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Democrats and White House Race to Strike Deal for Coronavirus Relief Package Democrats and White House Race to Strike Deal for Coronavirus Relief Package
(8 days later)
WASHINGTON — The White House and Democrats rushed on Wednesday to reach agreement on emergency legislation to provide a first tranche of economic assistance to help Americans cope with the fast-moving coronavirus pandemic, with the hope of sending it to President Trump for his signature by the end of the week.WASHINGTON — The White House and Democrats rushed on Wednesday to reach agreement on emergency legislation to provide a first tranche of economic assistance to help Americans cope with the fast-moving coronavirus pandemic, with the hope of sending it to President Trump for his signature by the end of the week.
As the White House and Democrats were divided over what a broader economic stimulus package should look like, the two parties were trying to coalesce around the idea of a narrower short-term bill, while deferring discussion over other economic measures until after Congress returns from a weeklong recess. The bill would focus on paid leave, enhanced unemployment insurance, food assistance and help for small businesses.As the White House and Democrats were divided over what a broader economic stimulus package should look like, the two parties were trying to coalesce around the idea of a narrower short-term bill, while deferring discussion over other economic measures until after Congress returns from a weeklong recess. The bill would focus on paid leave, enhanced unemployment insurance, food assistance and help for small businesses.
By nighttime, though, there was still no deal, and House Democrats were pushing ahead with their own emergency relief package they were calling the “Families First Coronavirus Response Act.” They expect to bring it to the floor for a vote on Thursday before they leave Washington for a scheduled break.By nighttime, though, there was still no deal, and House Democrats were pushing ahead with their own emergency relief package they were calling the “Families First Coronavirus Response Act.” They expect to bring it to the floor for a vote on Thursday before they leave Washington for a scheduled break.
The bill will include free coronavirus testing, paid emergency leave for workers, food security assistance, help to states overburdened by Medicaid costs and strengthened unemployment insurance, according to a joint statement issued Wednesday night by Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senator Chuck Schumer, the minority leader.The bill will include free coronavirus testing, paid emergency leave for workers, food security assistance, help to states overburdened by Medicaid costs and strengthened unemployment insurance, according to a joint statement issued Wednesday night by Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senator Chuck Schumer, the minority leader.
In a prime-time address to the nation Wednesday night, Mr. Trump embraced some of the ideas Democrats have proposed. He called on Congress to provide emergency help for those who must stay home because they are ill, quarantined or caring for others, and asked for $50 billion for low-interest loans to help small businesses overcome the economic disruption wrought by the virus.In a prime-time address to the nation Wednesday night, Mr. Trump embraced some of the ideas Democrats have proposed. He called on Congress to provide emergency help for those who must stay home because they are ill, quarantined or caring for others, and asked for $50 billion for low-interest loans to help small businesses overcome the economic disruption wrought by the virus.
“This is not a financial crisis. This is just a temporary moment of time that we will overcome together as a nation and as a world,” the president said, though he added that his administration would “provide extra support for American workers, families and businesses.”“This is not a financial crisis. This is just a temporary moment of time that we will overcome together as a nation and as a world,” the president said, though he added that his administration would “provide extra support for American workers, families and businesses.”
But Mr. Trump also called on Congress to “provide Americans with immediate payroll tax relief” — an idea that has fallen flat on Capitol Hill, where members of both parties have expressed opposition to the president’s proposal to suspend the tax entirely through the end of the year, a measure whose cost is estimated at $800 billion or more.But Mr. Trump also called on Congress to “provide Americans with immediate payroll tax relief” — an idea that has fallen flat on Capitol Hill, where members of both parties have expressed opposition to the president’s proposal to suspend the tax entirely through the end of the year, a measure whose cost is estimated at $800 billion or more.
Democrats reacted coolly.Democrats reacted coolly.
“We have a public health crisis in this country and the best way to help keep the American people safe and ensure their economic security is for the president to focus on fighting the spread of the coronavirus itself,” Ms. Pelosi and Mr. Schumer said in their statement. “Alarmingly, the president did not say how the administration will address the lack of coronavirus testing kits throughout the United States.”“We have a public health crisis in this country and the best way to help keep the American people safe and ensure their economic security is for the president to focus on fighting the spread of the coronavirus itself,” Ms. Pelosi and Mr. Schumer said in their statement. “Alarmingly, the president did not say how the administration will address the lack of coronavirus testing kits throughout the United States.”
Earlier in the day, Steven Mnuchin, the Treasury secretary, told lawmakers that proposal and other broad measures to stimulate the economy that might take longer to agree upon could be part of a second request the administration sends Congress later.Earlier in the day, Steven Mnuchin, the Treasury secretary, told lawmakers that proposal and other broad measures to stimulate the economy that might take longer to agree upon could be part of a second request the administration sends Congress later.
