with the agreement with the Taliban . ''
`` As a U.S. senator , I want to understand the goals and the priorities of our administration .
I want to understand the strategies to achieve it and have that opportunity before I would judge it , '' Greenfield said .
`` I 'm not always clear , just as an everyday Iowan , um , why , what , and how .
Um , but as a United States senator , I want to be clear , um , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ favor or not in favor , whatever the locations are around the world . ''
The board went on to endorse Franken over Greenfield on May 7 .
Greenfield 's primary opponents have repeatedly criticized the national party 's handling of the primary .
Graham said the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee refused to return her calls , and Mauro slammed the `` D.C. establishment '' for meddling in the race .

Iowa Senate candidate Theresa Greenfield refused to take a position on decriminalizing illegal border crossings at the Democratic primary debate on Monday.
Asked by Iowa Press host David Yepsen if it should be "illegal to cross the border without documentation," Greenfield failed to offer a stance, saying, "We need to address issues like that."
"Our immigration system is broken. We need to modernize it. We need to address issues like that. We need to make sure that it's humane. We need to make sure that it does keep our borders safe," Greenfield said.
"But anything specific about this particular question on coming into the U.S. without proper paperwork?" Yepsen asked.
"The whole system is broken, Dave," Greenfield said.
Greenfield has previously faced criticism for being vague on policy. She failed to outline positions on her campaign website until February—more than nine months after announcing her candidacy in June—according to the Internet Archive's Wayback Machine. Greenfield has acknowledged the shortcoming, admitting to voters that she is "not a policy wonk" during an April health care forum.
Navy veteran Mike Franken, attorney Kimberly Graham, and insurance executive Eddie Mauro also participated in Monday's in-person debate. Greenfield, however, has attracted attention as the front-runner in the field after receiving the backing of national party leaders within days of her campaign launch.
Prior to the debate, the campaign for Sen. Joni Ernst (R., Iowa) took aim at Greenfield's lack of preparedness, highlighting the businesswoman's interview with the Des Moines Register. Greenfield stammered when asked whether President Donald Trump is "on the right track in Afghanistan with the agreement with the Taliban."
"As a U.S. senator, I want to understand the goals and the priorities of our administration. I want to understand the strategies to achieve it and have that opportunity before I would judge it," Greenfield said. "I'm not always clear, just as an everyday Iowan, um, why, what, and how. Um, but as a United States senator, I want to be clear, um, so that I could speak up in favor or not in favor, whatever the locations are around the world."
The board went on to endorse Franken over Greenfield on May 7.
Greenfield's primary opponents have repeatedly criticized the national party's handling of the primary. Graham said the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee refused to return her calls, and Mauro slammed the "D.C. establishment" for meddling in the race.


freebeacon--2020-05-20--Spot the Difference: Pompeo’s Concerning Dinner Parties vs. Obama’s ‘Intellectual Escapes’

Media outlets are furiously investigating Secretary of State Mike Pompeo 's dinner parties with politicians , business leaders , and celebrities .
They note that some `` officials '' have `` raised concerns '' about the `` elite taxpayer-funded dinners . ''
Guests at these controversial dinners included country star Reba McEntire , NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. , and Chick-fil-A chairman Dan Cathy .
Here 's how NBC reported on the alleged scandal : WASHINGTON — As federal workers file out of the State Department at the end of a Washington workday , an elite group is often just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Billionaire CEOs , Supreme Court justices , political heavyweights and ambassadors arrive in evening attire as they 're escorted by private elevator to dinner with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo .
Until the coronavirus shut them down in March , the gatherings were known as `` Madison Dinners '' —elaborate , unpublicized affairs that Pompeo and his wife , Susan Pompeo , began in 2018 and held regularly in the historic Diplomatic Reception Rooms on the government 's dime .
Democratic lawmakers are also investigating .
`` I am concerned by allegations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those taxpayer resources to host large domestic-focused political gatherings that serve little-to-no foreign policy purpose , '' wrote Sen. Bob Menendez ( D. , N.J. ) , the ranking member on the Foreign Relations Committee who was indicted on federal corruption charges in 2015 for accepting gifts from a campaign donor .
Pompeo responded in beastly fashion on Wednesday , telling reporters that he would n't accept `` ethics guidance from a man who was criminally prosecuted . ''
The media 's reporting on Pompeo 's fancy dinners with elite attendees has , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than the media 's reporting on the fancy dinners President Barack Obama regularly hosted during his second term .
`` At Dinner Tables , a Restless Obama Finds an Intellectual Escape , '' read the New York Times headline in July 2014 .
The article describes a series of late-night dinner gatherings with business leaders and celebrities that offered `` a glimpse into a president who prefers intellectuals to politicians , and into the rarefied company Mr. Obama may keep after he leaves the White House . ''
Attendees at these dinners included @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Smith , Bono , architect Renzo Piano , and members of `` Italy 's intellettuali . ''
Many of the guests , according to the Times , `` have been financial supporters of Mr. Obama 's campaigns . ''
And yet the article , for some reason , does not mention any concern—from `` officials '' or otherwise—about the use of taxpayer dollars to finance these intimate gatherings with campaign donors .
Instead , the article contains numerous quotes praising Obama 's intellectual curiosity .
`` It keeps him fresh , '' said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It gives him new ideas to think about . ''
Piano , recounting a recent dinner party with Obama at a 15th-century manor surrounding the U.S. ambassador 's residence in Rome , told the Times : `` He is a curious man , and even the president of America is sometimes struggling to explore , to understand , to search . ''
Obama was president , of course , while Pompeo is merely the secretary of state .
Perhaps that explains the difference in coverage .
Or maybe Pompeo 's guests were n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ?

