Elections, Oil, Nurses, COVID-19, Testing, Religion, Prisons, Unemployment, Taxes, Trump Administration, Cuba, PPE

DFA praises Sanders “transformational” campaign, is “100% committed” to ensuring Biden beats Trump
Source: Democracy for America
April 8, 2020
Sen. Bernie Sanders just announced the suspension of his 2020 campaign for President. Democracy for America endorsed Sanders in 2016 and fought along his side from early in the campaign all the way to the convention. The grassroots progressive group endorsed Sanders again prior to the Super Tuesday contests following a vote of DFA members.
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HEAT Members Urge Saudi Crown Prince to Restore Global Oil Market Stability
Source: U.S. Representative Jeff Duncan (R-SC, 3rd)
April 8, 2020
“The United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have an important strategic partnership that ensures regional stability, counters Iran’s malign activity, and defeats terrorists that threaten our security,” the letter reads. “The United States also remains committed to maintaining the strong economic ties between our two countries. We are concerned, however, with the Kingdom’s actions to artificially distort global crude oil markets as countries around the world struggle to address a growing economic and health crisis fueled by the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic.”
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Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s Loyalty Program, to Offer ENA Members Free Hotel Rooms
Source: Emergency Nurses Association
April 8, 2020
The initiative, which also includes members of the American College of Emergency Physicians, offers free hotel room nights to nurses and physicians in several targets cities currently in the greatest need, including New York City, Newark, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Detroit and New Orleans. ENA and ACEP will oversee the matching of their respective members in those cities with accommodations at participating hotels.
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We Need True Positives, True Negatives: Doggett and DeLauro Press FDA for Data on the Accuracy of COVID-19 Tests
Source: U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett (D-TX, 35th)
April 9, 2020
U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), Chairman of the House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, and U.S. Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), Chair of the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Subcommittee, pressed the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for information regarding the precautions they have taken to assure the accuracy of COVID-19 tests, as well as for manufacturers’ data provided to the FDA on false positives and false negatives in administered tests thus far.
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Davids Statement on Kansas’ Reversal of Order Limiting Mass Religious Gatherings During Coronavirus
Source: U.S Representative Sharice Davids (D-KS, 3rd)
April 9, 2020
“The decision to overturn Governor Kelly’s executive order is not only outrageous and irresponsible – it’s putting lives at risk. Rather than work to ensure the health and safety of Kansans, extremists in the state legislature have created chaos and confusion and endangered our public health.
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DPA Leads Vast Coalition of Public Health Orgs & Professionals Calling on the CDC to Adopt Decarceration & Expanded Health Care Access in Guidance to Slow Spread of COVID-19
Source: Drug Policy Alliance
April 9, 2020
The letter follows troubling reports of rapidly escalating outbreaks within the country’s jails, prisons and youth and immigration detention centers. These institutions have failed to maintain control of the spread of COVID-19, reduce capacity to allow for social distancing, offer necessary hygienic supplies or personal protective equipment to ward off infection, and ultimately provide adequate access to healthcare for those who need it; the results of which have proved fatal.
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Ernst Statement on Senate Democrats Blocking Funding for Small Businesses
Source: Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)
April 9, 2020
“After hearing from Iowans and seeing the overwhelming response of small businesses across the country, it’s clear we need to bolster the Paycheck Protection Program. We don’t have time for political games; we’re in a crisis. Workers and employers in Iowa and across the country need this relief now more than ever, so let’s put aside the politics and swiftly get this specific additional support for small businesses approved so money can keep flowing, Iowa workers can continue to collect a paycheck, and our state’s small businesses can stay afloat,” said Senator Ernst.
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ENA Foundation Announces COVID-19 Relief Fund
Source: Emergency Nurses Association
April 9, 2020
ENA members who need financial assistance due to personal hardship experienced as a direct result of COVID-19 may apply for a one-time individual relief grant of $599 to assist themselves and their family during this difficult time. Priority consideration will be provided to nurses serving in targeted hot spot areas.
