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| Republicans Fret as Mnuchin Bargains With Democrats to Break Funding Impasse | Republicans Fret as Mnuchin Bargains With Democrats to Break Funding Impasse |
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| WASHINGTON — Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and top Democrats negotiated on Friday to break an impasse over replenishing a stimulus program to help small businesses weather the coronavirus pandemic, even as some Republicans privately worried that Mr. Mnuchin would concede too much in his zeal to unfreeze a critical aid initiative. | WASHINGTON — Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and top Democrats negotiated on Friday to break an impasse over replenishing a stimulus program to help small businesses weather the coronavirus pandemic, even as some Republicans privately worried that Mr. Mnuchin would concede too much in his zeal to unfreeze a critical aid initiative. |
| Top Republicans had steadfastly refused to discuss a deal with Democrats on their demands to couple an infusion for the small-business program — the Paycheck Protection Program — with more money for states, cities and hospitals to combat the virus. But after the funding lapsed on Thursday, they expressed the first hints of openness to accepting additional hospital or grant funding beyond the administration’s request for $250 billion to keep the small-business program afloat. | Top Republicans had steadfastly refused to discuss a deal with Democrats on their demands to couple an infusion for the small-business program — the Paycheck Protection Program — with more money for states, cities and hospitals to combat the virus. But after the funding lapsed on Thursday, they expressed the first hints of openness to accepting additional hospital or grant funding beyond the administration’s request for $250 billion to keep the small-business program afloat. |
| “I’m open to that discussion being very narrowly focused on what we did in Phase 3 that’s already proven to be not quite hitting the mark we hope to hit,” said Senator Roy Blunt, Republican of Missouri, referring to the $2.2 trillion stimulus package that was the third spending measure enacted to respond to the coronavirus crisis. | “I’m open to that discussion being very narrowly focused on what we did in Phase 3 that’s already proven to be not quite hitting the mark we hope to hit,” said Senator Roy Blunt, Republican of Missouri, referring to the $2.2 trillion stimulus package that was the third spending measure enacted to respond to the coronavirus crisis. |
| Still, with Mr. Mnuchin pursuing talks primarily with Democrats, there is lingering apprehension among some Republicans on Capitol Hill that in an effort to limit the economic fallout from the spread of the coronavirus and restart the program, Mr. Mnuchin will go too far in accommodating the Democrats and agree to policies they cannot support. | Still, with Mr. Mnuchin pursuing talks primarily with Democrats, there is lingering apprehension among some Republicans on Capitol Hill that in an effort to limit the economic fallout from the spread of the coronavirus and restart the program, Mr. Mnuchin will go too far in accommodating the Democrats and agree to policies they cannot support. |
| In private conversations, top Republican officials said that Mr. Mnuchin’s concessions during previous negotiations on coronavirus legislation — in particular, an agreement he struck with Speaker Nancy Pelosi to significantly expand federal paid sick leave, and a subsequent deal with Senate Democrats to substantially increase jobless aid — had intensified skepticism about whether he could strike a deal that all Republican senators could support. | In private conversations, top Republican officials said that Mr. Mnuchin’s concessions during previous negotiations on coronavirus legislation — in particular, an agreement he struck with Speaker Nancy Pelosi to significantly expand federal paid sick leave, and a subsequent deal with Senate Democrats to substantially increase jobless aid — had intensified skepticism about whether he could strike a deal that all Republican senators could support. |
| Some of them said they regarded Mr. Mnuchin as essentially a Democrat, and one senior Republican who, like others interviewed, did not want to be named discussing differences between Senate Republicans, said the Treasury secretary did not approach the issues currently being debated from a Republican perspective. | Some of them said they regarded Mr. Mnuchin as essentially a Democrat, and one senior Republican who, like others interviewed, did not want to be named discussing differences between Senate Republicans, said the Treasury secretary did not approach the issues currently being debated from a Republican perspective. |
| A Treasury Department spokeswoman had no comment. | A Treasury Department spokeswoman had no comment. |
| Republicans have complimented Mr. Mnuchin’s accessibility — he has repeatedly joined calls with both conferences over the past two months to discuss legislation related to the coronavirus outbreak — and in the past, they have specifically tapped him to represent them in critical budget and spending negotiations with Ms. Pelosi, which produced deals that President Trump ultimately signed into law. | Republicans have complimented Mr. Mnuchin’s accessibility — he has repeatedly joined calls with both conferences over the past two months to discuss legislation related to the coronavirus outbreak — and in the past, they have specifically tapped him to represent them in critical budget and spending negotiations with Ms. Pelosi, which produced deals that President Trump ultimately signed into law. |
| But the Republican worries about the Treasury secretary, who has emerged as Mr. Trump’s point man on the economic response to the pandemic, reflects a steep challenge for the administration as it works to restart the Paycheck Protection Program, which provides loan guarantees to small businesses that keep employees on their payrolls, and looks toward future rounds of government coronavirus relief that will have to be negotiated with Democrats. | But the Republican worries about the Treasury secretary, who has emerged as Mr. Trump’s point man on the economic response to the pandemic, reflects a steep challenge for the administration as it works to restart the Paycheck Protection Program, which provides loan guarantees to small businesses that keep employees on their payrolls, and looks toward future rounds of government coronavirus relief that will have to be negotiated with Democrats. |