Media outlets are furiously investigating Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's dinner parties with politicians, business leaders, and celebrities. They note that some "officials" have "raised concerns" about the "elite taxpayer-funded dinners."
Guests at these controversial dinners included country star Reba McEntire, NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., and Chick-fil-A chairman Dan Cathy. Here's how NBC reported on the alleged scandal:
WASHINGTON — As federal workers file out of the State Department at the end of a Washington workday, an elite group is often just arriving in the marbled, flag-lined lobby: Billionaire CEOs, Supreme Court justices, political heavyweights and ambassadors arrive in evening attire as they're escorted by private elevator to dinner with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Until the coronavirus shut them down in March, the gatherings were known as "Madison Dinners"—elaborate, unpublicized affairs that Pompeo and his wife, Susan Pompeo, began in 2018 and held regularly in the historic Diplomatic Reception Rooms on the government's dime.
Democratic lawmakers are also investigating. "I am concerned by allegations that the Secretary appears to be using those taxpayer resources to host large domestic-focused political gatherings that serve little-to-no foreign policy purpose," wrote Sen. Bob Menendez (D., N.J.), the ranking member on the Foreign Relations Committee who was indicted on federal corruption charges in 2015 for accepting gifts from a campaign donor.
Pompeo responded in beastly fashion on Wednesday, telling reporters that he wouldn't accept "ethics guidance from a man who was criminally prosecuted."
The media's reporting on Pompeo's fancy dinners with elite attendees has, for some reason, been slightly different than the media's reporting on the fancy dinners President Barack Obama regularly hosted during his second term.
"At Dinner Tables, a Restless Obama Finds an Intellectual Escape," read the New York Times headline in July 2014. The article describes a series of late-night dinner gatherings with business leaders and celebrities that offered "a glimpse into a president who prefers intellectuals to politicians, and into the rarefied company Mr. Obama may keep after he leaves the White House."
Attendees at these dinners included filmmaker Ken Burns, actress Jada Pinkett Smith, Bono, architect Renzo Piano, and members of "Italy's intellettuali." Many of the guests, according to the Times, "have been financial supporters of Mr. Obama's campaigns." And yet the article, for some reason, does not mention any concern—from "officials" or otherwise—about the use of taxpayer dollars to finance these intimate gatherings with campaign donors.
Instead, the article contains numerous quotes praising Obama's intellectual curiosity. "It keeps him fresh," said White House adviser Valerie Jarrett. "It gives him new ideas to think about." Piano, recounting a recent dinner party with Obama at a 15th-century manor surrounding the U.S. ambassador's residence in Rome, told the Times: "He is a curious man, and even the president of America is sometimes struggling to explore, to understand, to search."
Obama was president, of course, while Pompeo is merely the secretary of state. Perhaps that explains the difference in coverage. Or maybe Pompeo's guests weren't as fashionable. What else could explain it?


freebeacon--2020-05-20--All Four Iowa Democratic Senate Candidates Reject Pelosi’s Coronavirus Bill

All four of Iowa 's Democratic Senate candidates said they would not support House Speaker Nancy Pelosi 's ( D. , Calif. ) latest coronavirus relief bill during a primary debate Tuesday .
Progressives Eddie Mauro and Kimberly Graham , both of whom support far-left policies such as the Green New Deal and Medicare for All , agreed the bill 's current form was unacceptable .
Theresa Greenfield , who has the backing of national party leaders , questioned `` how we 're going to pay for it . ''
Navy veteran Mike Franken said that while he appreciates Pelosi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the legislation to be unrefined .
Despite their differences , the primary candidates—who reflect both the business-friendly and far-left wings of the Democratic Party—agreed they would not vote for the bill if they served in the Senate today .
They are not alone in their opposition .
A number of vulnerable House Democrats voted against the bill , including Reps. Abby Finkenauer ( Iowa ) , Kendra Horn ( Okla. ) , Xochitl Torres Small ( N.M. ) , Ben McAdams ( Utah ) , and Abigail Spanberger ( Va. ) , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looking to regain the House majority in November .
Progressive Rep. Pramila Jayapal ( Wash. ) also voted against the bill .
The pushback against Pelosi from a wide range of liberals could hurt Democrats ' ability to pin the legislation 's delay in the Senate on Republicans .
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has already attempted to do so .
The New York senator issued a statement before the divided House vote that touted the HEROES Act and criticized Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell ( R. , Ky. ) for downplaying the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a new coronavirus relief bill .
`` The American people need their government to act strongly , boldly and wisely , and this new legislation is just what this crisis demands , '' he said .
Many of his partymates appear to disagree .
House Democrats voted to pass the $ 3 trillion , 1,800-page HEROES Act on Friday , three days after Pelosi released the legislation .
It contains a number of Democratic policy priorities , including stimulus checks for illegal immigrants , tax relief for the ultra-wealthy , and $ 25 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Service .
While the provisions are likely an attempt to satisfy both sides of her caucus , they could continue to unite the two in opposition to the bill .
House Democrats on Friday defeated a Republican-led effort to strike the bill 's illegal immigrant stimulus provision .
Thirteen Democrats broke party ranks in that vote .
During the Iowa debate Tuesday , Mauro said the bill `` needs more work . ''
Graham said it needs to `` provide much more help for truly small businesses . ''
Greenfield said she `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would `` keep working '' if she were in the Senate .
Franken said the bill needs to be `` more refined going forward . ''
Pelosi 's bill almost certainly will not pass the Senate in its current form .
Any relief package that enjoys wide bipartisan support will likely come from negotiations between Schumer and McConnell .
The Kentucky Republican secured a 96-0 vote on the CARES Act in March following a lengthy back and forth .
Pelosi dragged her feet after that Senate vote , delaying an immediate vote in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the floor , '' though she blamed the bill 's delay entirely on Republicans .
She had previously faced bipartisan criticism after unveiling her own relief package two days before the Senate vote .
The bill , meant to shore up an American economy decimated by coronavirus , used the word `` diversity '' 32 times and conditioned airline bailouts on decreased emissions .
Should her latest attempt at coronavirus relief stall in the Senate , Democratic opposition could undermine her ability to blame Republicans again .

