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Coronavirus Stimulus Package Spurs a Lobbying Gold Rush Coronavirus Stimulus Package Spurs a Lobbying Gold Rush
(about 20 hours later)
WASHINGTON — Restaurants say they need $325 billion in federal assistance. Boeing wants $60 billion. The travel industry has requested $250 billion and manufacturers are seeking $1.4 trillion in loans to deal with the economic devastation being wrought by the coronavirus.WASHINGTON — Restaurants say they need $325 billion in federal assistance. Boeing wants $60 billion. The travel industry has requested $250 billion and manufacturers are seeking $1.4 trillion in loans to deal with the economic devastation being wrought by the coronavirus.
And that’s to say nothing of the casinos, airlines and franchise owners, all of whom have signaled that they, too, will need relief from the federal government to survive.And that’s to say nothing of the casinos, airlines and franchise owners, all of whom have signaled that they, too, will need relief from the federal government to survive.
Then there are the industries and companies that do not immediately come to mind as front-line casualties but are nonetheless lobbying for their causes to be addressed as Congress prepares to allocate $1 trillion or more in response to the crisis.Then there are the industries and companies that do not immediately come to mind as front-line casualties but are nonetheless lobbying for their causes to be addressed as Congress prepares to allocate $1 trillion or more in response to the crisis.
The prospect of a bailout of a scale without precedent has set off a rush to the fiscal trough, with businesses enduring undeniable dislocation jostling with more opportunistic interests to ensure they get a share.The prospect of a bailout of a scale without precedent has set off a rush to the fiscal trough, with businesses enduring undeniable dislocation jostling with more opportunistic interests to ensure they get a share.
The sportswear company Adidas is seeking support for a long-sought provision allowing people to use pretax money to pay for gym memberships and fitness equipment — despite the mandatory closure of fitness facilities in many jurisdictions during the outbreak.The sportswear company Adidas is seeking support for a long-sought provision allowing people to use pretax money to pay for gym memberships and fitness equipment — despite the mandatory closure of fitness facilities in many jurisdictions during the outbreak.
Drone makers are urging the Trump administration to grant waivers they have been seeking that would allow them to be used more widely — including to deliver medical supplies or food without risking human contact that could spread the virus.Drone makers are urging the Trump administration to grant waivers they have been seeking that would allow them to be used more widely — including to deliver medical supplies or food without risking human contact that could spread the virus.
Movers are requesting $187 million in assistance to make up for revenue lost as a result of a Defense Department order halting moves, while Airbnb is asking Congress to give tax breaks and access to small business loans to people who lost income from a decline in home rentals.Movers are requesting $187 million in assistance to make up for revenue lost as a result of a Defense Department order halting moves, while Airbnb is asking Congress to give tax breaks and access to small business loans to people who lost income from a decline in home rentals.
Then there are the pig farmers. They are citing coronavirus in renewing their call for the federal government to expedite foreign worker visas, with an executive at the National Pork Producers Council noting in an email “many Americans have experienced empty meat cases in recent days, as we adapt to the surge in demand.”Then there are the pig farmers. They are citing coronavirus in renewing their call for the federal government to expedite foreign worker visas, with an executive at the National Pork Producers Council noting in an email “many Americans have experienced empty meat cases in recent days, as we adapt to the surge in demand.”
While the halls of the Capitol are eerily quiet, lobbyists are burning up the phone lines and flooding email inboxes trying to capitalize on the stimulus bills moving quickly through Congress. President Trump has already signed into law a coronavirus relief package including funds to provide sick leave, unemployment benefits, free coronavirus testing and food and medical aid to people affected by the pandemic.While the halls of the Capitol are eerily quiet, lobbyists are burning up the phone lines and flooding email inboxes trying to capitalize on the stimulus bills moving quickly through Congress. President Trump has already signed into law a coronavirus relief package including funds to provide sick leave, unemployment benefits, free coronavirus testing and food and medical aid to people affected by the pandemic.
