This article is from the source 'nytimes' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/28/us/politics/house-return-coronavirus.html

The article has changed 30 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 13 Version 14
Under Pressure, House Leaders Scrap Plans for Speedy Return to the Capitol Under Pressure, House Leaders Scrap Plans for Speedy Return to the Capitol
(8 days later)
WASHINGTON — Democratic leaders on Tuesday scrapped a plan to call the House of Representatives back into session in Washington next week, abruptly reversing themselves after some rank-and-file lawmakers complained that doing so constituted an unnecessary risk as the novel coronavirus continues to spread in the capital and throughout the country.WASHINGTON — Democratic leaders on Tuesday scrapped a plan to call the House of Representatives back into session in Washington next week, abruptly reversing themselves after some rank-and-file lawmakers complained that doing so constituted an unnecessary risk as the novel coronavirus continues to spread in the capital and throughout the country.
Representative Steny H. Hoyer, Democrat of Maryland and the majority leader, told reporters Tuesday morning that after consulting with Congress’s attending physician and studying Covid-19 numbers in Washington and nearby suburban counties of Maryland and Virginia, the leaders no longer felt comfortable summoning lawmakers back to the Capitol. He said they hoped to return once they were ready to consider another pandemic relief package in the coming weeks.Representative Steny H. Hoyer, Democrat of Maryland and the majority leader, told reporters Tuesday morning that after consulting with Congress’s attending physician and studying Covid-19 numbers in Washington and nearby suburban counties of Maryland and Virginia, the leaders no longer felt comfortable summoning lawmakers back to the Capitol. He said they hoped to return once they were ready to consider another pandemic relief package in the coming weeks.
“The House physician’s view was that there was a risk to members that is one he would not recommend taking,” Mr. Hoyer said of Dr. Brian P. Monahan, Congress’s attending physician. Mr. Hoyer noted that the District of Columbia and two nearby counties continued to see an increase in cases.“The House physician’s view was that there was a risk to members that is one he would not recommend taking,” Mr. Hoyer said of Dr. Brian P. Monahan, Congress’s attending physician. Mr. Hoyer noted that the District of Columbia and two nearby counties continued to see an increase in cases.
“We had no choice,” Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California said a few hours later. “If the Capitol physician recommends that we not come back, then we have to take that guidance in the interest of the safety of the people who work here.”“We had no choice,” Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California said a few hours later. “If the Capitol physician recommends that we not come back, then we have to take that guidance in the interest of the safety of the people who work here.”
But the decision — which comes as many Republicans have clamored to reopen Congress, taking up the refrain of some small-government conservatives around the nation — also reflected intense pressure from Democratic lawmakers who were opposed to returning. It came less than 24 hours after Ms. Pelosi and Mr. Hoyer informed members during a private conference call that they were expected back in Washington on Monday. Some Democrats vocally protested, arguing that they would be setting a bad example for the country and needlessly putting lawmakers at risk.But the decision — which comes as many Republicans have clamored to reopen Congress, taking up the refrain of some small-government conservatives around the nation — also reflected intense pressure from Democratic lawmakers who were opposed to returning. It came less than 24 hours after Ms. Pelosi and Mr. Hoyer informed members during a private conference call that they were expected back in Washington on Monday. Some Democrats vocally protested, arguing that they would be setting a bad example for the country and needlessly putting lawmakers at risk.
The Congressional Progressive Caucus, which counts nearly 100 House Democrats as members, had been preparing to send a letter on Tuesday opposing the decision and urging leaders not to reconvene until remote voting and hearing capabilities were in place.The Congressional Progressive Caucus, which counts nearly 100 House Democrats as members, had been preparing to send a letter on Tuesday opposing the decision and urging leaders not to reconvene until remote voting and hearing capabilities were in place.
“The temptation to return too quickly is a real one, but we have to remember job No. 1 is to beat the virus and to do so, we have to work from home,” said Representative Pramila Jayapal of Washington, a leader of the group.“The temptation to return too quickly is a real one, but we have to remember job No. 1 is to beat the virus and to do so, we have to work from home,” said Representative Pramila Jayapal of Washington, a leader of the group.