All four of Iowa's Democratic Senate candidates said they would not support House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's (D., Calif.) latest coronavirus relief bill during a primary debate Tuesday. Progressives Eddie Mauro and Kimberly Graham, both of whom support far-left policies such as the Green New Deal and Medicare for All, agreed the bill's current form was unacceptable. Theresa Greenfield, who has the backing of national party leaders, questioned "how we're going to pay for it." Navy veteran Mike Franken said that while he appreciates Pelosi's "leadership," he found the legislation to be unrefined. Despite their differences, the primary candidates—who reflect both the business-friendly and far-left wings of the Democratic Party—agreed they would not vote for the bill if they served in the Senate today. They are not alone in their opposition. A number of vulnerable House Democrats voted against the bill, including Reps. Abby Finkenauer (Iowa), Kendra Horn (Okla.), Xochitl Torres Small (N.M.), Ben McAdams (Utah), and Abigail Spanberger (Va.), who are among the top targets for Republicans looking to regain the House majority in November. Progressive Rep. Pramila Jayapal (Wash.) also voted against the bill. The pushback against Pelosi from a wide range of liberals could hurt Democrats' ability to pin the legislation's delay in the Senate on Republicans. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has already attempted to do so. The New York senator issued a statement before the divided House vote that touted the HEROES Act and criticized Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R., Ky.) for downplaying the need to "act immediately" on a new coronavirus relief bill. "The American people need their government to act strongly, boldly and wisely, and this new legislation is just what this crisis demands," he said. Many of his partymates appear to disagree.
House Democrats voted to pass the $3 trillion, 1,800-page HEROES Act on Friday, three days after Pelosi released the legislation. It contains a number of Democratic policy priorities, including stimulus checks for illegal immigrants, tax relief for the ultra-wealthy, and $25 billion for the struggling U.S. Postal Service. While the provisions are likely an attempt to satisfy both sides of her caucus, they could continue to unite the two in opposition to the bill. House Democrats on Friday defeated a Republican-led effort to strike the bill's illegal immigrant stimulus provision. Thirteen Democrats broke party ranks in that vote.
During the Iowa debate Tuesday, Mauro said the bill "needs more work." Graham said it needs to "provide much more help for truly small businesses." Greenfield said she "certainly wouldn't support it" and would "keep working" if she were in the Senate. Franken said the bill needs to be "more refined going forward." Pelosi's bill almost certainly will not pass the Senate in its current form. Any relief package that enjoys wide bipartisan support will likely come from negotiations between Schumer and McConnell. The Kentucky Republican secured a 96-0 vote on the CARES Act in March following a lengthy back and forth.
Pelosi dragged her feet after that Senate vote, delaying an immediate vote in favor of a "good debate on the floor," though she blamed the bill's delay entirely on Republicans. She had previously faced bipartisan criticism after unveiling her own relief package two days before the Senate vote. The bill, meant to shore up an American economy decimated by coronavirus, used the word "diversity" 32 times and conditioned airline bailouts on decreased emissions. Should her latest attempt at coronavirus relief stall in the Senate, Democratic opposition could undermine her ability to blame Republicans again.


freebeacon--2020-05-20--Kamala Harris Pushes Bill Condemning the Term ‘Chinese Virus’ as Racist

Sen. Kamala Harris ( D. , Calif. ) introduced a bill last week that would malign people as racists for using the term `` Chinese Virus , '' connecting it to hate crimes .
Senate Resolution 580 condemns `` all forms of Anti-Asian sentiment as related to COVID-19 , '' citing `` Chinese Virus , '' `` Wuhan Virus , '' and `` Kung Flu '' as inaccurate rhetoric perpetuating anti-Asian stigma .
The bill calls on public officials to denounce such rhetoric in any form .
It also calls on law enforcement officials to investigate , document , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Asian Americans .
Harris 's resolution is currently cosponsored by a host of Democratic senators , including Mazie Hirono ( Hawaii ) and Elizabeth Warren ( Mass . )
, but no Republicans .
During the coronavirus crisis , Harris has been critical of her Republican colleagues and said they need to transcend partisan politics and support legislation to `` protect '' Americans .
In a recent letter to Sen. Ron Johnson ( R. , Wis. ) , she reprimanded him for his decision to vote for a subpoena related to an ongoing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's son , Hunter Biden .
`` Rather than prioritize providing important oversight that will protect Americans from the unprecedented threat posed by this pandemic , you have continued to pursue partisan political matters … that do nothing to help the millions of constituents that we serve .
This is a clear abdication of responsibility , '' she said .
The terms `` Chinese Virus '' and `` Wuhan Virus '' were used by U.S. officials and some news outlets early in the coronavirus crisis , which led to condemnation from the Chinese @ @ @ @ @ @ @ American news media .
But a Washington Free Beacon report found Chinese state-media outlets routinely referred to the pathogen as the `` Wuhan virus '' or `` Wuhan pneumonia '' through mid-February .
President Trump defended his use of the term `` Chinese Virus '' in March , saying it is `` not racist at all '' and pushing back on Chinese propaganda saying the virus came from the United States .
`` It comes from China , '' he told reporters .
Similarly , Secretary of State Mike Pompeo defended using the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meeting of foreign ministers in March .
A companion bill to Harris 's was introduced in the House by Rep. Grace Meng ( D. , N.Y. ) and also has no Republican cosponsors .

Sen. Kamala Harris (D., Calif.) introduced a bill last week that would malign people as racists for using the term "Chinese Virus," connecting it to hate crimes.
Senate Resolution 580 condemns "all forms of Anti-Asian sentiment as related to COVID-19," citing "Chinese Virus," "Wuhan Virus," and "Kung Flu" as inaccurate rhetoric perpetuating anti-Asian stigma. The bill calls on public officials to denounce such rhetoric in any form. It also calls on law enforcement officials to investigate, document, and prosecute the perpetrators of hate crimes against Asian Americans.
Harris's resolution is currently cosponsored by a host of Democratic senators, including Mazie Hirono (Hawaii) and Elizabeth Warren (Mass.), but no Republicans.
During the coronavirus crisis, Harris has been critical of her Republican colleagues and said they need to transcend partisan politics and support legislation to "protect" Americans.
In a recent letter to Sen. Ron Johnson (R., Wis.), she reprimanded him for his decision to vote for a subpoena related to an ongoing investigation of former vice president Joe Biden's son, Hunter Biden.
"Rather than prioritize providing important oversight that will protect Americans from the unprecedented threat posed by this pandemic, you have continued to pursue partisan political matters ... that do nothing to help the millions of constituents that we serve. This is a clear abdication of responsibility," she said.
The terms "Chinese Virus" and "Wuhan Virus" were used by U.S. officials and some news outlets early in the coronavirus crisis, which led to condemnation from the Chinese government and then from members of the American news media. But a Washington Free Beacon report found Chinese state-media outlets routinely referred to the pathogen as the "Wuhan virus" or "Wuhan pneumonia" through mid-February.
President Trump defended his use of the term "Chinese Virus" in March, saying it is "not racist at all" and pushing back on Chinese propaganda saying the virus came from the United States.
"It comes from China," he told reporters.
Similarly, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo defended using the term "Wuhan Virus" during a meeting of foreign ministers in March.
A companion bill to Harris's was introduced in the House by Rep. Grace Meng (D., N.Y.) and also has no Republican cosponsors.


