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/2020/05/05/us/politics/inspector-general-coronavirus-stimulus.html
The article has changed 26 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 6 | Version 7 |
|---|---|
| Trump’s Inspector General Pick Vows Independence From the White House | Trump’s Inspector General Pick Vows Independence From the White House |
| (1 day later) | |
| WASHINGTON — President Trump’s nominee to serve as the special inspector general for the Treasury Department’s $500 billion pandemic recovery fund vowed on Tuesday to be fair and impartial in his efforts to combat misuse of the bailout money, telling a Senate committee that he would resign if the White House pressured him to overlook wrongdoing. | WASHINGTON — President Trump’s nominee to serve as the special inspector general for the Treasury Department’s $500 billion pandemic recovery fund vowed on Tuesday to be fair and impartial in his efforts to combat misuse of the bailout money, telling a Senate committee that he would resign if the White House pressured him to overlook wrongdoing. |
| During two hours of intense questioning at his confirmation hearing, Brian D. Miller, who currently serves as a White House lawyer, tried to defuse fears that he would not be independent enough for the prominent oversight role and to alleviate concerns among senators and watchdog groups that he put Mr. Trump’s interests ahead of those of American taxpayers. | During two hours of intense questioning at his confirmation hearing, Brian D. Miller, who currently serves as a White House lawyer, tried to defuse fears that he would not be independent enough for the prominent oversight role and to alleviate concerns among senators and watchdog groups that he put Mr. Trump’s interests ahead of those of American taxpayers. |
| “I will be independent,” Mr. Miller said. “If the president removes me, he removes me. If I am unable to do my job, I will resign.” | “I will be independent,” Mr. Miller said. “If the president removes me, he removes me. If I am unable to do my job, I will resign.” |
| Lawmakers created the inspector general role to oversee disbursement of the huge sums of money that the government is quickly rolling out the door to bail out corporations battered by the coronavirus crisis. Mr. Miller would be in charge of overseeing funds that are part of the $2.2 trillion stimulus package that Congress passed in March, including money that is being used to support the Federal Reserve’s emergency lending facilities, and loans and grants to airlines and other companies that are deemed critical to national security. | Lawmakers created the inspector general role to oversee disbursement of the huge sums of money that the government is quickly rolling out the door to bail out corporations battered by the coronavirus crisis. Mr. Miller would be in charge of overseeing funds that are part of the $2.2 trillion stimulus package that Congress passed in March, including money that is being used to support the Federal Reserve’s emergency lending facilities, and loans and grants to airlines and other companies that are deemed critical to national security. |
| While there is broad agreement in Congress that oversight is needed, there is growing concern among some Democrats and watchdog groups that the inspector general could be constrained in what information is provided to Congress. | While there is broad agreement in Congress that oversight is needed, there is growing concern among some Democrats and watchdog groups that the inspector general could be constrained in what information is provided to Congress. |
| In a signing statement released hours after Mr. Trump signed the stimulus law in a televised ceremony in the Oval Office, the president suggested that he had the power to decide what information a newly created inspector general intended to monitor the funds could share with Congress. | In a signing statement released hours after Mr. Trump signed the stimulus law in a televised ceremony in the Oval Office, the president suggested that he had the power to decide what information a newly created inspector general intended to monitor the funds could share with Congress. |
| Mr. Miller faced an array of questions about the statement, his role in the White House Counsel’s Office and Mr. Trump’s recent firings of inspectors general. In many cases Mr. Miller, who vowed to be transparent, offered evasive answers or said he could not discuss matters related to his work inside the White House. | Mr. Miller faced an array of questions about the statement, his role in the White House Counsel’s Office and Mr. Trump’s recent firings of inspectors general. In many cases Mr. Miller, who vowed to be transparent, offered evasive answers or said he could not discuss matters related to his work inside the White House. |
| “We cannot tolerate businesses and their workers suffering to protect the president, his family or their allies, because of corruption, misuse or favoritism,” said Senator Sherrod Brown of Ohio, the top Democrat on the Banking Committee. “Mr. Miller, if you are confirmed, I expect you to follow the letter and spirit of the law, and serve the American people — not President Trump.” | “We cannot tolerate businesses and their workers suffering to protect the president, his family or their allies, because of corruption, misuse or favoritism,” said Senator Sherrod Brown of Ohio, the top Democrat on the Banking Committee. “Mr. Miller, if you are confirmed, I expect you to follow the letter and spirit of the law, and serve the American people — not President Trump.” |
| When asked if he would seek presidential approval before undertaking investigations, issuing reports or communicating information to Congress, Mr. Miller said he would not. That appeared to put him in conflict with Mr. Trump, who said in the March statement that he had the authority to muzzle the new inspector general. | When asked if he would seek presidential approval before undertaking investigations, issuing reports or communicating information to Congress, Mr. Miller said he would not. That appeared to put him in conflict with Mr. Trump, who said in the March statement that he had the authority to muzzle the new inspector general. |
| “I do not understand, and my administration will not treat, this provision as permitting the S.I.G.P.R. to issue reports to the Congress without the presidential supervision required” by a clause of the Constitution that instructs the president to take care that the laws are faithfully executed, the statement said, using the acronym for the newly created position. | “I do not understand, and my administration will not treat, this provision as permitting the S.I.G.P.R. to issue reports to the Congress without the presidential supervision required” by a clause of the Constitution that instructs the president to take care that the laws are faithfully executed, the statement said, using the acronym for the newly created position. |