The House’s turnabout in the face of health warnings raised fresh questions for Republican leaders about their decision to reconvene next week. Under pressure from his rank and file to bring the Senate back to debate the next round of coronavirus aid, Senator Mitch McConnell, Republican of Kentucky and the majority leader, has announced his chamber will be back in session on Monday. He made no mention of having sought medical advice, and on Tuesday his aides would not say whether Mr. McConnell or his office had consulted with Dr. Monahan.The House’s turnabout in the face of health warnings raised fresh questions for Republican leaders about their decision to reconvene next week. Under pressure from his rank and file to bring the Senate back to debate the next round of coronavirus aid, Senator Mitch McConnell, Republican of Kentucky and the majority leader, has announced his chamber will be back in session on Monday. He made no mention of having sought medical advice, and on Tuesday his aides would not say whether Mr. McConnell or his office had consulted with Dr. Monahan.
“We are going back to work,” he reiterated on Fox News on Tuesday afternoon.“We are going back to work,” he reiterated on Fox News on Tuesday afternoon.
Ms. Pelosi said the decision was the Senate’s to make, but took a veiled swipe at its leaders for taking a step that could put hundreds of other support staff at risk. “What we have to be bothered about is the health and safety of the workers of the Capitol,” she said.Ms. Pelosi said the decision was the Senate’s to make, but took a veiled swipe at its leaders for taking a step that could put hundreds of other support staff at risk. “What we have to be bothered about is the health and safety of the workers of the Capitol,” she said.
Though House leaders had planned to restart stalled committee work, including oversight of the Trump administration’s relief efforts, it was unlikely that the next phase of coronavirus aid would have been ready in time for the House to vote next week. Democrats were still drawing up their proposals on Tuesday, and leaders have said it will most likely include a significant increase in funding for state, local and tribal governments, as well as additional resources for the Postal Service, food assistance programs and election funding.Though House leaders had planned to restart stalled committee work, including oversight of the Trump administration’s relief efforts, it was unlikely that the next phase of coronavirus aid would have been ready in time for the House to vote next week. Democrats were still drawing up their proposals on Tuesday, and leaders have said it will most likely include a significant increase in funding for state, local and tribal governments, as well as additional resources for the Postal Service, food assistance programs and election funding.
Senate Republicans have resisted funding most of those items and have said any federal relief package must shield employers from liability for harm to employees and customers when they begin to reopen.Senate Republicans have resisted funding most of those items and have said any federal relief package must shield employers from liability for harm to employees and customers when they begin to reopen.
The delay will also give House leaders more time to try to reach a bipartisan agreement on rules changes that would allow remote voting and hearings for the first time in history. Democratic leaders were hoping to build Republican support for their plan to permit lawmakers who could not or did not want to travel to Washington during the pandemic to designate another member to vote by proxy in their stead, and a bipartisan task force working on the issue met again on Tuesday.The delay will also give House leaders more time to try to reach a bipartisan agreement on rules changes that would allow remote voting and hearings for the first time in history. Democratic leaders were hoping to build Republican support for their plan to permit lawmakers who could not or did not want to travel to Washington during the pandemic to designate another member to vote by proxy in their stead, and a bipartisan task force working on the issue met again on Tuesday.
Mr. Hoyer indicated that Democrats would move ahead on their own and vote on the rules change when they did return to Washington if those talks did not yield an agreement. Republican leaders have questioned the idea of proxy voting, arguing that it flew in the face of representative government and could deprive rank-and-file lawmakers of input into legislation.Mr. Hoyer indicated that Democrats would move ahead on their own and vote on the rules change when they did return to Washington if those talks did not yield an agreement. Republican leaders have questioned the idea of proxy voting, arguing that it flew in the face of representative government and could deprive rank-and-file lawmakers of input into legislation.
But at least one Republican lawmaker, Representative Elise Stefanik of New York, said on Twitter that the abrupt reversal on the House’s schedule only underscored the “URGENT need to reimagine and modernize how Congress can safely continue to do our critical legislative, approps, & oversight work during this crisis.”But at least one Republican lawmaker, Representative Elise Stefanik of New York, said on Twitter that the abrupt reversal on the House’s schedule only underscored the “URGENT need to reimagine and modernize how Congress can safely continue to do our critical legislative, approps, & oversight work during this crisis.”
In the absence of consensus on how to do so, many Democrats said calling off the session was the right move.In the absence of consensus on how to do so, many Democrats said calling off the session was the right move.
“We should be ensuring proxy voting and remote hearings so that we can engage in that important aspect of business,” Ms. Jayapal said, “but returning without the appropriate safety, testing and distancing protocols and procedures in place is unsafe and counterproductive.”“We should be ensuring proxy voting and remote hearings so that we can engage in that important aspect of business,” Ms. Jayapal said, “but returning without the appropriate safety, testing and distancing protocols and procedures in place is unsafe and counterproductive.”
