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Coronavirus US live: Barr says justice department may join lawsuits against stay home orders Coronavirus US live: Barr says justice department may join lawsuits against stay home orders
(32 minutes later)
Attorney general says ‘We have to give businesses more freedom to operate in a way that’s reasonably safe,’ days after Trump called for states to be liberatedAttorney general says ‘We have to give businesses more freedom to operate in a way that’s reasonably safe,’ days after Trump called for states to be liberated
Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell urged fellow senators to support the interim coronavirus relief bill, which was just released and is expected to pass by unanimous consent this afternoon.
“I welcome this bipartisan agreement and hope the Senate will quickly pass it once members have reviewed the final text,” the Kentucky Republican said in a statement.
In some typical political posturing, McConnell blamed Democrats for delaying the bill’s passage by pushing for more funding for hospitals and state and local governments.
“I am just sorry that it took my colleagues in Democratic leadership 12 days to accept the inevitable, and that they shut down emergency support for Main Street in a search for partisan ‘leverage’ that never materialized,” McConnell said in his statement.
But that is not exactly accurate. The original bill that McConnell proposed would have allocated $250 billion in funding to the Paycheck Protection Program for small businesses, but the final bill includes nearly twice as much funding, including $75 billion for hospitals and $25 billion for testing.
Although Demoocrats could not get funding for state and local governments included in this bill, much to governors’ chagrin, they were able to achieve some of their policy objectives by securing more money for hospitals and testing.
The Trump International Hotel in Washington is reportedly seeking rent relief from the federal government as the property suffers financially due to the pandemic.
The New York Times reports:
Like many other US companies in the hospitality industry, the Trump organization has suffered financial losses and been forced to lay off workers as many hotels across the country remain largely empty.
Unlike those other companies, the Trump organization is specifically barred from receiving coronavirus relief funding from the government. According to the text of the $2 trillion stimulus package, businesses owned by the president or the vice president may not receive loans or investments from the treasury department.
The US has now confirmed 800,000 cases of coronavirus, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University.The US has now confirmed 800,000 cases of coronavirus, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University.
The US has confirmed 804,194 cases, more than any other country in the world. Spain, which has confirmed the second-highest number of cases, has about a quarter of the US total, with 204,178 cases.The US has confirmed 804,194 cases, more than any other country in the world. Spain, which has confirmed the second-highest number of cases, has about a quarter of the US total, with 204,178 cases.
The global number of confirmed coronavirus cases has also continued to climb and currently stands at 2,531,804.The global number of confirmed coronavirus cases has also continued to climb and currently stands at 2,531,804.
The US has recorded 43,200 deaths from the virus, accounting for about 1 in every 4 coronavirus deaths reported from around the world.The US has recorded 43,200 deaths from the virus, accounting for about 1 in every 4 coronavirus deaths reported from around the world.
The Senate and the White House have finalized the next coronavirus relief bill, which allocates nearly $500 billion in funding for small business loans, hospitals and testing.The Senate and the White House have finalized the next coronavirus relief bill, which allocates nearly $500 billion in funding for small business loans, hospitals and testing.
The largest portion of the funds, more than $320 billion, will go to the small business loan program known as the Paycheck Protection Program.The largest portion of the funds, more than $320 billion, will go to the small business loan program known as the Paycheck Protection Program.
Another $60 billion will go to the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program, which was first created to help small businesses deal with natural disasters like hurricanes. Like PPP, the program has run out of money due to a flood of applications amid the current crisis.Another $60 billion will go to the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program, which was first created to help small businesses deal with natural disasters like hurricanes. Like PPP, the program has run out of money due to a flood of applications amid the current crisis.
The bill also allocates $75 billion for hospitals and $25 billion for coronavirus testing, which Democrats had lobbied for. But Democratic lawmakers failed to secure more funding for state and local governments in this bill, despite pleas from governors.The bill also allocates $75 billion for hospitals and $25 billion for coronavirus testing, which Democrats had lobbied for. But Democratic lawmakers failed to secure more funding for state and local governments in this bill, despite pleas from governors.
The Senate is expected to approve the bill by unanimous consent at 4 pm ET, and Trump has already said he would sign the bill.The Senate is expected to approve the bill by unanimous consent at 4 pm ET, and Trump has already said he would sign the bill.