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16.8 million apply for unemployment benefits in three weeks
Source: Economic Policy Institute
April 9, 2020
Between March 15 and April 4, 16.8 million workers applied for unemployment insurance (UI), according to new Department of Labor (DOL) data. That means that in the last three weeks alone, more than one in 10 workers have applied for UI benefits. The labor market has been upended.
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DelBene Secures Tax Extension for Non-profit Hospitals, Universities, Other Tax-exempt Organizations
Source: U.S. Representative Suzan Delbene (D-WA, 1st)
April 10, 2020
“The IRS made the right decision to extend the tax filing and payment deadline for tax-exempt organizations,” said DelBene. “Just like individuals and businesses, COVID-19 continues to create significant financial disruption for tax-exempt organizations, such as non-profit hospitals, and universities. Many of these organizations are on the front lines of responding to this pandemic in Washington state and around the country. They deserve relief and now will receive it.”
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Delgado Statement on Removal of CARES Act Oversight Committee Head
Source: U.S. Representative Antonio Delgado (D-NY, 19th)
April 8, 2020
“Two weeks ago, a broad, bipartisan coalition voted to pass the vitally important emergency relief legislation with the inclusion of critical oversight measures to ensure the faithful stewardship of federal dollars. Removing a key government watchdog from overseeing the largest stimulus package in our nation’s history is deeply concerning and runs counter to a unified message of placing emergency relief above partisan politics. Americans need relief now, not divisive partisanship.”
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What COVID-19 Means for End-of-Life Care: Experts Answer Your Questions
Source: Death with Dignity
April 10, 2020
Over the past several weeks, we have been receiving a growing number of inquiries about end-of-life care, advance directives, and other critical issues. With the help of experts, we have taken some time to answer those questions and compiled some resources. Experts come from a number of fields:
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DEFAZIO PUSHES TO PROTECT INTEGRITY OF INSPECTORS GENERAL FROM TRUMP POLITICAL RETALIATION
Source: U.S. Representative Peter DeFazio (D-OR, 4th)
April 10, 2020
In the letter to Michael Horowitz, the CIGIE Chair, the lawmakers write, “Unlike any President in modern history, President Trump has engaged in offensive and unjustified attacks against Inspectors General, criticizing them for following the law, and retaliating against them for telling the truth…[The president’s actions] reflect a campaign of political retaliation and reward that is antithetical to good government, undermines the proper stewardship of taxpayer dollars, and degrades the federal government’s ability to function competently.”
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DEFAZIO ANNOUNCES NEW TOOL TO HELP NON-FILERS ACCESS COVID-19 ECONOMIC IMPACT PAYMENTS
Source: U.S. Representative Peter DeFazio (D-OR, 4th)
April 10, 2020
After the 2008 financial crisis, 3.5 million of our nation’s most vulnerable did not receive a stimulus check because of bureaucratic red tape,” said Rep. DeFazio. “We cannot allow the same thing to happen now, which is why I called for a method to help those who need it most access economic impact payments. This new tool will give those who do not usually file, including those with too little income, a simple, free and secure way to provide the IRS with basic information so they can receive their Economic Impact Payments as soon as possible. While I will continue to push Treasury and IRS to automatically provide payments to people who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and to individuals who receive Veterans Affairs (VA) compensation and pensions, this is an important first step towards helping vulnerable populations weather these uncertain times.
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As Lawmakers Fall Ill, Congress and State Legislatures Must Enact Continuity Plans
Source: Demand Progress
April 10, 2020
Demand Progress calls on Congress and state legislatures to institute continuity of governance plans immediately, before the COVID-19 crisis worsens and the legislatures become unable to act. Many members of Congress have been exposed to the virus, it was announced that two New York state lawmakers had contracted the virus, and it’s likely many others have contacted it as well. Overseas, the European Union Parliament in Strasbourg was closed and reconvened in Brussels, and about 10 percent of Iranian parliamentarians have tested positive, while two have died.
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Democracy for America backs Jeff Merkley for reelection to the U.S. Senate
Source: Democracy for America
April 10, 2020
DFA was a strong supporter of Sen. Merkley in his first reelection bid in 2014 and, over the last six years, has worked closely with him on everything from progressive fights for filibuster reform and Medicare for All to battles against war with Iran and Donald Trump’s right-wing Supreme Court nominees.