Still, lawmakers in both parties are grappling with how Congress should function in a time of national crisis. Many are wary of continuing with the current, ad hoc arrangement, in which their leaders and White House officials have privately negotiated and written trillion-dollar relief bills with little consultation, and presented them for a vote as take-it-or-leave-it propositions. In an apparent acknowledgment of those concerns, Mr. McConnell has vowed not to allow any more major coronavirus response measures to pass without the full Senate present.Still, lawmakers in both parties are grappling with how Congress should function in a time of national crisis. Many are wary of continuing with the current, ad hoc arrangement, in which their leaders and White House officials have privately negotiated and written trillion-dollar relief bills with little consultation, and presented them for a vote as take-it-or-leave-it propositions. In an apparent acknowledgment of those concerns, Mr. McConnell has vowed not to allow any more major coronavirus response measures to pass without the full Senate present.
Updated June 24, 2020 Updated June 30, 2020
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.
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.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.
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.
“It is very difficult, if not impossible, for us to do the consultation, debate and deliberation that is critical to good oversight and legislation if we are scattered throughout the country,” said Representative Jim Himes, Democrat of Connecticut.“It is very difficult, if not impossible, for us to do the consultation, debate and deliberation that is critical to good oversight and legislation if we are scattered throughout the country,” said Representative Jim Himes, Democrat of Connecticut.
He echoed Mr. McConnell, saying that if lawmakers expected other government employees working on the census, public health, intelligence and small-business loans to go to work, so should they.He echoed Mr. McConnell, saying that if lawmakers expected other government employees working on the census, public health, intelligence and small-business loans to go to work, so should they.
“We should set the right example by safely doing the same,” Mr. Himes said.“We should set the right example by safely doing the same,” Mr. Himes said.
Senate Democrats so far have not publicly questioned Mr. McConnell’s decision, which appears to have been made without their signoff. But on Tuesday, Senator Chuck Schumer, Democrat of New York and the minority leader, and top deputies wrote to Mr. McConnell arguing that it would be a waste to put 100 senators at risk if he did not plan to use the time in Washington to actually address the crisis.Senate Democrats so far have not publicly questioned Mr. McConnell’s decision, which appears to have been made without their signoff. But on Tuesday, Senator Chuck Schumer, Democrat of New York and the minority leader, and top deputies wrote to Mr. McConnell arguing that it would be a waste to put 100 senators at risk if he did not plan to use the time in Washington to actually address the crisis.
As of now, Republican leaders and the committees have not scheduled any pandemic-related hearings or votes for next week, instead planning action on several of President Trump’s nominees, including a confirmation hearing for a federal judge who is a protégé of Mr. McConnell.As of now, Republican leaders and the committees have not scheduled any pandemic-related hearings or votes for next week, instead planning action on several of President Trump’s nominees, including a confirmation hearing for a federal judge who is a protégé of Mr. McConnell.
“Pursuant to your decision to convene the Senate during the week of May 4, despite the public health emergency in Washington, D.C., we respectfully urge you to have the Senate focus on Covid-19-related matters and oversight of all Covid-related legislation enacted by Congress,” Mr. Schumer and the Democrats wrote.“Pursuant to your decision to convene the Senate during the week of May 4, despite the public health emergency in Washington, D.C., we respectfully urge you to have the Senate focus on Covid-19-related matters and oversight of all Covid-related legislation enacted by Congress,” Mr. Schumer and the Democrats wrote.
They called for public oversight hearings with key officials, including Jerome H. Powell, the chairman of the Federal Reserve; Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin; the administrator of the Small Business Administration; and health and industry officials involved in increasing the nation’s testing capabilities.They called for public oversight hearings with key officials, including Jerome H. Powell, the chairman of the Federal Reserve; Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin; the administrator of the Small Business Administration; and health and industry officials involved in increasing the nation’s testing capabilities.
In a private phone call with the Democratic caucus members, Mr. Schumer urged senators to personally encourage their Republican committee leaders to hold the hearings with little delay, according to a person familiar with the remarks but unauthorized to discuss them publicly.In a private phone call with the Democratic caucus members, Mr. Schumer urged senators to personally encourage their Republican committee leaders to hold the hearings with little delay, according to a person familiar with the remarks but unauthorized to discuss them publicly.
During his call on Tuesday, Mr. McConnell told Republicans that he would like to resume holding regular party luncheons, according to two officials familiar with his remarks.During his call on Tuesday, Mr. McConnell told Republicans that he would like to resume holding regular party luncheons, according to two officials familiar with his remarks.