However, it’s still possible the House will be forced to take a formal vote on the bill if Republican congressman Thomas Massie raises an objection to it, as he has previously threatened to do. That move would force House members to return to Washington to get the bill passed.However, it’s still possible the House will be forced to take a formal vote on the bill if Republican congressman Thomas Massie raises an objection to it, as he has previously threatened to do. That move would force House members to return to Washington to get the bill passed.
Nearly half of Americans now say they or someone in their household has lost a job or income due to the coronavirus pandemic.Nearly half of Americans now say they or someone in their household has lost a job or income due to the coronavirus pandemic.
According to a newly released poll from the Pew Research Center, 43% of Americans say their household has suffered a job loss or a cut in pay since the start of the coronavirus crisis, marking a 10-point increase from a month ago.According to a newly released poll from the Pew Research Center, 43% of Americans say their household has suffered a job loss or a cut in pay since the start of the coronavirus crisis, marking a 10-point increase from a month ago.
A majority of low-income adults (52%) say their household has been directly impacted, and only 23% of low-income respondents said they had rainy day funds set aside.A majority of low-income adults (52%) say their household has been directly impacted, and only 23% of low-income respondents said they had rainy day funds set aside.
Latinx Americans are particularly hard hit, with 61% of them saying their households have suffered financial losses because of the crisis, in comparison to 44% of black adults and 38% of whites.Latinx Americans are particularly hard hit, with 61% of them saying their households have suffered financial losses because of the crisis, in comparison to 44% of black adults and 38% of whites.
Attorney general William Barr raised the possibility that the justice department may eventually join lawsuits against stay-at-home orders if states repeatedly extend them.Attorney general William Barr raised the possibility that the justice department may eventually join lawsuits against stay-at-home orders if states repeatedly extend them.
“We have to give businesses more freedom to operate in a way that’s reasonably safe,” Barr said on The Hugh Hewitt Show today. “To the extent that governors don’t and impinge on either civil rights or on the national commerce – our common market that we have here – then we’ll have to address that.”“We have to give businesses more freedom to operate in a way that’s reasonably safe,” Barr said on The Hugh Hewitt Show today. “To the extent that governors don’t and impinge on either civil rights or on the national commerce – our common market that we have here – then we’ll have to address that.”
Barr went on to add, “We’re looking carefully at a number of these rules that are being put into place ... And if we think one goes too far, we initially try to jawbone the governors into rolling them back or adjusting them. And if they’re not and people bring lawsuits, we file statement of interest and side with the plaintiffs.”Barr went on to add, “We’re looking carefully at a number of these rules that are being put into place ... And if we think one goes too far, we initially try to jawbone the governors into rolling them back or adjusting them. And if they’re not and people bring lawsuits, we file statement of interest and side with the plaintiffs.”
Barr’s comments come days after Trump called on states under stay-at home orders – specifically Michigan, Minnesota and Virginia – to be liberated, echoing messaging from right-wing protesters.Barr’s comments come days after Trump called on states under stay-at home orders – specifically Michigan, Minnesota and Virginia – to be liberated, echoing messaging from right-wing protesters.
The Trump campaign has released a statement on the president’s planned executive order banning immigration, even though no one appears to have seen the executive order yet.The Trump campaign has released a statement on the president’s planned executive order banning immigration, even though no one appears to have seen the executive order yet.
“Preventing further entrance of people potentially infected with the virus is an additional safety measure for the country,” Tim Murtaugh, the communications director of the Trump campaign, said in a statement.“Preventing further entrance of people potentially infected with the virus is an additional safety measure for the country,” Tim Murtaugh, the communications director of the Trump campaign, said in a statement.
“The usual suspects are sniping from the sidelines, but they have always cared more about scoring political points against the President than they do about anything else.”“The usual suspects are sniping from the sidelines, but they have always cared more about scoring political points against the President than they do about anything else.”
The White House also released a statement praising the planned order, but there are very few details on what the exact wording of the order would be or what impact (if any) it would have considering most visa processing has already been halted because of the pandemic.The White House also released a statement praising the planned order, but there are very few details on what the exact wording of the order would be or what impact (if any) it would have considering most visa processing has already been halted because of the pandemic.