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Chairman Deutch Calls for Stronger US Response to Idlib Humanitarian Catastrophe
Source: U.S. Representative Ted Deutch (D-FL, 21st)
April 10, 2020
In the letter to Secretary of State Michael Pompeo, the Members acknowledge the humanitarian impact of escalating violence in Idlib on its roughly three million residents, most of whom are children. In addition to the conflict's devastating effect on civilians, the Members fear that Syria's limited health care facilities and professionals, already operating under dire conditions, may be ill-prepared for any spread of COVID-19.
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Representatives Diaz-Balart, Rooney, Mucarsel-Powell Condemn Cuba’s Actions During COVID-19 Pandemic
Source: U.S. Representative Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL, 25th)
April 10, 2020
The Cuban regime has shamelessly exploited this COVID-19 pandemic to engage in a misleading medical diplomacy campaign by trafficking doctors from whom they pocket as much as 80 percent of their salaries, confiscate their passports, and impose strict monitoring. The regime is also spreading dangerous disinformation about the virus worldwide with the aim of dividing the international community. These are just the latest examples of the regime’s use of propaganda to build a positive image abroad and distract from its systemic human rights violations against the Cuban people. Like their authoritarian partners around the world, the Cuban regime cannot be counted on as a reliable partner in fighting the coronavirus pandemic.
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Feinstein Calls for Additional Essential Workers Such as Grocery Clerks, Agricultural Workers to Receive Protective Equipment
Source: Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA)
April 10, 2020
“I write in support of your leadership in procuring 200 million masks a month, so that essential workers on the frontlines across California are protected during the coronavirus pandemic,” wrote Senator Feinstein.
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Fetal Tissue Research, PPE, Churches, Insurance, Paycheck Protection, Race, Hydroxycloroquine, Navy Secretary, ICE, China, Defense Production Act, Testing, First Responders, Prisons

DeGette calls on HHS to lift restrictions on human fetal tissue research
Source: U.S. Representative Diana Degette (D-CO, 1st)
April 6, 2020
In June 2019, the Trump administration banned all research using human fetal tissue within the National Institutes of Health and placed new restrictions on such research at independent labs. As a result, scientists at NIH and labs across the country have been unable to pursue promising biomedical research into conditions and diseases that affect millions – including coronavirus – because it involves the use of human fetal tissue.
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Cassidy Pushes for More Protective Equipment for First Responders
Source: Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA)
April 7, 2020
“[We] urge you to continue exploring every possible avenue to increase the supply of PPE to put more of this critical equipment into the hands of those who need it most, including first responders,” wrote the senators. “Specifically, this requires utilizing your authorities under the Defense Production Act to strengthen domestic manufacturing capacity by incentivizing private firms to produce PPE, including respirators, gloves, gowns, and eye protection, and to allocate some of these resources to first responders.
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Cheney: We Need To Help Americans Who Are Hurting
Source: U.S Representative Liz Cheney (R-Wyoming at large)
April 7, 2020
“The spread of the coronavirus has created economic uncertainty for many across the country, and the Paycheck Protection Program is an important resource that allows small businesses to keep their employees on payroll, providing crucial economic relief during this unprecedented crisis."
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CARES ACT INFORMATION FOR ALLIANCE CHURCHES
Source: Christian and Missionary Alliance
April 7, 2020
“Access to this form of government funding for churches is largely unprecedented. For many reasons familiar to church leaders, the United States has a long history of church autonomy and the avoidance of any government financial entanglement with the church."
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Cicilline Calls on Car Insurance Companies to Provide Partial Rebate of Premiums
Source: U.S Representative David Cicilline (D-RI, 1st)
April 7, 2020
“Allstate Corporation and American Family Mutual Insurance Company have agreed to pay it forward by refunding hundreds of millions of dollars in refund checks to their policy holders, and I applaud them for taking action on this issue,” Cicilline wrote in an open letter to the auto insurance industry. “I urge you to follow their lead, review your data, and reach out to the appropriate state insurance regulators to determine how to best implement a system that refunds excess premium charges to consumers.”