Negotiations over a new bill, which had been estimated to cost $1 trillion, kicked off in earnest on Thursday night. Senate Republicans unveiled legislation that included $58 billion in loans and loan guarantees for passenger airlines and cargo carriers, $150 billion for unspecified “eligible businesses” and $300 billion for small business loans, as well as direct cash payments to many Americans. Democrats in the House and Senate will have their own proposals.Negotiations over a new bill, which had been estimated to cost $1 trillion, kicked off in earnest on Thursday night. Senate Republicans unveiled legislation that included $58 billion in loans and loan guarantees for passenger airlines and cargo carriers, $150 billion for unspecified “eligible businesses” and $300 billion for small business loans, as well as direct cash payments to many Americans. Democrats in the House and Senate will have their own proposals.
The conditions for a lobbying blitz are ideal. Concerns about costs and deficit spending largely have been moved to the back burner. The process is being rushed, with legislation being written in private and rushed toward votes without much scrutiny of the fine print. Both parties are under intense pressure to deliver for key constituencies.The conditions for a lobbying blitz are ideal. Concerns about costs and deficit spending largely have been moved to the back burner. The process is being rushed, with legislation being written in private and rushed toward votes without much scrutiny of the fine print. Both parties are under intense pressure to deliver for key constituencies.
“The only industry that hasn’t been slowed down by the virus is the lobbying industry,” said Representative Ro Khanna, Democrat of California.“The only industry that hasn’t been slowed down by the virus is the lobbying industry,” said Representative Ro Khanna, Democrat of California.
In an interview, Mr. Khanna said lobbyists have been “inundating people on the Hill with emails, calls and texts.”In an interview, Mr. Khanna said lobbyists have been “inundating people on the Hill with emails, calls and texts.”
“It really provides a lens into the part of Washington that most Americans despise,” he continued, “particularly at this time of national crisis.”“It really provides a lens into the part of Washington that most Americans despise,” he continued, “particularly at this time of national crisis.”
Some congressional aides have privately likened the lobbying blitz around the stimulus legislation to a gold rush.Some congressional aides have privately likened the lobbying blitz around the stimulus legislation to a gold rush.
Americans For Prosperity, the conservative group funded by the political network led by the billionaire Charles G. Koch, warned lawmakers on Thursday to “not exploit this crisis to push their own special interests’ policy agendas” or “to bail out shareholders or to reward favored industries.”Americans For Prosperity, the conservative group funded by the political network led by the billionaire Charles G. Koch, warned lawmakers on Thursday to “not exploit this crisis to push their own special interests’ policy agendas” or “to bail out shareholders or to reward favored industries.”
Craig Holman, a lobbyist for the liberal-leaning government watchdog group Public Citizen, argued that many of the industries to which the Trump administration has expressed a willingness to extend assistance — including the airlines, cruise lines and hotels — do not need or deserve the help.Craig Holman, a lobbyist for the liberal-leaning government watchdog group Public Citizen, argued that many of the industries to which the Trump administration has expressed a willingness to extend assistance — including the airlines, cruise lines and hotels — do not need or deserve the help.
“These industries already have access to cash reserves from their wealthy investors,” Mr. Holman said, arguing that large corporations “have a very poor track-record when it comes to spending bailout funds, using much of the money to preserve profits for shareholders, stock buybacks and hanging on to reserves.”“These industries already have access to cash reserves from their wealthy investors,” Mr. Holman said, arguing that large corporations “have a very poor track-record when it comes to spending bailout funds, using much of the money to preserve profits for shareholders, stock buybacks and hanging on to reserves.”
His group is backing Democratic proposals to enact conditions on bailout funds for major corporations, similar to those supported by Mr. Khanna, including prohibiting their use for executive compensation and stock buybacks.His group is backing Democratic proposals to enact conditions on bailout funds for major corporations, similar to those supported by Mr. Khanna, including prohibiting their use for executive compensation and stock buybacks.
Lobbyists and trade groups recognize the possibility of a backlash, “but it doesn’t seem to have stopped the frenzy,” said Dave Oxner, a lobbyist with the firm Cogent Strategies who is assisting clients navigating the coronavirus crisis.Lobbyists and trade groups recognize the possibility of a backlash, “but it doesn’t seem to have stopped the frenzy,” said Dave Oxner, a lobbyist with the firm Cogent Strategies who is assisting clients navigating the coronavirus crisis.