Testifying on Capitol Hill, Mr. Mnuchin said he was focused for now on reaching agreement within 48 hours on an emergency bipartisan relief package.Testifying on Capitol Hill, Mr. Mnuchin said he was focused for now on reaching agreement within 48 hours on an emergency bipartisan relief package.
“This is a little bit like a hurricane, and we need to cover these outside of normal expenses,” Mr. Mnuchin said, adding that he had been in “round the clock” discussions with Ms. Pelosi, Democrat of California, and Senator Mitch McConnell, Republican of Kentucky and the majority leader.“This is a little bit like a hurricane, and we need to cover these outside of normal expenses,” Mr. Mnuchin said, adding that he had been in “round the clock” discussions with Ms. Pelosi, Democrat of California, and Senator Mitch McConnell, Republican of Kentucky and the majority leader.
The talks unfolded as anxiety mounted on Capitol Hill, where officials were grappling with how to contain the spread of the virus. Lawmakers urged reporters, who typically gather in scrums, to keep their distance. Officials declared that as of Friday, Capitol tours would be suspended for the rest of the month. Senator Maria Cantwell, Democrat of Washington, closed her office after an aide tested positive for the coronavirus — the first known exposure on Capitol Hill.The talks unfolded as anxiety mounted on Capitol Hill, where officials were grappling with how to contain the spread of the virus. Lawmakers urged reporters, who typically gather in scrums, to keep their distance. Officials declared that as of Friday, Capitol tours would be suspended for the rest of the month. Senator Maria Cantwell, Democrat of Washington, closed her office after an aide tested positive for the coronavirus — the first known exposure on Capitol Hill.
Should the White House agree to the House Democrats’ package, Mr. McConnell would most likely bring it up for an immediate vote on the Senate floor, according to people with knowledge of his thinking who spoke on the condition of anonymity, clearing a path for Mr. Trump to quickly sign the legislation into law.Should the White House agree to the House Democrats’ package, Mr. McConnell would most likely bring it up for an immediate vote on the Senate floor, according to people with knowledge of his thinking who spoke on the condition of anonymity, clearing a path for Mr. Trump to quickly sign the legislation into law.
But it was not at all clear that the White House would embrace the plan, whose details — including the question of how much it would cost — remained up in the air. Ms. Pelosi and Mr. Mnuchin spoke twice by phone on Wednesday but had not reached a deal by the evening, as House leaders worked through the night to complete their legislation.But it was not at all clear that the White House would embrace the plan, whose details — including the question of how much it would cost — remained up in the air. Ms. Pelosi and Mr. Mnuchin spoke twice by phone on Wednesday but had not reached a deal by the evening, as House leaders worked through the night to complete their legislation.
Mr. Mnuchin said the Trump administration was considering providing loan guarantees for the cruise, airline and hotel industries affected by the virus, similar to those that were offered after the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.Mr. Mnuchin said the Trump administration was considering providing loan guarantees for the cruise, airline and hotel industries affected by the virus, similar to those that were offered after the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
“We are not looking for bailouts,” Mr. Mnuchin said. “Loan guarantees are a very effective way of making sure the government gets paid back without putting the government at risk.”“We are not looking for bailouts,” Mr. Mnuchin said. “Loan guarantees are a very effective way of making sure the government gets paid back without putting the government at risk.”
Mr. Trump announced in his address that he would use emergency authority to instruct the Internal Revenue Service to allow a delay of tax payments beyond the April 15 deadline, without penalty or interest, that would apply to “certain individuals and businesses negatively impacted.”Mr. Trump announced in his address that he would use emergency authority to instruct the Internal Revenue Service to allow a delay of tax payments beyond the April 15 deadline, without penalty or interest, that would apply to “certain individuals and businesses negatively impacted.”
All individuals are allowed to request tax filing extensions online, but Mr. Mnuchin said the proposal was for a special provision to help small and medium-size businesses and “hardworking individuals.” It would not apply to large corporations or the wealthiest Americans, Mr. Mnuchin said, but he did not elaborate on what the threshold would be.All individuals are allowed to request tax filing extensions online, but Mr. Mnuchin said the proposal was for a special provision to help small and medium-size businesses and “hardworking individuals.” It would not apply to large corporations or the wealthiest Americans, Mr. Mnuchin said, but he did not elaborate on what the threshold would be.
“This action will provide more than $200 billion of additional liquidity to the economy,” the president said.“This action will provide more than $200 billion of additional liquidity to the economy,” the president said.