| The concern has been heightened by the extraordinary logistical challenges caused by the pandemic: With lawmakers scheduled to remain out of Washington until May 4 at the earliest, any effort to approve an emergency funding infusion would require the support of all 100 senators, as opposed to the 60 votes typically needed to pass legislation. | The concern has been heightened by the extraordinary logistical challenges caused by the pandemic: With lawmakers scheduled to remain out of Washington until May 4 at the earliest, any effort to approve an emergency funding infusion would require the support of all 100 senators, as opposed to the 60 votes typically needed to pass legislation. |
| With any single lawmaker capable of blocking legislation from moving forward, the continuing talks are a test of Mr. Mnuchin’s ability to help wrangle an agreement that is palatable not just to the administration and the Democratic majority in the House, but rank-and-file Republicans in both chambers. | With any single lawmaker capable of blocking legislation from moving forward, the continuing talks are a test of Mr. Mnuchin’s ability to help wrangle an agreement that is palatable not just to the administration and the Democratic majority in the House, but rank-and-file Republicans in both chambers. |
| “Every administration needs a senior official who can work with the other party, so it’s helpful to the president to have that,” David McIntosh, the president of the Club for Growth, an anti-spending conservative advocacy group, said in an interview. “But I think Mnuchin needs to be careful that he doesn’t make another mistake, and fully understands what the Democrats are trying to do.” | “Every administration needs a senior official who can work with the other party, so it’s helpful to the president to have that,” David McIntosh, the president of the Club for Growth, an anti-spending conservative advocacy group, said in an interview. “But I think Mnuchin needs to be careful that he doesn’t make another mistake, and fully understands what the Democrats are trying to do.” |
| As Republicans have attacked them in recent days for standing in the way of quick approval of the $250 billion the Trump administration requested to replenish the small-business loan program, Democratic leaders have stood firm in insisting on the added funds they have proposed, noting that they were still talking with Mr. Mnuchin. | As Republicans have attacked them in recent days for standing in the way of quick approval of the $250 billion the Trump administration requested to replenish the small-business loan program, Democratic leaders have stood firm in insisting on the added funds they have proposed, noting that they were still talking with Mr. Mnuchin. |
| “We’re hopeful they will come back with something that strikes a balance in what we know we need to do,” Ms. Pelosi said of the administration during a weekly telephone news conference with reporters on Thursday, ahead of another round of talks between Mr. Mnuchin, his staff and aides to Ms. Pelosi and Senator Chuck Schumer of New York, the Democratic leader. | “We’re hopeful they will come back with something that strikes a balance in what we know we need to do,” Ms. Pelosi said of the administration during a weekly telephone news conference with reporters on Thursday, ahead of another round of talks between Mr. Mnuchin, his staff and aides to Ms. Pelosi and Senator Chuck Schumer of New York, the Democratic leader. |
| Asked on Thursday about how a deal would be received, Senator Mitch McConnell, Republican of Kentucky and the majority leader, remained noncommittal, saying, “We’d take a look at it.” | Asked on Thursday about how a deal would be received, Senator Mitch McConnell, Republican of Kentucky and the majority leader, remained noncommittal, saying, “We’d take a look at it.” |
| It was Mr. McConnell who first announced last month that Mr. Mnuchin would lead talks for Republicans on the coronavirus relief package that preceded the stimulus, which included free testing, health care and food assistance, and the paid leave benefit that so rankled Republicans. | It was Mr. McConnell who first announced last month that Mr. Mnuchin would lead talks for Republicans on the coronavirus relief package that preceded the stimulus, which included free testing, health care and food assistance, and the paid leave benefit that so rankled Republicans. |
| Mr. McConnell counseled his members to “gag and vote for it,” but then insisted on taking a far more active role in negotiating the stimulus package that followed, which ultimately topped $2 trillion. Such guidance would not be feasible now that the Senate is not set to formally return until May, and legislation can only be passed on a unanimous basis, allowing any single lawmaker to block it. | Mr. McConnell counseled his members to “gag and vote for it,” but then insisted on taking a far more active role in negotiating the stimulus package that followed, which ultimately topped $2 trillion. Such guidance would not be feasible now that the Senate is not set to formally return until May, and legislation can only be passed on a unanimous basis, allowing any single lawmaker to block it. |
| Speculation that Mr. Mnuchin is a Democrat has simmered over the years, in part because of his background as a Hollywood film financier who resides in Los Angeles. Mr. Mnuchin’s father has expressed displeasure that his son works for Mr. Trump. And Mr. Mnuchin’s wife, Louise Linton, broke with him this year when she used social media to defend Greta Thunberg, the climate activist, after the Treasury secretary criticized Ms. Thunberg at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. | Speculation that Mr. Mnuchin is a Democrat has simmered over the years, in part because of his background as a Hollywood film financier who resides in Los Angeles. Mr. Mnuchin’s father has expressed displeasure that his son works for Mr. Trump. And Mr. Mnuchin’s wife, Louise Linton, broke with him this year when she used social media to defend Greta Thunberg, the climate activist, after the Treasury secretary criticized Ms. Thunberg at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. |