freebeacon--2020-05-20--Supreme Court Temporarily Blocks House Democrats From Reviewing Mueller Grand Jury Materials

In a blow to House Democrats hoping to unearth damaging information about President Donald Trump ahead of the November election , the Supreme Court on Wednesday temporarily blocked House Democrats from obtaining secret grand jury materials from former special counsel Robert Mueller 's investigation .
Wednesday 's order , called a stay , will remain in place until the Trump administration files its formal appeal of a lower court ruling directing the Justice Department to share the grand jury files with the House Judiciary Committee .
The High Court told the administration to file its appeal by June 1 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ as is typical of orders of this nature , and there were no noted dissents .
The case is one of several that places the Court between congressional investigators and President Trump , who has refused to cooperate with House inquiries .
This summer the justices will also rule on congressional subpoenas for Trump 's personal and professional financial records reaching back to 2010 and decide whether to hear Trump 's appeal in Wednesday 's case .
The Judiciary Committee is seeking the grand jury materials in connection with an ongoing impeachment inquiry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new impeachment articles in court filings .
Wednesday 's order puts off that possibility for the time being .
If the Court decides to hear the Trump administration 's appeal , the stay will remain in place well past the November election , depriving Democrats of still another campaign cudgel against the president .
Strict secrecy rules generally shield grand jury materials from public view .
The Judiciary Committee is seeking materials from the Mueller grand jury under an exception that allows their release `` in connection with a judicial proceeding . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the legal question underlying Wednesday 's case .
Committee Democrats told the justices in legal briefs that they may recommend new articles of impeachment depending on the content of the materials .
Though the contours of their inquiry are somewhat ill-defined , Democrats have singled out the president 's written responses to questions from the special counsel for scrutiny , saying certain Trump answers seem misleading or false .
House lawyers highlighted Trump 's response to questions about WikiLeaks and the publication of John Podesta 's emails as one possible falsehood in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says Mueller 's report `` undermines '' Trump 's reply , but attending citations are redacted under grand jury secrecy rules .
Democrats invoked a possible impeachment in legal filings before the High Court .
Concealing the grand jury records keeps the House from fulfilling an essential function , the committee argued .
`` Any further delay in receiving the materials would cause the committee and the public to suffer significant , irreparable harm by impairing the House 's efforts to determine whether the president committed certain impeachable offenses , '' congressional lawyers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Though the coronavirus pandemic has mostly kept the House from convening , the committee said in an April filing that it is ready to process the materials and hold formal hearings .
`` The committee continues to exercise its investigative and oversight responsibilities ; its staff are ready and able to review the requested grand jury materials as soon as they are provided by DOJ ; and the committee remains able to convene formal hearings to further its investigation , '' the filing reads .
The Trump administration countered in its own legal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speed since an impeachment trial is n't in the offing .
Solicitor General Noel Francisco also emphasized that the grand jury materials would be permanently compromised without the Court 's intervention .
`` Once the government discloses the secret grand-jury records , their secrecy will irrevocably be lost , '' the government 's stay application reads .
`` That is particularly so when , as here , they are disclosed to a congressional committee and its staff . ''
The Judiciary Committee adopted confidentiality protocols to maintain secrecy over the contested materials .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ panel obtained a lengthy report in 1974 from the Watergate grand jury which it has never released .
Those protocols are little comfort to the Trump administration .
The application notes that the protocols allow the release of the grand jury materials by majority vote .
Courts could do nothing to stop or penalize such action because of constitutional immunities members of Congress enjoy in the course of their official duties , the Justice Department warned .
In October 2019 , U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell ordered the Justice Department to release previously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report to the House Judiciary Committee , as well as any transcripts or exhibits those sections reference .
Democrats can submit further requests for information , provided they show a `` particularized need '' for them .
A divided three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C .
Circuit upheld Howell 's decision , over the dissent of Judge Neomi Rao .
The case is No .
19A1035 Department of Justice v. House Committee on the Judiciary .

In a blow to House Democrats hoping to unearth damaging information about President Donald Trump ahead of the November election, the Supreme Court on Wednesday temporarily blocked House Democrats from obtaining secret grand jury materials from former special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation.
Wednesday's order, called a stay, will remain in place until the Trump administration files its formal appeal of a lower court ruling directing the Justice Department to share the grand jury files with the House Judiciary Committee. The High Court told the administration to file its appeal by June 1. The vote count was not disclosed, as is typical of orders of this nature, and there were no noted dissents.
The case is one of several that places the Court between congressional investigators and President Trump, who has refused to cooperate with House inquiries. This summer the justices will also rule on congressional subpoenas for Trump's personal and professional financial records reaching back to 2010 and decide whether to hear Trump's appeal in Wednesday's case.
The Judiciary Committee is seeking the grand jury materials in connection with an ongoing impeachment inquiry and has pointedly raised the prospect of new impeachment articles in court filings. Wednesday's order puts off that possibility for the time being. If the Court decides to hear the Trump administration's appeal, the stay will remain in place well past the November election, depriving Democrats of still another campaign cudgel against the president.
Strict secrecy rules generally shield grand jury materials from public view. The Judiciary Committee is seeking materials from the Mueller grand jury under an exception that allows their release "in connection with a judicial proceeding." Whether that exception covers an impeachment trial is the legal question underlying Wednesday's case. Committee Democrats told the justices in legal briefs that they may recommend new articles of impeachment depending on the content of the materials.
Though the contours of their inquiry are somewhat ill-defined, Democrats have singled out the president's written responses to questions from the special counsel for scrutiny, saying certain Trump answers seem misleading or false. House lawyers highlighted Trump's response to questions about WikiLeaks and the publication of John Podesta's emails as one possible falsehood in a 2019 legal filing. The brief says Mueller's report "undermines" Trump's reply, but attending citations are redacted under grand jury secrecy rules.
Democrats invoked a possible impeachment in legal filings before the High Court. Concealing the grand jury records keeps the House from fulfilling an essential function, the committee argued.
"Any further delay in receiving the materials would cause the committee and the public to suffer significant, irreparable harm by impairing the House's efforts to determine whether the president committed certain impeachable offenses," congressional lawyers told the justices in legal briefs.
Though the coronavirus pandemic has mostly kept the House from convening, the committee said in an April filing that it is ready to process the materials and hold formal hearings.
"The committee continues to exercise its investigative and oversight responsibilities; its staff are ready and able to review the requested grand jury materials as soon as they are provided by DOJ; and the committee remains able to convene formal hearings to further its investigation," the filing reads.
The Trump administration countered in its own legal filings that there is no reason for speed since an impeachment trial isn't in the offing. Solicitor General Noel Francisco also emphasized that the grand jury materials would be permanently compromised without the Court's intervention.
"Once the government discloses the secret grand-jury records, their secrecy will irrevocably be lost," the government's stay application reads. "That is particularly so when, as here, they are disclosed to a congressional committee and its staff."
The Judiciary Committee adopted confidentiality protocols to maintain secrecy over the contested materials. Indeed, House lawyers note that the panel obtained a lengthy report in 1974 from the Watergate grand jury which it has never released.
Those protocols are little comfort to the Trump administration. The application notes that the protocols allow the release of the grand jury materials by majority vote. Courts could do nothing to stop or penalize such action because of constitutional immunities members of Congress enjoy in the course of their official duties, the Justice Department warned.
In October 2019, U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell ordered the Justice Department to release previously redacted portions of Mueller’s two-volume report to the House Judiciary Committee, as well as any transcripts or exhibits those sections reference. Democrats can submit further requests for information, provided they show a "particularized need" for them.
A divided three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit upheld Howell's decision, over the dissent of Judge Neomi Rao.
The case is No. 19A1035 Department of Justice v. House Committee on the Judiciary.