In moving hastily to unveil their own plans, Democrats hoped to set the terms of the debate and get ahead of the Trump administration, which has been divided internally over what to do. Ms. Pelosi held a meeting with her caucus on Wednesday to discuss her proposal. Earlier in the day, top House Democrats were briefed by Jason Furman, an economist who advised President Barack Obama, on how to proceed.In moving hastily to unveil their own plans, Democrats hoped to set the terms of the debate and get ahead of the Trump administration, which has been divided internally over what to do. Ms. Pelosi held a meeting with her caucus on Wednesday to discuss her proposal. Earlier in the day, top House Democrats were briefed by Jason Furman, an economist who advised President Barack Obama, on how to proceed.
Updated June 24, 2020
Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles.
A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.
The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
Congress already approved an $8.3 billion emergency aid package — more than three times what Mr. Trump requested — to send additional funding to the federal health agencies responding to the coronavirus. The president signed that measure last week.Congress already approved an $8.3 billion emergency aid package — more than three times what Mr. Trump requested — to send additional funding to the federal health agencies responding to the coronavirus. The president signed that measure last week.
After weeks of playing down the potential effects of the virus, Mr. Trump is now calling for drastic economic measures, including the payroll tax suspension, whose cost would rival the Wall Street bailout of 2008 and the economic stimulus measure that followed.After weeks of playing down the potential effects of the virus, Mr. Trump is now calling for drastic economic measures, including the payroll tax suspension, whose cost would rival the Wall Street bailout of 2008 and the economic stimulus measure that followed.
Mr. Mnuchin has been privately skeptical about calling for a payroll tax cut or holiday, but he told lawmakers on Wednesday that such a move would provide broader stimulus for the economy, which is likely to face a slowdown from all the disruption.Mr. Mnuchin has been privately skeptical about calling for a payroll tax cut or holiday, but he told lawmakers on Wednesday that such a move would provide broader stimulus for the economy, which is likely to face a slowdown from all the disruption.
Peter Navarro, a top White House economic adviser, said that temporarily scrapping the payroll tax for workers and employers “offers one of the clearest paths to a highly effective fiscal stimulus as we head toward that inevitable light at the end of the coronavirus tunnel.”Peter Navarro, a top White House economic adviser, said that temporarily scrapping the payroll tax for workers and employers “offers one of the clearest paths to a highly effective fiscal stimulus as we head toward that inevitable light at the end of the coronavirus tunnel.”
In an email on Wednesday, Mr. Navarro wrote that the proposal had the potential to “completely offset any of the negative growth effects” of the virus, providing the equivalent of a 7.65 percent raise for lower- and middle-income workers and helping smaller businesses manage cash-flow problems.In an email on Wednesday, Mr. Navarro wrote that the proposal had the potential to “completely offset any of the negative growth effects” of the virus, providing the equivalent of a 7.65 percent raise for lower- and middle-income workers and helping smaller businesses manage cash-flow problems.
“Hourly workers shouldn’t be faced with the decision of whether to go to work sick or stay home and go broke,” Mr. Navarro wrote. “The president will have the backs of American workers and small businesses with his paid sick leave and small-business loan initiatives.”“Hourly workers shouldn’t be faced with the decision of whether to go to work sick or stay home and go broke,” Mr. Navarro wrote. “The president will have the backs of American workers and small businesses with his paid sick leave and small-business loan initiatives.”
Democrats want a more targeted approach. Senate Democrats released a plan on Wednesday that includes a six-month break for borrowers on paying federal student loans and mortgages; block grants to help communities where the virus has shut down the economy; direct grants to small businesses; assistance to help public transit systems stay in operation; rental and mortgage payment assistance for some borrowers; and grants to child care centers and schools that are infected with the virus.Democrats want a more targeted approach. Senate Democrats released a plan on Wednesday that includes a six-month break for borrowers on paying federal student loans and mortgages; block grants to help communities where the virus has shut down the economy; direct grants to small businesses; assistance to help public transit systems stay in operation; rental and mortgage payment assistance for some borrowers; and grants to child care centers and schools that are infected with the virus.
“We are just appalled at the administration,” said Mr. Schumer, Democrat of New York. “We don’t think they should just throw money out of an airplane and hope that some of it lands on the people” who need assistance, he added.“We are just appalled at the administration,” said Mr. Schumer, Democrat of New York. “We don’t think they should just throw money out of an airplane and hope that some of it lands on the people” who need assistance, he added.
Democrats oppose the payroll tax suspension in part because it would not help workers who are furloughed or laid off, and would be doled out gradually across paychecks. In the House, Mr. Hoyer called it “a nonstarter.”Democrats oppose the payroll tax suspension in part because it would not help workers who are furloughed or laid off, and would be doled out gradually across paychecks. In the House, Mr. Hoyer called it “a nonstarter.”
Emily Cochrane contributed reporting.Emily Cochrane contributed reporting.