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Cicilline Calls on Car Insurance Companies to Provide Partial Rebate of Premiums
Source: U.S Representative David Cicilline (D-RI, 1st)
April 7, 2020
“Allstate Corporation and American Family Mutual Insurance Company have agreed to pay it forward by refunding hundreds of millions of dollars in refund checks to their policy holders, and I applaud them for taking action on this issue,” Cicilline wrote in an open letter to the auto insurance industry. “I urge you to follow their lead, review your data, and reach out to the appropriate state insurance regulators to determine how to best implement a system that refunds excess premium charges to consumers.”
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Cole Statement on Additional Funding for Paycheck Protection Program
Source: U.S Representative Tom Cole (R-OK, 4th)
April 7, 2020
“As Americans hunker down in their homes and wait for this coronavirus crisis to pass, many families and businesses are struggling to stay afloat. Small businesses and their dedicated workers are some of the hardest hit and by no fault of their own. While I am encouraged that the Paycheck Protection Program will provide some desperately needed help for small businesses trying to maintain their workforce, it is critical that Congress and the Trump Administration ensure the program remains fully funded and able to deliver the promised aid to those who need it.”
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Congressman Anthony Brown Highlights Racial Disparities in Coronavirus Outbreak, Requests Additional Data
Source: U.S. Representative Anthony Brown (D-MD, 4th)
April 8, 2020
“We must have more information to confront this pandemic, not less. The lack of information will only exacerbate the existing health disparities—both in terms of care and treatment—and hinder our efforts to contain the spread of the virus in communities that may be at the highest risk,” wrote Congressman Brown. “We need this data to ensure we can address the implications of these disparities as we expand testing and treatment around our state.”
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COLLINS SECURES 200,000 DOSES OF HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE FOR GEORGIA
Source: U.S Representative Doug Collins (R-GA, 9th)
April 7, 2020
“On behalf of the people of Georgia, I want to thank Amneal Pharmaceuticals for this incredible donation,” said Collins. “This medication could be pivotal in Georgia’s fight against COVID—19 and could potentially save thousands of lives across our state. Acts of generosity like this remind us of the remarkable ways in which our country has rallied together to support one another in the face of this crisis, and I’m humbled to have worked with Amneal and Georgia’s Department of Public Health to help secure this donation on behalf of our state. We will beat this virus, and our nation will emerge stronger than ever before.”
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Report: Repeal #NeverNeeded Regulations to Help COVID-19 Response
Source: Competitive Enterprise Institute
April 7, 2020
“Lawmakers should prioritize policies that mitigate the effects of the pandemic on everyday life,” said Kent Lassman, CEI president. “We need flexibility to solve problems without rigid regulations that make economic recovery more difficult.”
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Chairman Courtney Statement On Reports That Acting Secretary Of The Navy Thomas Modly Has Submitted Letter Of Resignation
Source: U.S Representative Joe Courtney (D-CT, 2nd)
April 7, 2020
“Today’s decision by former Acting Secretary of the Navy Thomas Modly to resign was a necessary step to restore the confidence of every sailor and member of the US Navy that its leadership is committed to their wellbeing,” said Chairman Courtney. “Our nation asks a lot of the men and women who wear its uniform, especially during a time of pandemic when their enduring mission becomes even more perilous. The ordeal of the USS Roosevelt was bad enough for its crew without the uncalled-for scapegoating of Captain Brett Crozier. Mr. Modly did the right thing in stepping aside. Hopefully it will allow the Navy to focus on caring for the crew and their families, as well as for a fresh review of the Captain Crozier’s punishment, which simple fairness demands.”