| Mr. Miller insisted that he would follow the laws that govern inspectors general, including a requirement to report to Congress any wrongdoing that he uncovered. He said that direct interference in such matters by Mr. Trump would be a “serious issue” and that it would not deter him. | Mr. Miller insisted that he would follow the laws that govern inspectors general, including a requirement to report to Congress any wrongdoing that he uncovered. He said that direct interference in such matters by Mr. Trump would be a “serious issue” and that it would not deter him. |
| “I will report any undue influence on me, from whatever source,” Mr. Miller said. | “I will report any undue influence on me, from whatever source,” Mr. Miller said. |
| Mr. Miller brings strong credentials to the job. A former federal prosecutor, he also served as the inspector general of the General Services Administration from 2005 to 2014, overseeing a sprawling agency in charge of the federal government’s real estate. At the hearing, Mr. Miller said that in that role, he was unflinching in the face of political pressure or criticism. | Mr. Miller brings strong credentials to the job. A former federal prosecutor, he also served as the inspector general of the General Services Administration from 2005 to 2014, overseeing a sprawling agency in charge of the federal government’s real estate. At the hearing, Mr. Miller said that in that role, he was unflinching in the face of political pressure or criticism. |
| In 2018, Mr. Miller joined the White House Counsel’s Office and worked on the team that defended Mr. Trump during his impeachment proceedings before Congress. On one occasion last year, he rejected an oversight request from the Government Accountability Office. He has also publicly warned that congressional oversight efforts are often politically motivated, casting doubts about his willingness to comply with requests for information if confirmed. | In 2018, Mr. Miller joined the White House Counsel’s Office and worked on the team that defended Mr. Trump during his impeachment proceedings before Congress. On one occasion last year, he rejected an oversight request from the Government Accountability Office. He has also publicly warned that congressional oversight efforts are often politically motivated, casting doubts about his willingness to comply with requests for information if confirmed. |
| Asked whether he had stonewalled impeachment-related inquiries for Mr. Trump, Mr. Miller said that he was merely “answering the mail.” He declined to elaborate on his role, citing privacy concerns. | Asked whether he had stonewalled impeachment-related inquiries for Mr. Trump, Mr. Miller said that he was merely “answering the mail.” He declined to elaborate on his role, citing privacy concerns. |
| Updated June 16, 2020 | |
| 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. |
| Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission. | Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission. |
| 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.) |
| Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications. | Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications. |
| The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing. | The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing. |
| 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. |
| The confirmation hearing came at a time of high turnover for inspectors general, many of whom have been under fire from Mr. Trump. | The confirmation hearing came at a time of high turnover for inspectors general, many of whom have been under fire from Mr. Trump. |
| In recent weeks, Mr. Trump fired the intelligence community inspector general whose insistence on telling lawmakers about a whistle-blower complaint about his dealings with Ukraine prompted impeachment proceedings last fall. He also ousted Glenn A. Fine, the acting inspector general for the Defense Department who was set to lead the new Pandemic Response Accountability Committee. And last week, Mr. Trump replaced Christi A. Grimm, the principal deputy inspector general at the Department of Health and Human Services who angered him with a report last month highlighting supply shortages and testing delays at hospitals during the coronavirus pandemic. | In recent weeks, Mr. Trump fired the intelligence community inspector general whose insistence on telling lawmakers about a whistle-blower complaint about his dealings with Ukraine prompted impeachment proceedings last fall. He also ousted Glenn A. Fine, the acting inspector general for the Defense Department who was set to lead the new Pandemic Response Accountability Committee. And last week, Mr. Trump replaced Christi A. Grimm, the principal deputy inspector general at the Department of Health and Human Services who angered him with a report last month highlighting supply shortages and testing delays at hospitals during the coronavirus pandemic. |
| Mr. Miller declined to weigh in on those decisions, explaining that he did not know the details of each case but assuring lawmakers that he would be independent even if it cost him the job. | Mr. Miller declined to weigh in on those decisions, explaining that he did not know the details of each case but assuring lawmakers that he would be independent even if it cost him the job. |
| “At the end of the day, you have to be comfortable with your own conscience,” he said. | “At the end of the day, you have to be comfortable with your own conscience,” he said. |
| On Capitol Hill on Tuesday, there was a growing chorus of calls for greater oversight of how the bailout money was being spent. | On Capitol Hill on Tuesday, there was a growing chorus of calls for greater oversight of how the bailout money was being spent. |
| Senator Chuck Schumer of New York, the minority leader, and Senator Benjamin L. Cardin of Maryland, the top Democrat on the Small Business Committee, tried to pass legislation that would create more transparency over how small-business loans were being distributed by the Small Business Administration with regular public reporting requirements. However, Senate Republicans warned that it could slow the agency’s ability to distribute loans and blocked the bill. | Senator Chuck Schumer of New York, the minority leader, and Senator Benjamin L. Cardin of Maryland, the top Democrat on the Small Business Committee, tried to pass legislation that would create more transparency over how small-business loans were being distributed by the Small Business Administration with regular public reporting requirements. However, Senate Republicans warned that it could slow the agency’s ability to distribute loans and blocked the bill. |