| For his part, Mr. Mnuchin denies that he was ever a Democrat. Like many wealthy investors, he has donated to both Republicans and Democrats over the years. | For his part, Mr. Mnuchin denies that he was ever a Democrat. Like many wealthy investors, he has donated to both Republicans and Democrats over the years. |
| Updated June 22, 2020 | |
| 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 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. | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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. |
| States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people. | States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people. |
| 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. | 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 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. | 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. |
| If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested. | If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested. |
| “I have been absolutely a Republican,” Mr. Mnuchin said in 2018 at an event at the Economic Club of Washington D.C., noting that while he had written checks to Democrats over the years, “I’ve always been a Republican.” | “I have been absolutely a Republican,” Mr. Mnuchin said in 2018 at an event at the Economic Club of Washington D.C., noting that while he had written checks to Democrats over the years, “I’ve always been a Republican.” |
| People close to Mr. Mnuchin have described him as the consummate pragmatist in negotiations, putting political ideology aside and focusing on finding the common ground needed to strike a deal. One person familiar with his style suggested that Mr. Mnuchin would most likely try to offer Democrats just enough to be able to claim victory, while clinging as closely as possible to the framework that was agreed to last month in the stimulus measure. | People close to Mr. Mnuchin have described him as the consummate pragmatist in negotiations, putting political ideology aside and focusing on finding the common ground needed to strike a deal. One person familiar with his style suggested that Mr. Mnuchin would most likely try to offer Democrats just enough to be able to claim victory, while clinging as closely as possible to the framework that was agreed to last month in the stimulus measure. |
| But that compromise still leaves a bitter taste for some Republicans. | But that compromise still leaves a bitter taste for some Republicans. |
| As talks on the package entered a critical phase, Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon, the top Democrat on the Finance Committee, told Mr. Mnuchin and two top Republican senators that his party wanted assurances that the bill would include unemployment benefits equal to full wage replacement for average workers — a proposal that other administration officials and Republicans had rejected. | As talks on the package entered a critical phase, Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon, the top Democrat on the Finance Committee, told Mr. Mnuchin and two top Republican senators that his party wanted assurances that the bill would include unemployment benefits equal to full wage replacement for average workers — a proposal that other administration officials and Republicans had rejected. |
| Mr. Mnuchin, without consulting his Republican partners — Senator Charles E. Grassley of Iowa, the committee chairman, and Senator Rob Portman of Ohio — quickly agreed to the demand, according to three officials with knowledge of the talks who would discuss them only on the condition of anonymity. | Mr. Mnuchin, without consulting his Republican partners — Senator Charles E. Grassley of Iowa, the committee chairman, and Senator Rob Portman of Ohio — quickly agreed to the demand, according to three officials with knowledge of the talks who would discuss them only on the condition of anonymity. |
| The result was an agreement in which the federal government provides an extra $600 per week in unemployment pay for 16 weeks for millions of jobless workers, an amount that when added to basic benefits would exceed regular pay in some cases. The issue became a final sticking point before passage of the measure, when a group of conservative Republican senators balked, saying there must have been a mistake. They eventually relented, but not before trying to strip the generous aid, allowing Republicans to register their opposition with a vote on the Senate floor. | The result was an agreement in which the federal government provides an extra $600 per week in unemployment pay for 16 weeks for millions of jobless workers, an amount that when added to basic benefits would exceed regular pay in some cases. The issue became a final sticking point before passage of the measure, when a group of conservative Republican senators balked, saying there must have been a mistake. They eventually relented, but not before trying to strip the generous aid, allowing Republicans to register their opposition with a vote on the Senate floor. |
| Democrats, for their part, say the conversations with Mr. Mnuchin have yielded progress toward resolving the impasse. Ms. Pelosi has pressed ahead with them, warning that the administration’s request would not pass through the House without some changes. | Democrats, for their part, say the conversations with Mr. Mnuchin have yielded progress toward resolving the impasse. Ms. Pelosi has pressed ahead with them, warning that the administration’s request would not pass through the House without some changes. |
| “It’s just a matter of talking — if we talk, I think we can get an agreement done,” said Senator Benjamin L. Cardin, Democrat of Maryland and one of the proponents of the new program. “I think we can resolve this.” | “It’s just a matter of talking — if we talk, I think we can get an agreement done,” said Senator Benjamin L. Cardin, Democrat of Maryland and one of the proponents of the new program. “I think we can resolve this.” |
| Carl Hulse and Jim Tankersley contributed reporting. | Carl Hulse and Jim Tankersley contributed reporting. |