The executive order may be the White House’s attempt to shift focus away from widespread criticism of Trump’s handling of the crisis overall. A new poll released today showed 54% of Americans give Trump a negative review on how he has handled the pandemic so far.The executive order may be the White House’s attempt to shift focus away from widespread criticism of Trump’s handling of the crisis overall. A new poll released today showed 54% of Americans give Trump a negative review on how he has handled the pandemic so far.
Trump has sent a tweet urging members of the Senate and the House to pass the next coronavirus relief bill, which is expected to include money for the small business loan program known as the Paycheck Protection Program, as well as funding for hospitals and testing.Trump has sent a tweet urging members of the Senate and the House to pass the next coronavirus relief bill, which is expected to include money for the small business loan program known as the Paycheck Protection Program, as well as funding for hospitals and testing.
The president said after he signed this interim relief bill, discussions would turn toward securing more money for state and local governments, as well as funding infrastructure projects and exploring possible payroll taxes.The president said after he signed this interim relief bill, discussions would turn toward securing more money for state and local governments, as well as funding infrastructure projects and exploring possible payroll taxes.
The National Governors Association has said states need $500 billion to address the current crisis, and state leaders, including New York governor Andrew Cuomo, have criticized Congress for not including state funding in this relief bill.The National Governors Association has said states need $500 billion to address the current crisis, and state leaders, including New York governor Andrew Cuomo, have criticized Congress for not including state funding in this relief bill.
“I think it’s a terrible mistake not to provide funding for the states,” Cuomo said at his briefing today.“I think it’s a terrible mistake not to provide funding for the states,” Cuomo said at his briefing today.
Nurses protested outside the White House this morning at shortages of personal protective equipment as they continue to confront the rising number of coronavirus cases and deaths in the US.Nurses protested outside the White House this morning at shortages of personal protective equipment as they continue to confront the rising number of coronavirus cases and deaths in the US.
The latest figures are almost 790,000 confirmed cases in the US and more than 42,000 deaths so far.The latest figures are almost 790,000 confirmed cases in the US and more than 42,000 deaths so far.
Protests against social, educational and business norms are planned today in North Carolina. As happened in Colorado over the weekend, some health care workers stood in protest against the protest in NC today.Protests against social, educational and business norms are planned today in North Carolina. As happened in Colorado over the weekend, some health care workers stood in protest against the protest in NC today.
The administration’s top public health and infectious disease expert, Anthony Fauci, has warned against a rush to reopen states for anything like normal life.The administration’s top public health and infectious disease expert, Anthony Fauci, has warned against a rush to reopen states for anything like normal life.
This:This:
And this. The editorial from the Charlotte Observer, NC, headlined “Stay home, ReOpenNC protesters”.And this. The editorial from the Charlotte Observer, NC, headlined “Stay home, ReOpenNC protesters”.
Donald Trump’s private Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, is temporarily laying off 153 workers because of the new coronavirus, according to a notice posted this week to a state website.Donald Trump’s private Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, is temporarily laying off 153 workers because of the new coronavirus, according to a notice posted this week to a state website.
The club’s director of human resources, Janine Gill, wrote in a letter to state and local officials that Mar-a-Lago began halting business last month as a result of mandated closures issued in Palm Beach County in response to the virus’s spread in South Florida, The Associated Press writes.The club’s director of human resources, Janine Gill, wrote in a letter to state and local officials that Mar-a-Lago began halting business last month as a result of mandated closures issued in Palm Beach County in response to the virus’s spread in South Florida, The Associated Press writes.
The furloughs are temporary but the club doesn’t know when it will resume regular operations, Gill said.The furloughs are temporary but the club doesn’t know when it will resume regular operations, Gill said.
None of the workers are unionized.None of the workers are unionized.
It isn’t the only Trump resort in Florida to furlough workers.It isn’t the only Trump resort in Florida to furlough workers.
The Trump National Doral Miami resort where Trump initially wanted to host this year’s Group of Seven (G7) summit also has temporarily laid off 560 workers.The Trump National Doral Miami resort where Trump initially wanted to host this year’s Group of Seven (G7) summit also has temporarily laid off 560 workers.