freebeacon--2020-05-20--‘That Was a No-Brainer’: New GOP Congressmen Back Born Alive Act

On their first day in Congress , the two newest GOP representatives signed a petition to force a vote on a `` no-brainer '' piece of legislation designed to protect infants who survive abortion .
Democratic lawmakers voted down the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act in February , blocking legislation that would mandate medical care for infants who survive abortions .
House Republicans are now driving a discharge petition to force House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ( D. , Calif. ) to bring the bill to another floor vote .
Rep. Mike Garcia ( R. , Calif. ) , who won @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disgraced ex-Democratic representative Katie Hill , told the Washington Free Beacon that even having to sign the discharge petition is `` frankly offensive '' given the content of the bill .
`` That was a no-brainer for me .
I am pro-life through all stages , so the fact that we even have to sign this initiative is frankly offensive to me , '' he said .
`` For a baby to survive out of the womb , alive , and be subsequently murdered , is a complete travesty . ''
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on this , and obviously I would support any initiative to bring this in front of Congress immediately , '' he added .
Rep. Tom Tiffany ( R. , Wisc . )
, who also won a blowout May 12 special election , echoed Garcia 's support for pro-life legislation during the pair 's introductory press conference .
`` I 'm proud , as one of my first acts , to sign that petition because I 've always been proudly pro-life , '' Tiffany said .
`` When I served in the legislature @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I 've always been proudly pro-life and I will continue to be . ''
Both Garcia and Tiffany were sworn in by Pelosi on Tuesday .
The addition of two `` yes '' votes is unlikely to change the outcome of the vote , given that a previous vote on the bill failed by a margin of 220 to 187 .
But it could help the Born Alive Act gaining legislative momentum in both houses of Congress .
The legislation has picked up bipartisan support since Sen. Ben Sasse ( R. , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2019 .
The Senate bill has the support of a majority of senators , though it has still failed to clear the 60-vote threshold to pass .
When Sasse reintroduced the bill in February 2020 , support jumped to 56 members with Sen. Lisa Murkowski ( R. , Alaska ) , who had previously voted against the bill , and three Senate Democrats supporting the legislation .
With Garcia and Tiffany 's support , the House discharge petition has 205 signatures , 13 short of the 218 necessary to force a floor vote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Americans , including a majority of respondents who identify as pro-choice , support mandating the same care for children who survive failed abortions as babies who are born prematurely .
`` There 's nothing in the bill that 's about abortion .
Nothing .
It 's about infanticide .
That 's the actual legislation , '' Sasse said during debate over his bill on the Senate floor .
Care for abortion survivors became a major issue in 2019 when Virginia governor Ralph Northam ( D. ) told a radio station that a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to take place after an infant 's birth .

On their first day in Congress, the two newest GOP representatives signed a petition to force a vote on a "no-brainer" piece of legislation designed to protect infants who survive abortion.
Democratic lawmakers voted down the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act in February, blocking legislation that would mandate medical care for infants who survive abortions. House Republicans are now driving a discharge petition to force House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D., Calif.) to bring the bill to another floor vote. Rep. Mike Garcia (R., Calif.), who won a May 12 special election to replace disgraced ex-Democratic representative Katie Hill, told the Washington Free Beacon that even having to sign the discharge petition is "frankly offensive" given the content of the bill.
"That was a no-brainer for me. I am pro-life through all stages, so the fact that we even have to sign this initiative is frankly offensive to me," he said. "For a baby to survive out of the womb, alive, and be subsequently murdered, is a complete travesty."
"I know there's a lot of signatures on this, and obviously I would support any initiative to bring this in front of Congress immediately," he added.
Rep. Tom Tiffany (R., Wisc.), who also won a blowout May 12 special election, echoed Garcia's support for pro-life legislation during the pair's introductory press conference.
"I'm proud, as one of my first acts, to sign that petition because I've always been proudly pro-life," Tiffany said. "When I served in the legislature, we voted to end late-term abortions. I've always been proudly pro-life and I will continue to be."
Both Garcia and Tiffany were sworn in by Pelosi on Tuesday.
The addition of two "yes" votes is unlikely to change the outcome of the vote, given that a previous vote on the bill failed by a margin of 220 to 187. But it could help the Born Alive Act gaining legislative momentum in both houses of Congress. The legislation has picked up bipartisan support since Sen. Ben Sasse (R., Neb.) first introduced it in 2019. The Senate bill has the support of a majority of senators, though it has still failed to clear the 60-vote threshold to pass. When Sasse reintroduced the bill in February 2020, support jumped to 56 members with Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R., Alaska), who had previously voted against the bill, and three Senate Democrats supporting the legislation.
With Garcia and Tiffany's support, the House discharge petition has 205 signatures, 13 short of the 218 necessary to force a floor vote.
Polling shows that nearly 80 percent of Americans, including a majority of respondents who identify as pro-choice, support mandating the same care for children who survive failed abortions as babies who are born prematurely.
"There's nothing in the bill that's about abortion. Nothing. It's about infanticide. That's the actual legislation," Sasse said during debate over his bill on the Senate floor.
Care for abortion survivors became a major issue in 2019 when Virginia governor Ralph Northam (D.) told a radio station that a proposed abortion law could allow an abortion to take place after an infant's birth.