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Congresswoman Angie Craig Introduces Legislation Investing in Small Towns
Source: U.S Representative Angie Craig (D-MN, 2nd)
April 7, 2020
U.S. Rep. Angie Craig introduced the Small Cities and Towns Investment Act to provide small cities, towns and townships with a new grant program that would allow them to invest in their communities and stimulate their economies following the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Advocates Sound the Alarm: Deaths in ICE Detention are Imminent
Source: Detention Watch Network
April 7, 2020
The number of COVID-19 cases in ICE facilities is rising rapidly. The evidence is clear: if ICE continues to keep people locked up, we know that a COVID-19 related death of a person in immigration detention is imminent. ICE will cause preventable deaths if they don’t act now by releasing all people from detention.
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Rep. Jim Banks Calls on United States to Bring Case Against China to International Court of Justice
Source: U.S. Representative Jim Banks (R-IN, 3rd)
April 8, 2020
Rep. Banks says, “If China’s leaders hadn’t become embarrassed by the outbreak and tried to cover up its spread, the world may have had a better chance to prepare for this or even contain it in Wuhan or China. Instead, we have a pandemic. China shoulders most of that blame. Rather than succumb to the propaganda and spin of Chinese officials, the world must hold them accountable for mishandling this outbreak. If the United Nations cannot even do that, it has completely lost its purpose.”
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Transparency Is Critical for the Defense Production Act to Be Effective and for Allocation of Supplies
Source: Bipartisan Policy Center
April 8, 2020
“The Bipartisan Policy Center appreciates the work of the administration and Federal Emergency Management Agency in working with states to ensure the right critical medical material and personal protective equipment get to the right areas at the right time during the COVID-19 pandemic. The federal government has the unique ability and visibility to ensure coordination, provide logistical support, and direct manufacturing of material and equipment all of which are crucial in the response to this public health emergency.”
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Congresswoman Beatty Cosponsors Bill Directing $250 Billion to Local Communities Combating the Coronavirus
Source: U.S. Representative Joyce Beatty (D-OH, 3rd)
April 8, 2020
“Cities and townships across Ohio’s Third Congressional District—wholly contained in Franklin County—are struggling with the impacts of this public health crisis,” Beatty said. “That includes funding and maintaining emergency operations, public awareness and outreach, and much more, all while facing a depleted income tax revenue base required to financially sustain these critical services.” Beatty continued, “I urge my Democratic and Republican colleagues to support this important piece of legislation because the coronavirus is affecting all of us—whether we live in small towns, large metropolitan areas, or anywhere in between.”
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Bera Urges Administration to Develop National Testing Strategy
Source: U.S. Representative Ami Bera (D-CA, 7th)
April 8, 2020
“As a doctor, I strongly urge the Administration to prioritize the creation of a national testing strategy, including the rapid and widespread deployment of serologic and diagnostic testing, ” said Rep. Bera “Only with a national testing strategy will we be able to help states and communities identify who is infected and who may be immune, which will allow our country to soon get back on a road to economic recovery. An effective national testing strategy will also require a trained and dedicated personnel to implement it. I encourage the Administration to establish a public health workforce that would be used to conduct widespread contact tracing and to administer vaccines when available.”
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Bergman Supports Federal Tax Holiday For Front Line Responders
Source: U.S. Representative Jack Bergman (R-MI, 1st)
April 8, 2020
Rep. Jack Bergman cosponsored the HEROES Act, which was recently introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Rep. Bill Huizenga. This legislation will give a four-month federal tax holiday to law enforcement officers, corrections officers, firefighters, EMT’s, paramedics, pharmacists, nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, doctors, hospital and licensed medical facility support staff, and senior care facility staff.
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Beyer Highlights Food Security Resources To Prevent Hunger Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
Source: U.S. Representative Don Beyer (D-VA, 8th)
April 8, 2020
Even in these hard times there are community supports in place which should ensure that no one goes hungry. We can help each other by sharing information, looking out for those who need assistance, and for those of us who have the ability, donating food and goods to these organizations.
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Booker, Feinstein Introduce Bill to Help State, Local Prisons Test, Treat COVID-19
Source: Senator Cory A. Booker (D-NJ)
April 8, 2020
The bill would also incentivize states to reduce the number of people behind bars by curtailing arrests and in-facility processing for technical parole or probation violations and implementing “cite and release” procedures for individuals who do not pose a violent threat to the community.
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