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Federal Watchdog to Examine Official’s Role in Tribal Fund Distribution Federal Watchdog to Examine Official’s Role in Tribal Fund Distribution
(about 1 hour later)
WASHINGTON — A federal watchdog is investigating whether a top Interior Department official violated ethics rules when she helped decide how a critical tranche of funds for Native American tribes in the $2.2 trillion stimulus law should be distributed.WASHINGTON — A federal watchdog is investigating whether a top Interior Department official violated ethics rules when she helped decide how a critical tranche of funds for Native American tribes in the $2.2 trillion stimulus law should be distributed.
The department’s inspector general informed lawmakers on Friday that he would review the roles of Tara Sweeney, the assistant secretary for Indian Affairs, and other top officials “to determine whether there was adherence to ethics rules and regulations and compliance with the ethics pledge” related to the funding.The department’s inspector general informed lawmakers on Friday that he would review the roles of Tara Sweeney, the assistant secretary for Indian Affairs, and other top officials “to determine whether there was adherence to ethics rules and regulations and compliance with the ethics pledge” related to the funding.
Several tribal governments are suing the federal government over its decision to allow Alaska Native corporations, for-profit businesses that support tribal villages in Alaska, to receive a portion of the $8 billion set aside for tribes, arguing that the corporations should not be eligible for the aid.Several tribal governments are suing the federal government over its decision to allow Alaska Native corporations, for-profit businesses that support tribal villages in Alaska, to receive a portion of the $8 billion set aside for tribes, arguing that the corporations should not be eligible for the aid.
Lawmakers and some tribal leaders have raised concerns about Ms. Sweeney’s involvement in that decision, given that she is a shareholder in the Arctic Slope Regional Corporation, the wealthiest of the Alaska Native corporations, having previously served as its executive vice president for external affairs.Lawmakers and some tribal leaders have raised concerns about Ms. Sweeney’s involvement in that decision, given that she is a shareholder in the Arctic Slope Regional Corporation, the wealthiest of the Alaska Native corporations, having previously served as its executive vice president for external affairs.
“We just hope this clearly shows a conflict of interest and hopefully she will resign,” said Rodney Bordeaux, the tribal chairman of the Rosebud Sioux in South Dakota.“We just hope this clearly shows a conflict of interest and hopefully she will resign,” said Rodney Bordeaux, the tribal chairman of the Rosebud Sioux in South Dakota.
In a statement, Conner Swanson, a spokesman for the Interior Department, said that Ms. Sweeney had complied with all laws and was “upholding her ethical responsibilities.”In a statement, Conner Swanson, a spokesman for the Interior Department, said that Ms. Sweeney had complied with all laws and was “upholding her ethical responsibilities.”
The decision to allow Alaska Native corporations to benefit from the funds has prompted one of the most significant legal battles between tribal governments and the United States in years. More than a dozen tribes filed lawsuits last month challenging the Treasury Department’s decision to allow the corporations to apply for the aid, arguing that they are not federally recognized tribal governments, and therefore do not qualify.The decision to allow Alaska Native corporations to benefit from the funds has prompted one of the most significant legal battles between tribal governments and the United States in years. More than a dozen tribes filed lawsuits last month challenging the Treasury Department’s decision to allow the corporations to apply for the aid, arguing that they are not federally recognized tribal governments, and therefore do not qualify.
A federal judge has issued a temporary injunction to stop funds from being sent to the corporations during the litigation, all but guaranteeing that some of the aid will remain frozen. The funding was frozen up until last week amid the legal dispute about how it should be parceled out. The Treasury Department announced on Tuesday that it would begin distributing $4.8 billion in aid, just over half of the funds allocated in the stimulus package.A federal judge has issued a temporary injunction to stop funds from being sent to the corporations during the litigation, all but guaranteeing that some of the aid will remain frozen. The funding was frozen up until last week amid the legal dispute about how it should be parceled out. The Treasury Department announced on Tuesday that it would begin distributing $4.8 billion in aid, just over half of the funds allocated in the stimulus package.
But that judge, Amit P. Mehta of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, on Monday declined to force the department to immediately distribute the entire tranche of funds, saying that the tribes petitioning for such an order “have not carried their burden to show that the secretary’s delay thus far is so egregious as to warrant” distribution of the relief on Monday.But that judge, Amit P. Mehta of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, on Monday declined to force the department to immediately distribute the entire tranche of funds, saying that the tribes petitioning for such an order “have not carried their burden to show that the secretary’s delay thus far is so egregious as to warrant” distribution of the relief on Monday.