Mr. Oxner helped write the 2008 bailout legislation as a top staff member for the House Financial Services Committee, then became a lobbyist for a trade group representing the finance industry as it struggled to deal with the criticism and loss of public trust that lingered after the bailouts.Mr. Oxner helped write the 2008 bailout legislation as a top staff member for the House Financial Services Committee, then became a lobbyist for a trade group representing the finance industry as it struggled to deal with the criticism and loss of public trust that lingered after the bailouts.
“So for those looking for relief amid current crisis conditions, it is important to remember that words like ‘temporary,’ ‘targeted,’ ‘need-based’ and ‘forbearance’ can very quickly turn into a ‘bailout’ in the mind of those Americans who don’t perceive a direct benefit,” he wrote in a blog post this week warning lobbyists and industry groups to proceed cautiously.“So for those looking for relief amid current crisis conditions, it is important to remember that words like ‘temporary,’ ‘targeted,’ ‘need-based’ and ‘forbearance’ can very quickly turn into a ‘bailout’ in the mind of those Americans who don’t perceive a direct benefit,” he wrote in a blog post this week warning lobbyists and industry groups to proceed cautiously.
He noted in the post that “some of the requests for aid appear opportunistic on their face, while others seem truly desperate.”He noted in the post that “some of the requests for aid appear opportunistic on their face, while others seem truly desperate.”
And, in an interview, he predicted “years from now, there could be a reckoning.”And, in an interview, he predicted “years from now, there could be a reckoning.”
Some lobbyists are proceeding, even as they acknowledge the risks.Some lobbyists are proceeding, even as they acknowledge the risks.
“I don’t want to sound tone deaf,” an Adidas lobbyist wrote in an email on Thursday to congressional staff seeking support for the fitness tax break, which has been pushed for years by a bipartisan group of lawmakers including Senator John Thune, Republican of South Dakota, and which could benefit Adidas and its subsidiary Reebok.“I don’t want to sound tone deaf,” an Adidas lobbyist wrote in an email on Thursday to congressional staff seeking support for the fitness tax break, which has been pushed for years by a bipartisan group of lawmakers including Senator John Thune, Republican of South Dakota, and which could benefit Adidas and its subsidiary Reebok.
Updated June 22, 2020 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.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.
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.
The lobbyist, Ray Bucheger, a partner at FBB Federal Relations, added that he was nonetheless “being told that Senator Thune is looking to include this in an emergency stimulus bill. I am emailing to 1) reinforce Reebok/adidas support; and 2) to ask: have you heard from anyone else on this?”The lobbyist, Ray Bucheger, a partner at FBB Federal Relations, added that he was nonetheless “being told that Senator Thune is looking to include this in an emergency stimulus bill. I am emailing to 1) reinforce Reebok/adidas support; and 2) to ask: have you heard from anyone else on this?”
Congressional analysts have previously estimated the proposed tax break would cost the government about $3.5 billion in lost tax revenue over 10 years.Congressional analysts have previously estimated the proposed tax break would cost the government about $3.5 billion in lost tax revenue over 10 years.
Gregory S. Walden, an official with the drone industry trade association, the Small UAV Coalition, did not entirely dismiss the idea that his group was being opportunistic in calling on the Trump administration to waive the regulations it opposes. The change, he said, would assist with the response to the coronavirus outbreak.Gregory S. Walden, an official with the drone industry trade association, the Small UAV Coalition, did not entirely dismiss the idea that his group was being opportunistic in calling on the Trump administration to waive the regulations it opposes. The change, he said, would assist with the response to the coronavirus outbreak.
“If you’re opportunistic in helping people, that’s the right kind of opportunism,” said Mr. Walden, a former chief counsel of the Federal Aviation Administration.“If you’re opportunistic in helping people, that’s the right kind of opportunism,” said Mr. Walden, a former chief counsel of the Federal Aviation Administration.
