Atlantic Council senior fellow Jamie Metzl looked at the future of genetic engineering and discussed if that technology can be used in the fight against COVID-19. During this virtual book event, Mr. Metzl was joined by George Church, professor of genetics at Harvard Medical School.
Andrew Marantz, author of "Antisocial," describes how the internet allowed trolls, the alt-right, & a subculture of extremists to flourish online. Social media platform creators tried to limit censorship but this also resulted in extremists posting their ideas to a wide audience.
The Senate Homeland Security Committee discussed a report submitted in March by the Cyberspace Solarium Commission (CSC). Congress set up the commission in 2019 as part of the National Defense Authorization Act to make recommendations on securing the nation's cybersecurity infrastructure. Co-Chair Sen. Angus King (I-ME) recommended improvements in three areas: restructuring and streamlining the government's cyber agency, building stronger cyber defenses, and responding to cyberattacks. The commission's report proposed the creation of a National Cybersecurity Director, which would be a Senate confirmed position. During the hearing, senators also discussed recent reports of Chinese cyberattacks on U.S. healthcare research facilities working on a coronavirus vaccine.
A House Financial Services subcommittee held a virtual discussion to hear from financial regulators on their response efforts to the coronavirus pandemic. Witnesses included Federal Reserve Board Supervision Vice Chair Randal Quarles, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) Chair Jelena McWilliams, National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) Chair Rodney Hood and Comptroller of the Currency Joseph Otting. Financial regulators were asked about Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans for small businesses, Federal Reserve lending programs, assisting U.S. territories, and efforts to help community banks and credit unions.
The Bipartisan Policy Center hosted a virtual event with Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue followed by a panel discussion on the nation's food supply chain. Secretary Perdue spoke about issues with the food supply chain and meat processing plants, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)and helping farmers financially. The panel of experts from the food industry discussed the various challenges facing all levels of production. They also discussed the increased demand on food banks, the importance of exporting meat and keeping their essential workforce safe.
Senator Grassley spoke on the Senate floor about how the coronavirus is impacting recent graduates. Afterwards, Senate Majority Leader McConnell spoke on the floor about the reopening stages for businesses and schools during the coronavirus pandemic.
Senate Minority Leader Schumer spoke on the Senate floor criticizing President Trump and Republicans on the Coronavirus pandemic response, saying they are not doing enough to provide testing and are instead focusing on reopening the U.S. He also talked about the removal of State Department Inspector General Steve Linick.
Sen Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) talk about the Safeguarding America's First Responders Act (SAFR) which will improve timely access to financial assistance for families of public safety officers lost to COVID-19. The Senate unanimously passed the legislation authored by Senators Booker and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) late last week. They urge the House to take action.
Senators Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Mike Braun (R-Indiana) gave tributes to former Senator Tom Coburn who died recently. They talked about the outside experience the former doctor brought to the Senate and his championing of bills to eliminate waste, and block Senators' salaries until a budget was passed.
Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) talks about a drought and what it means to farmers, fish and workers. He said he will introduce a bill to protect those hurt by the drought.
Yahoo News senior political correspondent Jon Ward discussed how the Republican and Democratic party are preparing for nominating conventions later this summer amid the pandemic.
Andrew Marantz, author of "Antisocial," describes how the internet allowed trolls, the alt-right, & a subculture of extremists to flourish online. Social media platform creators tried to limit censorship but this also resulted in extremists posting their ideas to a wide audience.
The Senate Commerce Committee convened a hearing to examine broadband access and capabilities amid the coronavirus pandemic. Witnesses included executives from the telecommunications and broadband industries who provided testimony on additional funding needed for rural and tribal communities, better tools for students and teachers, and coordination between the FCC and private broadband companies. Committee members asked questions in-person and virtually.
Senator Grassley spoke on the Senate floor about how the coronavirus is impacting recent graduates. Afterwards, Senate Majority Leader McConnell spoke on the floor about the reopening stages for businesses and schools during the coronavirus pandemic.
Senate Minority Leader Schumer spoke on the Senate floor criticizing President Trump and Republicans on the Coronavirus pandemic response, saying they are not doing enough to provide testing and are instead focusing on reopening the U.S. He also talked about the removal of State Department Inspector General Steve Linick.
Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyoming), GOP Conference Chair, criticizes the recent House passed coronavirus relief bill. He says it is a "Democratic wish list" including payments to iillegal immigrants, no liability for business owners, and does not provide funds for the Payment Protection Program.
Senator Cornyn spoke on the Senate floor about how the Coronavirus is impacting his constituents in Texas. He also talked about how the coronavirus relief package helped restaurant and small business owners.
Sen Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) talk about the Safeguarding America's First Responders Act (SAFR) which will improve timely access to financial assistance for families of public safety officers lost to COVID-19. The Senate unanimously passed the legislation authored by Senators Booker and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) late last week. They urge the House to take action.
Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) talks about a drought and what it means to farmers, fish and workers. He said he will introduce a bill to protect those hurt by the drought.
Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee) talks about the $3 trillion relief bill passed last week in the House. She criticizes what she considers unnecessary programs in the bill, and it hurts small businesses.
Senators Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Mike Braun (R-Indiana) gave tributes to former Senator Tom Coburn who died recently. They talked about the outside experience the former doctor brought to the Senate and his championing of bills to eliminate waste, and block Senators' salaries until a budget was passed.
Rep. Kevin Brady (R-TX), ranking member of the Ways and Means Committee, discussed the coronavirus pandemic and the economy during a virtual event hosted by the American Council for Capital Formation (ACCF). Rep. Brady talked about the response efforts of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) along with current and any future coronavirus legislation. He also discussed the need to help businesses rebuild the workforce and the impact of the pandemic on retirement savings. ACCF President and CEO Mark Bloomfield moderated the event.
A House Financial Services subcommittee held a virtual discussion to hear from financial regulators on their response efforts to the coronavirus pandemic. Witnesses included Federal Reserve Board Supervision Vice Chair Randal Quarles, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) Chair Jelena McWilliams, National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) Chair Rodney Hood and Comptroller of the Currency Joseph Otting. Financial regulators were asked about Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans for small businesses, Federal Reserve lending programs, assisting U.S. territories, and efforts to help community banks and credit unions.
The Senate Commerce Committee convened a hearing to examine broadband access and capabilities amid the coronavirus pandemic. Witnesses included executives from the telecommunications and broadband industries who provided testimony on additional funding needed for rural and tribal communities, better tools for students and teachers, and coordination between the FCC and private broadband companies. Committee members asked questions in-person and virtually.
The Senate Homeland Security Committee discussed a report submitted in March by the Cyberspace Solarium Commission (CSC). Congress set up the commission in 2019 as part of the National Defense Authorization Act to make recommendations on securing the nation's cybersecurity infrastructure. Co-Chair Sen. Angus King (I-ME) recommended improvements in three areas: restructuring and streamlining the government's cyber agency, building stronger cyber defenses, and responding to cyberattacks. The commission's report proposed the creation of a National Cybersecurity Director, which would be a Senate confirmed position. During the hearing, senators also discussed recent reports of Chinese cyberattacks on U.S. healthcare research facilities working on a coronavirus vaccine.
