FCC Commissioner Michael O'Rielly talks about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on communications and on the digital divide, the President's executive order on social media and other issues facing the FCC
The House Veterans' Affairs Committee held a hearing to examine the Veterans Affairs Department's response to the coronavirus pandemic. Appearing before the committee was Veterans Health Administration Executive Director Dr. Richard Stone. They discussed how telemedicine has been utilized during the pandemic, the goal for more robust testing at VA facilities, how staffing has been increased to meet health care demands and to aid in its preparedness for a potential second wave of the virus in the fall. They also discussed the strains on the supply chain attributed to COVID-19, and how a lack of testing supplies, such as swabs, have slowed testing capability.
The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee held a virtual hearing about safely re-opening elementary and secondary schools during the coronavirus pandemic. State and local level educators testified about steps they are taking to open schools safely in the fall including plans for decreasing class sizes, continued at home learning and school-wide coronavirus tests. Witnesses also testified about their concerns such as limited access to high-speed internet access, addressing the needs of poor students and those with learning disabilities as well as the safety of faculty and staff, who may be at a greater risk for contracting COVID-19.
Rep. Karen Bass (D-CA), the chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, discusses legislation to address police violence and racial profiling in the wake of George Floyd's death.
Thomas B. Fordham Institute's Michael Petrilli discussed his recent op-ed, "The Unequal American City," and how blanket policies impact city economies and education.
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper (D) holds a briefing on the state's response to the coronavirus pandemic as well as Hurricane Florence recovery efforts.
Brian Yablonski of the Property and Environment Research Center discussed the "Great American Outdoors Act" and the federal government's role in public land management and conservation.
Senators will resume debate on a public lands package called the Great American Outdoors Act that would permanently fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) at $900 million a year and establish a fund for national parks and land maintenance.
Senate Majority Leader McConnell opened the week by talking about the pandemic, the civil unrest in the wake of police killings of minorities, and the public lands bill.
Senate Democratic Leader Schumer praised the Supreme Court for the ruling outlawing employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. He went on to talk about the recent civil unrest and police reform, and called for further legislation. Later, he turned to the pandemic response.
Todd Spangler, the Washington correspondent for the Detroit Free Press, was interviewed about the forces at play and issues motivating voters in the 2020 presidential race in Michigan. He talked about how President Trump's message on trade, which was successful in persuading Michigan voters to cast ballots for him in 2016, might not be as effective in the state's swing areas in 2020. Also discussed was how the coronavirus pandemic and the resulting economic downturn would impact the presidential run in Michigan.
FCC Commissioner Michael O'Rielly talks about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on communications and on the digital divide, the President's executive order on social media and other issues facing the FCC
House Education and Labor Committee held a virtual hearing on the impact of states budget cuts due to COVID-19 on the nation's public schools. Those who testified included the public education superintendent for North Carolina, the head of the Cleveland, Ohio school district and president of the National Education Association. Most committee members and witnesses participated remotely via the internet because of the pandemic. This is a portion of the hearing.
Senate Majority Leader McConnell opened the week by talking about the pandemic, the civil unrest in the wake of police killings of minorities, and the public lands bill.
Senate Democratic Leader Schumer praised the Supreme Court for the ruling outlawing employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. He went on to talk about the recent civil unrest and police reform, and called for further legislation. Later, he turned to the pandemic response.
The Federalist Society hosted a virtual discussion on the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on civil liberties. Legal scholars discussed federal and state governments mandates during the pandemic, and whether they were in violation of the U.S. Constitution. They also discussed the potential violation of privacy laws in regards to surveillance and contact tracing, as well as what role the judiciary plays in determining the legality of many of the state and federal orders issued in the name of public health.
House Education and Labor Committee held a virtual hearing on the impact of states budget cuts due to COVID-19 on the nation's public schools. Those who testified included the public education superintendent for North Carolina, the head of the Cleveland, Ohio school district and president of the National Education Association. Most committee members and witnesses participated remotely via the internet because of the pandemic. This is a portion of the hearing.