But Sean Kennedy, an executive at the National Restaurant Association, said the flurry of lobbying in recent weeks has complicated the efforts of groups like his seeking Washington’s support to prop up struggling industries. Many restaurant owners, facing lengthy closures, are laying off their staffs and are fearful of their survival if the crisis goes on for an extended period.But Sean Kennedy, an executive at the National Restaurant Association, said the flurry of lobbying in recent weeks has complicated the efforts of groups like his seeking Washington’s support to prop up struggling industries. Many restaurant owners, facing lengthy closures, are laying off their staffs and are fearful of their survival if the crisis goes on for an extended period.
“The challenge for us is that there are people who are using this crisis as a way to revisit past legislative battles that have nothing to do with coronavirus or the people suffering from it,” Mr. Kennedy said. “It’s offensive to the American people.”“The challenge for us is that there are people who are using this crisis as a way to revisit past legislative battles that have nothing to do with coronavirus or the people suffering from it,” Mr. Kennedy said. “It’s offensive to the American people.”
He said more than 40 state governments have ordered restaurants to be closed or drastically limited in service, which could lead to the elimination of 5 to 7 million jobs over the next three months. The $325 billion in assistance his group is seeking includes $145 billion to help cover operations and pay employees.He said more than 40 state governments have ordered restaurants to be closed or drastically limited in service, which could lead to the elimination of 5 to 7 million jobs over the next three months. The $325 billion in assistance his group is seeking includes $145 billion to help cover operations and pay employees.
“Our goal is not to profit — our goal is simply to survive,” Mr. Kennedy said, dismissing the potential of an anti-bailout backlash.“Our goal is not to profit — our goal is simply to survive,” Mr. Kennedy said, dismissing the potential of an anti-bailout backlash.
Likewise, Matt Haller, an executive at the International Franchise Association, which represents franchise businesses, said “there will always be backlash, but we hope that most people will agree about the need to keep businesses afloat and workers on the payroll.”Likewise, Matt Haller, an executive at the International Franchise Association, which represents franchise businesses, said “there will always be backlash, but we hope that most people will agree about the need to keep businesses afloat and workers on the payroll.”
His association is asking Washington for $300 billion in loans and other assistance.His association is asking Washington for $300 billion in loans and other assistance.
“We are literally talking about hundreds of thousands of small franchise businesses — from gyms to day care centers to restaurants and hotels — all without customers, who need capital now in order to protect the greater public health,” Mr. Haller said.“We are literally talking about hundreds of thousands of small franchise businesses — from gyms to day care centers to restaurants and hotels — all without customers, who need capital now in order to protect the greater public health,” Mr. Haller said.
There is a key distinction between most of the industries seeking help from Washington now and the banks that received bailouts during the 2008 financial crisis, said Tori Emerson Barnes, an executive at the U.S. Travel Association.There is a key distinction between most of the industries seeking help from Washington now and the banks that received bailouts during the 2008 financial crisis, said Tori Emerson Barnes, an executive at the U.S. Travel Association.
“This is an unforeseeable natural disaster, national disaster,” she said. “We’re not talking about people that have been acting badly.”“This is an unforeseeable natural disaster, national disaster,” she said. “We’re not talking about people that have been acting badly.”
As such, she suggested she does not believe it is warranted for the federal government to demand seats on the boards of most large companies that might receive assistance in the stimulus measures being debated in Washington.As such, she suggested she does not believe it is warranted for the federal government to demand seats on the boards of most large companies that might receive assistance in the stimulus measures being debated in Washington.
Her group is requesting $250 billion in assistance for its member hotels, museums, tour companies and other travel entities.Her group is requesting $250 billion in assistance for its member hotels, museums, tour companies and other travel entities.
“I don’t know at the end of the day if it will be enough,” she said. “People can’t shy away from, or be afraid of, a big number, because the entire economy is halted, so we need to do something to stabilize, and to keep things moving until we can physically move again.”“I don’t know at the end of the day if it will be enough,” she said. “People can’t shy away from, or be afraid of, a big number, because the entire economy is halted, so we need to do something to stabilize, and to keep things moving until we can physically move again.”
Kenneth P. Vogel and Catie Edmondson reported from Washington, and Jesse Drucker from New York. David McCabe contributed reporting from Washington.Kenneth P. Vogel and Catie Edmondson reported from Washington, and Jesse Drucker from New York. David McCabe contributed reporting from Washington.