freebeacon--2020-05-20--Gun Businesses to Reopen in Massachusetts & California

Gun stores in Ventura County , California , and gun ranges in the state of Massachusetts are reopening following legal pressure from gun-rights advocates .
Ventura County relented on its closure of gun stores and clarified to a federal judge on May 13 that retailers are included in phase one reopenings .
Massachusetts announced gun ranges could also open on Monday , after a federal judge ruled against the governor 's coronavirus shutdown order .
The businesses must adopt social distancing guidelines but gun-rights advocates celebrated the developments as clear victories .
`` The county choosing to reopen firearm and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in court is a victory for gun owners and the Second Amendment , '' Alan Gottlieb , founder of the Second Amendment Foundation , which filed suit against Ventura County , said of the reopening .
`` Not only is it essential to be able to acquire firearms in times of uncertainty , it ’ s equally important to have the ability to train with those firearms , '' Erich Pratt , senior vice president of Gun Owners of America , a plaintiff in the Massachusetts case , said in a statement .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to reopen not only gun stores , but also shooting ranges as well . ''
Second Amendment groups have launched aggressive lobbying and legal campaigns to ensure gun businesses remain open during the coronavirus pandemic .
The effort has faced some setbacks , but the combination of legal and political pressure has produced a series of legal victories and shutdown reversals .
Retailers and ranges remained open as `` essential '' businesses in the vast majority of states , but a handful of states that did force gun businesses to close have included @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reopening plans .
The successes came despite public opposition from some of the country 's most influential gun-control groups .
Everytown for Gun Safety and Brady United both issued memos in April arguing that gun stores and ranges are not `` essential '' and should not be exempted from coronavirus shutdowns .
Brady called for shutdowns not only to deal with the deadly virus , but to curb the record-setting number of gun sales since February .
Gun-rights advocates appear to have accomplished their goal of reopening gun businesses in nearly every state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mexico , as well as a number of counties in California and New York , all reversed course on gun-store closures after they were sued by gun advocates .
The industry also successfully petitioned the federal government to include gun businesses on its `` essential '' business guidance—a decision which officials in New Jersey and several California counties cited in modifying shutdown orders .
Many gun-rights advocates said that they are still pursuing legal action in the wake of reopenings .
Adam Kraut , director of legal strategy for the Firearms Policy Coalition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ventura County case , said the organization wants to establish a precedent against closures to head off similar restrictions if the coronavirus spikes again in the coming months .
`` Ultimately , they have already admitted in court that they violated constitutionally enumerated rights , '' he said in a statement .
`` Especially because there may be a second or third wave of COVID-19 , we will seek an injunction so that they can not do this again , should cases spike . ''

Gun stores in Ventura County, California, and gun ranges in the state of Massachusetts are reopening following legal pressure from gun-rights advocates.
Ventura County relented on its closure of gun stores and clarified to a federal judge on May 13 that retailers are included in phase one reopenings. Massachusetts announced gun ranges could also open on Monday, after a federal judge ruled against the governor's coronavirus shutdown order. The businesses must adopt social distancing guidelines but gun-rights advocates celebrated the developments as clear victories.
"The county choosing to reopen firearm and ammunition transactions rather than face our motion in court is a victory for gun owners and the Second Amendment," Alan Gottlieb, founder of the Second Amendment Foundation, which filed suit against Ventura County, said of the reopening.
"Not only is it essential to be able to acquire firearms in times of uncertainty, it’s equally important to have the ability to train with those firearms," Erich Pratt, senior vice president of Gun Owners of America, a plaintiff in the Massachusetts case, said in a statement. "That is why GOA relentlessly fought to reopen not only gun stores, but also shooting ranges as well."
Second Amendment groups have launched aggressive lobbying and legal campaigns to ensure gun businesses remain open during the coronavirus pandemic. The effort has faced some setbacks, but the combination of legal and political pressure has produced a series of legal victories and shutdown reversals. Retailers and ranges remained open as "essential" businesses in the vast majority of states, but a handful of states that did force gun businesses to close have included them in the early stages of phased reopening plans.
The successes came despite public opposition from some of the country's most influential gun-control groups. Everytown for Gun Safety and Brady United both issued memos in April arguing that gun stores and ranges are not "essential" and should not be exempted from coronavirus shutdowns. Brady called for shutdowns not only to deal with the deadly virus, but to curb the record-setting number of gun sales since February.
Gun-rights advocates appear to have accomplished their goal of reopening gun businesses in nearly every state.
Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New Mexico, as well as a number of counties in California and New York, all reversed course on gun-store closures after they were sued by gun advocates. The industry also successfully petitioned the federal government to include gun businesses on its "essential" business guidance—a decision which officials in New Jersey and several California counties cited in modifying shutdown orders.
Many gun-rights advocates said that they are still pursuing legal action in the wake of reopenings. Adam Kraut, director of legal strategy for the Firearms Policy Coalition, which is a plaintiff in the Ventura County case, said the organization wants to establish a precedent against closures to head off similar restrictions if the coronavirus spikes again in the coming months.
"Ultimately, they have already admitted in court that they violated constitutionally enumerated rights," he said in a statement. "Especially because there may be a second or third wave of COVID-19, we will seek an injunction so that they cannot do this again, should cases spike."


freebeacon--2020-05-20--Senate Passes Bill That Could Block Chinese Firms From U.S. Securities Exchanges