The inspector general, Mark Lee Greenblatt, also told Senator Tom Udall, Democrat of New Mexico, that in late April his office was investigating allegations that the Interior Department had inappropriately leaked sensitive tribal data submitted as part of the application for the relief, according to a letter obtained by The New York Times.The inspector general, Mark Lee Greenblatt, also told Senator Tom Udall, Democrat of New Mexico, that in late April his office was investigating allegations that the Interior Department had inappropriately leaked sensitive tribal data submitted as part of the application for the relief, according to a letter obtained by The New York Times.
The data breach intensified frustration among tribal governments, who are among the most vulnerable and hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic, about how the federal government was handling the distribution of the critical aid.The data breach intensified frustration among tribal governments, who are among the most vulnerable and hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic, about how the federal government was handling the distribution of the critical aid.
Mr. Udall, the top Democrat on the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, had requested a review of both incidents and asked that the department give his panel “departmental ethics guidance and/or waivers granted to Ms. Sweeney related to her potential financial conflicts of interest, direct or imputed to her.”Mr. Udall, the top Democrat on the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, had requested a review of both incidents and asked that the department give his panel “departmental ethics guidance and/or waivers granted to Ms. Sweeney related to her potential financial conflicts of interest, direct or imputed to her.”
Mr. Swanson said the interior secretary, David Bernhardt, requested a review by the inspector general after news of the data breach broke.Mr. Swanson said the interior secretary, David Bernhardt, requested a review by the inspector general after news of the data breach broke.
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.
“As a central pillar of the federal government’s coronavirus pandemic relief for Indian Country, the allocation and distribution of this funding to Indian Country must be done quickly, without bias and without the appearance of any impropriety,” Mr. Udall said in a statement. “The Trump administration’s troubled handling of the distribution of tribal government relief cries out for robust oversight as Indian Country is experiencing some of the worst impacts from the Covid-19 pandemic.”“As a central pillar of the federal government’s coronavirus pandemic relief for Indian Country, the allocation and distribution of this funding to Indian Country must be done quickly, without bias and without the appearance of any impropriety,” Mr. Udall said in a statement. “The Trump administration’s troubled handling of the distribution of tribal government relief cries out for robust oversight as Indian Country is experiencing some of the worst impacts from the Covid-19 pandemic.”
Lawmakers and aides said they intended for the $8 billion in funds to go to tribal governments, which were recognized in the Constitution and treaties that allowed the United States government to take tribal land. But the more than 200 Alaska Native corporations, which were established in 1971 to manage almost 45 million acres as part of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, and their allies in the state’s congressional delegation argue that they provide resources and assistance to the Native population and should be allowed federal relief to support those efforts.Lawmakers and aides said they intended for the $8 billion in funds to go to tribal governments, which were recognized in the Constitution and treaties that allowed the United States government to take tribal land. But the more than 200 Alaska Native corporations, which were established in 1971 to manage almost 45 million acres as part of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, and their allies in the state’s congressional delegation argue that they provide resources and assistance to the Native population and should be allowed federal relief to support those efforts.
Representatives for the Alaska Native corporations expressed support for Ms. Sweeney on Monday, saying they were confident that an investigation would confirm she followed all the proper checks and balances.Representatives for the Alaska Native corporations expressed support for Ms. Sweeney on Monday, saying they were confident that an investigation would confirm she followed all the proper checks and balances.
“I think all will find that not only did the deputy secretary act absolutely according to law, but according to the congressional intent,” said Senator Lisa Murkowski, Republican of Alaska. Suggesting Ms. Sweeney “should be precluded from literally exercising a birthright in terms of her conversation,” she said, “it demonstrates an ignorance and a lack of awareness as to the laws that have been in place for 40 years.”“I think all will find that not only did the deputy secretary act absolutely according to law, but according to the congressional intent,” said Senator Lisa Murkowski, Republican of Alaska. Suggesting Ms. Sweeney “should be precluded from literally exercising a birthright in terms of her conversation,” she said, “it demonstrates an ignorance and a lack of awareness as to the laws that have been in place for 40 years.”