The furloughed workers at Mar-a-Lago include bartenders, cooks, dishwashers, drivers, attendants, housekeepers, servers and valet attendants.The furloughed workers at Mar-a-Lago include bartenders, cooks, dishwashers, drivers, attendants, housekeepers, servers and valet attendants.
Mar-a-Lago serves as Trump’s refuge from Washington, and the president often spends his time there mixing work, business and pleasure in the company of dues-paying members.Mar-a-Lago serves as Trump’s refuge from Washington, and the president often spends his time there mixing work, business and pleasure in the company of dues-paying members.
Here’s where the day stands so far:Here’s where the day stands so far:
Andrew Cuomo said his White House meeting with Trump today would focus on testing. The New York governor promised to “tell the truth” about the role the federal government must play in addressing the current crisis, especially now that states need to substantially expand testing capacity.Andrew Cuomo said his White House meeting with Trump today would focus on testing. The New York governor promised to “tell the truth” about the role the federal government must play in addressing the current crisis, especially now that states need to substantially expand testing capacity.
Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer predicted the chamber would approve the next coronavirus relief bill today. The bill is expected to include $350 billion for the small business loan program known as the Paycheck Protection Program, $75 billion for hospitals and $25 billion for testing.Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer predicted the chamber would approve the next coronavirus relief bill today. The bill is expected to include $350 billion for the small business loan program known as the Paycheck Protection Program, $75 billion for hospitals and $25 billion for testing.
Trump signaled interest in a potential bailout for the oil and gas industry amid dropping oil prices. But the president provided no details on the proposal, which would almost certainly require approval from Congress, where it would face heavy resistence in the Democratic-controlled House.Trump signaled interest in a potential bailout for the oil and gas industry amid dropping oil prices. But the president provided no details on the proposal, which would almost certainly require approval from Congress, where it would face heavy resistence in the Democratic-controlled House.
The blog will have more coming up, so stay tuned.The blog will have more coming up, so stay tuned.
Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said the country would start reopening its economy on May 4, but he warned the reopening process would be slow and cautious to avoid a surge in coronavirus cases.Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said the country would start reopening its economy on May 4, but he warned the reopening process would be slow and cautious to avoid a surge in coronavirus cases.
Italy has enacted some of the strictest lockdown orders in the world to prevent further spread of coronavirus. The country has already recorded more than 24,000 deaths from the virus, second only to the United States.Italy has enacted some of the strictest lockdown orders in the world to prevent further spread of coronavirus. The country has already recorded more than 24,000 deaths from the virus, second only to the United States.
“I wish I could say: let’s reopen everything. Immediately. We start tomorrow morning ... But such a decision would be irresponsible,” Conte wrote in a Facebook post.“I wish I could say: let’s reopen everything. Immediately. We start tomorrow morning ... But such a decision would be irresponsible,” Conte wrote in a Facebook post.
The prime minister did not specify which businesses would be allowed to reopen first, but he noted the reopening plan would require a “rethinking of modes of transport” to allow people to safely commute.The prime minister did not specify which businesses would be allowed to reopen first, but he noted the reopening plan would require a “rethinking of modes of transport” to allow people to safely commute.
For more updates from around the world, follow the Guardian’s global coronavirus blog:For more updates from around the world, follow the Guardian’s global coronavirus blog:
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson told Trump he is “feeling better and on the road to recovery” after being diagnosed with coronavirus, according to a White House readout from a call between the two leaders.British Prime Minister Boris Johnson told Trump he is “feeling better and on the road to recovery” after being diagnosed with coronavirus, according to a White House readout from a call between the two leaders.
The White House said Johnson and Trump spoke over the phone today about confronting the pandemic and crafting a possible US-UK trade deal.The White House said Johnson and Trump spoke over the phone today about confronting the pandemic and crafting a possible US-UK trade deal.
“President Trump and Prime Minister Johnson reaffirmed their close cooperation through the G7 and G20 to reopen global economies and ensure medical care and supplies reach all those in need,” the readout said.“President Trump and Prime Minister Johnson reaffirmed their close cooperation through the G7 and G20 to reopen global economies and ensure medical care and supplies reach all those in need,” the readout said.