WASHINGTON ( Reuters ) – The U.S. Senate passed legislation on Wednesday that could prevent some Chinese companies from listing their shares on U.S. exchanges unless they follow standards for U.S. audits and regulations .
The measure , sponsored by Republican Senator John Kennedy and Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen , passed by unanimous consent .
However , it must pass the House of Representatives and be signed by President Donald Trump to become law .
`` The Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act '' bars securities of any company from being listed on any U.S. securities exchange if it has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Company Accounting Oversight Board ’ s audits for three years in a row .
The measure also would require public companies disclose whether they are owned or controlled by a foreign government .
The bill is written to apply to all foreign companies , but it is targeted at China , and follows intense criticism of Beijing by Republican President Donald Trump that has been echoed by Republican and Democratic lawmakers .
Trump and other officials in his administration insist that China mishandled the novel coronavirus during the early weeks of an outbreak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that has killed more than 320,000 people and cratered global economies .
`` There are plenty of markets all over the world open to cheaters , but America can ’ t afford to be one of them .
China is on a glidepath to dominance and is cheating at every turn , '' Kennedy said in a statement .
`` For too long , Chinese companies have disregarded U.S. reporting standards , misleading our investors , '' Van Hollen said .

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Senate passed legislation on Wednesday that could prevent some Chinese companies from listing their shares on U.S. exchanges unless they follow standards for U.S. audits and regulations.
The measure, sponsored by Republican Senator John Kennedy and Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen, passed by unanimous consent. However, it must pass the House of Representatives and be signed by President Donald Trump to become law.
"The Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act" bars securities of any company from being listed on any U.S. securities exchange if it has failed to comply with the U.S. Public Company Accounting Oversight Board’s audits for three years in a row.
The measure also would require public companies disclose whether they are owned or controlled by a foreign government.
The bill is written to apply to all foreign companies, but it is targeted at China, and follows intense criticism of Beijing by Republican President Donald Trump that has been echoed by Republican and Democratic lawmakers.
Trump and other officials in his administration insist that China mishandled the novel coronavirus during the early weeks of an outbreak that has spread into a global pandemic that has killed more than 320,000 people and cratered global economies.
Beijing denies such allegations.
"There are plenty of markets all over the world open to cheaters, but America can’t afford to be one of them. China is on a glidepath to dominance and is cheating at every turn," Kennedy said in a statement.
"For too long, Chinese companies have disregarded U.S. reporting standards, misleading our investors," Van Hollen said.
(Reporting by Patricia Zengerle; Editing by Paul Simao)


freebeacon--2020-05-20--BEASTMODE: DeSantis Erupts Over Media’s Prediction of Florida Catastrophe

Florida governor Ron DeSantis ( R. ) blasted the media on Wednesday for predicting his state would be ravaged by @ @ @ @ @ York .
`` Wait two weeks , Florida 's going to be next .
Just @ @ @ @ @ weeks , '' he said mockingly .
`` Well hell , we 're eight weeks @ @ @ @ @ it has n't happened . ''
`` We 've succeeded , and I think that @ @ @ @ @ recognize it because it challenges their narrative . ''

Florida governor Ron DeSantis (R.) blasted the media on Wednesday for predicting his state would be ravaged by coronavirus as severely as New York.
"Wait two weeks, Florida's going to be next. Just like Italy, wait two weeks," he said mockingly. "Well hell, we're eight weeks away from that, and it hasn't happened."
"We've succeeded, and I think that people don't want to recognize it because it challenges their narrative."


freebeacon--2020-05-20--Schumer-Backed N.C. Senate Candidate Who Crushed Black Female Challenger Awkwardly Explains Commitme

Schumer-Backed N.C. Senate Candidate Who Crushed Black Female Challenger Awkwardly Explains Commitment to Diversity

Cal Cunningham won the Democratic nomination for the Senate in North Carolina by defeating Erica Smith , a qualified African-American woman .
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer ( D. , N.Y. ) went all in for Cunningham because , according to Smith , he `` did not want an African American running for Senate in North Carolina . ''
Cunningham , a white male , could have proven his commitment to diversity by stepping aside so Smith could win the nomination .
Instead , he conspired with Schumer and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee to destroy her dreams .
Now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he 's been holding a bunch of virtual town halls and attempting to explain how deeply he values diversity .
It has been awkward .
`` Part of it 's about where my heart is , part of it 's about intentionality , '' Cunningham said of his commitment to diversity during a virtual town hall with Young Democrats of North Carolina on May 16 .
He promised to `` lead by listening '' and noted the `` large number of African Americans on my campaign team . ''
True diversity , Cunningham @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of black people on your staff .
He pledged to involve the `` Latinx '' community as well , invoking the supposedly inclusive term for Hispanics that is popular among white liberal activists but not so much among actual Hispanics .
Cunningham also boasted that `` gay and lesbian folks '' were represented on his campaign staff , `` even in my [ team of ] professional advisers , '' implying that the team is overwhelmingly white .
Cunningham , a former one-term state senator , has received significant financial assistance from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off against incumbent senator Thom Tillis ( R. ) in what is expected to be a close race .

Cal Cunningham won the Democratic nomination for the Senate in North Carolina by defeating Erica Smith, a qualified African-American woman. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D., N.Y.) went all in for Cunningham because, according to Smith, he "did not want an African American running for Senate in North Carolina."
Cunningham, a white male, could have proven his commitment to diversity by stepping aside so Smith could win the nomination. Instead, he conspired with Schumer and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee to destroy her dreams.
Now that Cunningham is the Democratic nominee, he's been holding a bunch of virtual town halls and attempting to explain how deeply he values diversity. It has been awkward.
"Part of it's about where my heart is, part of it's about intentionality," Cunningham said of his commitment to diversity during a virtual town hall with Young Democrats of North Carolina on May 16. He promised to "lead by listening" and noted the "large number of African Americans on my campaign team."
True diversity, Cunningham explained, is about more than the number of black people on your staff. He pledged to involve the "Latinx" community as well, invoking the supposedly inclusive term for Hispanics that is popular among white liberal activists but not so much among actual Hispanics.
Cunningham also boasted that "gay and lesbian folks" were represented on his campaign staff, "even in my [team of] professional advisers," implying that the team is overwhelmingly white.
Cunningham, a former one-term state senator, has received significant financial assistance from Schumer-backed outside groups. He will face off against incumbent senator Thom Tillis (R.) in what is expected to be a close race.


freebeacon--2020-05-20--BEASTMODE: Pompeo Says He Doesn’t Need Ethics Guidance from Menendez

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told reporters Wednesday he did not need `` ethics guidance '' from Sen. Bob Menendez @ @ @ @ @ , who was indicted on federal corruption charges in 2015 .
`` I do n't @ @ @ @ @ a man who was criminally prosecuted , '' he said .
`` Case Number 15-155 @ @ @ @ @ Court . ''
Pompeo said Menendez 's office was the source of recent media reports @ @ @ @ @ State Department .
He defended his recommendation that President Donald Trump fire State Department Inspector @ @ @ @ @ was investigating Pompeo for alleged misconduct .
The Justice Department dropped the fraud and bribery @ @ @ @ @ after his federal trial ended in a hung jury .
The Senate Ethics Committee formally @ @ @ @ @ for his conduct , which concerned accepting gifts and money from his friend Dr. Salomon @ @ @ @ @ to advance Melgen 's interests .

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told reporters Wednesday he did not need "ethics guidance" from Sen. Bob Menendez (D., N.J.), who was indicted on federal corruption charges in 2015.
"I don't get my ethics guidance from a man who was criminally prosecuted," he said. "Case Number 15-155. New Jersey Federal District Court."
Pompeo said Menendez's office was the source of recent media reports about his conduct at the State Department. He defended his recommendation that President Donald Trump fire State Department Inspector General Steve Linick, who was investigating Pompeo for alleged misconduct.
The Justice Department dropped the fraud and bribery charges against Menendez in 2018 after his federal trial ended in a hung jury. The Senate Ethics Committee formally admonished him, however, for his conduct, which concerned accepting gifts and money from his friend Dr. Salomon Melgen and using his office to advance Melgen's interests.


freebeacon--2020-05-20--Lawmakers Call on Planned Parenthood to Return $80 Million in Small Business Loans

Lawmakers and pro-life activists are calling on Planned Parenthood to return the $ 80 million the abortion provider received through the Paycheck Protection Program ( PPP ) .
Thirty-seven of the organization 's affiliates applied for and obtained loans through the program , and the federal government is now saying the affiliates should have known they were not eligible to receive federal stimulus , according to Fox News .
The agency in charge of distributing the loans is informing Planned Parenthood 's affiliates the money must be returned .
In order to qualify for loans , businesses and any affiliates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ employees , a number Planned Parenthood exceeds .
If the organization applied for the loans knowing it did not qualify , it could face legal action .
The largest loan the organization received was a $ 7.5 million stimulus to a California Planned Parenthood affiliate .
Planned Parenthood reported more than $ 2.2 billion in assets in its 2018-19 annual report .
The requests for federal stimulus come after the organization turned down federal Title X funding last August , citing the Trump administration 's regulation prohibiting abortion referrals as a `` method @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and pro-life activist groups are calling for the money to be returned immediately .
Sen. Josh Hawley ( R. , Mo . )
said Planned Parenthood employees should face prosecution if anyone within the organization knowingly falsified PPP applications .
`` Those funds must be returned immediately , '' Sen. Marco Rubio ( R. , Fla. ) added .
`` Furthermore , the [ Small Business Association ] should open an investigation into how these loans were made in clear violation of the applicable affiliation rules , and if Planned Parenthood , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ knowingly violated the law all appropriate legal options should be pursued . ''
Sen. Rick Scott ( R. , Fla. ) echoed calls for the money to be returned , saying Floridians should not be on the hook to `` bail out a huge organization like Planned Parenthood . ''
The Susan B. Anthony List , a pro-life activist group , blasted Planned Parenthood for taking advantage of the crisis .
`` Across the country , Planned Parenthood refused to cease its abortion operation in the wake of the pandemic , hoarding personal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ women at risk , '' the group said .
`` It is rich that they , in turn , feel entitled to taxpayer dollars meant to help businesses in need . ''
`` They should return this funding immediately , '' the group added .

Lawmakers and pro-life activists are calling on Planned Parenthood to return the $80 million the abortion provider received through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).
Thirty-seven of the organization's affiliates applied for and obtained loans through the program, and the federal government is now saying the affiliates should have known they were not eligible to receive federal stimulus, according to Fox News. The agency in charge of distributing the loans is informing Planned Parenthood's affiliates the money must be returned.
In order to qualify for loans, businesses and any affiliates are required to have fewer than 500 employees, a number Planned Parenthood exceeds. If the organization applied for the loans knowing it did not qualify, it could face legal action.
The largest loan the organization received was a $7.5 million stimulus to a California Planned Parenthood affiliate.
Planned Parenthood reported more than $2.2 billion in assets in its 2018-19 annual report. The requests for federal stimulus come after the organization turned down federal Title X funding last August, citing the Trump administration's regulation prohibiting abortion referrals as a "method of family planning."
Republican lawmakers and pro-life activist groups are calling for the money to be returned immediately.
Sen. Josh Hawley (R., Mo.) said Planned Parenthood employees should face prosecution if anyone within the organization knowingly falsified PPP applications.
The money needs to be recovered and if anybody knowingly falsified applications, they need to be prosecuted
https://t.co/FKnrkHnE2P #FoxNews — Josh Hawley (@HawleyMO) May 20, 2020
"Those funds must be returned immediately," Sen. Marco Rubio (R., Fla.) added. "Furthermore, the [Small Business Association] should open an investigation into how these loans were made in clear violation of the applicable affiliation rules, and if Planned Parenthood, the banks, or staff at the SBA knowingly violated the law all appropriate legal options should be pursued."
Sen. Rick Scott (R., Fla.) echoed calls for the money to be returned, saying Floridians should not be on the hook to "bail out a huge organization like Planned Parenthood."
The Susan B. Anthony List, a pro-life activist group, blasted Planned Parenthood for taking advantage of the crisis.
"Across the country, Planned Parenthood refused to cease its abortion operation in the wake of the pandemic, hoarding personal protective equipment and putting its staff and women at risk," the group said. "It is rich that they, in turn, feel entitled to taxpayer dollars meant to help businesses in need."
"They should return this funding immediately," the group added.