Johnson is also expected to speak to the Queen this week, even though No 10 has insisted the prime minister is not doing any government work as he continues to recover from coronavirus at Chequers.Johnson is also expected to speak to the Queen this week, even though No 10 has insisted the prime minister is not doing any government work as he continues to recover from coronavirus at Chequers.
Joe Biden accused Mike Pence of using Wisconsin as “the backdrop to a political photo opportunity,” as the vice president visits a GE facility in Madison that is helping to make ventilators.Joe Biden accused Mike Pence of using Wisconsin as “the backdrop to a political photo opportunity,” as the vice president visits a GE facility in Madison that is helping to make ventilators.
“The Trump Administration is currently responsible for one of the most significant failures of governance of any administration in modern history,” the presumptive Democratic nominee said in a fiery statement.“The Trump Administration is currently responsible for one of the most significant failures of governance of any administration in modern history,” the presumptive Democratic nominee said in a fiery statement.
Biden noted Pence’s visit “comes as the state is suffering a devastating loss of life to COVID-19, particularly in the African American community, hundreds of thousands of Wisconsin workers have filed for unemployment in recent weeks, and Republicans drive dangerous efforts to prematurely end social distancing efforts.”Biden noted Pence’s visit “comes as the state is suffering a devastating loss of life to COVID-19, particularly in the African American community, hundreds of thousands of Wisconsin workers have filed for unemployment in recent weeks, and Republicans drive dangerous efforts to prematurely end social distancing efforts.”
Biden’s statement concludes, “The Trump Administration is hoping that Wisconsinites have a short memory.”Biden’s statement concludes, “The Trump Administration is hoping that Wisconsinites have a short memory.”
Wisconsin is seen as a key swing state in the 2020 presidential election, considering Trump defeated Hillary Clinton in the state by less than 1 point in 2016.Wisconsin is seen as a key swing state in the 2020 presidential election, considering Trump defeated Hillary Clinton in the state by less than 1 point in 2016.
New York governor Andrew Cuomo just wrapped up his daily briefing on the state’s response to coronavirus.New York governor Andrew Cuomo just wrapped up his daily briefing on the state’s response to coronavirus.
Here’s some of what he covered:Here’s some of what he covered:
Cuomo said his White House meeting with Trump today would focus on testing. Cuomo said he agreed with the president that states should take charge on expanding testing capacity, but he emphasized the federal government still needed to be involved to navigate supply-chain issues. “I think in many ways, we’re talking past each other,” Cuomo said.Cuomo said his White House meeting with Trump today would focus on testing. Cuomo said he agreed with the president that states should take charge on expanding testing capacity, but he emphasized the federal government still needed to be involved to navigate supply-chain issues. “I think in many ways, we’re talking past each other,” Cuomo said.
Cuomo applauded Maryland governor Larry Hogan for obtaining 500,000 tests from South Korea. But Cuomo added he did not think it was realistic for the federal government to expect every state to negotiate with foreign governments over needed medical supplies. “It’s not what states are normally responsible for,” Cuomo said.Cuomo applauded Maryland governor Larry Hogan for obtaining 500,000 tests from South Korea. But Cuomo added he did not think it was realistic for the federal government to expect every state to negotiate with foreign governments over needed medical supplies. “It’s not what states are normally responsible for,” Cuomo said.
Some hospitals in New York will be allowed to resume elective outpatient treatments. Regions of the state where the risk of a coronavirus surge is low may resume the treatments, Cuomo said, noting various parts of the state will be impacted differently by the virus. But the governor’s announcement raised questions about how a regional approach would affect New York’s statewide stay-at-home order.Some hospitals in New York will be allowed to resume elective outpatient treatments. Regions of the state where the risk of a coronavirus surge is low may resume the treatments, Cuomo said, noting various parts of the state will be impacted differently by the virus. But the governor’s announcement raised questions about how a regional approach would affect New York’s statewide stay-at-home order.
Another 481 New Yorkers died of coronavirus yesterday, meaning Monday’s daily death toll was flat from Sunday. “We have paid a tremendous price to control this beast,” Cuomo said.Another 481 New Yorkers died of coronavirus yesterday, meaning Monday’s daily death toll was flat from Sunday. “We have paid a tremendous price to control this beast,” Cuomo said.