A Senate subcommittee convened a hearing to examine protecting free speech and preventing violent demonstrations. Several members talked about the rise in demonstrations by groups like antifa and white supremacists groups. Oregon Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) delivered remarks on the decision to send federal police officers into Portland. Witnesses included federal government officials from Homeland Security, social justice advocates and legal scholars. During this portion of the hearing, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), who chairs the full committee, said if the government had not intervened in Portland, the violent protesters would have "burned the god damn thing down."
The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee held a hearing on improving cybersecurity for the energy sector. Senators and witnesses stressed the importance of safeguarding the nation's energy grid. The hearing focused on strengthening partnerships between the private and public sector and sharing sensitive data related to cybersecurity. Lawmakers asked witnesses what the government can do to help prepare for potential attacks and encouraged both sectors to test their systems regularly.
Vice President Pence delivered remarks focused on religious freedom at a campaign event sponsored by the pro-life Susan B. Anthony List political group at a church in Largo, Florida. It was part of a multi-stop campaign swing through the Sunshine State focused on reaching evangelical and pro-life voters.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer was critical of President Trump and Republicans over lack of progress on a Coronavirus aid package. He said essential workers should receive hazard pay which he said Republicans are against.
Senate Majority Leader was critical of Democrats over Coronavirus aid negotiations. The Majority Leader said the Paycheck Protection Program needs to be extended and that an economic aid bill should include legal liability protections especially for doctors, schools and charities. Senator McConnell warned that the Senate won't be taking a summer recess until economic stimulus legislation has been voted on.
Senate Majority Leader was critical of Democrats over Coronavirus aid negotiations. The Majority Leader said the Paycheck Protection Program needs to be extended and that an economic aid bill should include legal liability protections especially for doctors, schools and charities. Senator McConnell warned that tthe Senate won't be taking a summer recess until economic stimulus legislation has been voted on.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer was critical of President Trump and Republicans over lack of progress on a Coronavirus aid package. He said essential workers should receive hazard pay which he said Republicans are against.
Rep. James Clyburn (D-SC), chair of the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis, joins other House committee chairs in a news conference on the president's response to the coronavirus pandemic and forming a national comprehensive plan.
Former Education Secretary Arne Duncan (Obama Administration, 2009-15) and other education officials testified before the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis on the safety of reopening schools during the coronavirus pandemic. Several topics were discussed, including the need for clear guidance from the CDC on reopening schools nationwide, the need for federal financial support for schools to address the digital divide, and that children are not immune from the coronavirus, disputing a recent statement by the president. During his opening statement, Mr. Duncan said that "what infuriates me about what is happening today, is that it's an unforced error. We are in this situation because our federal leadership failed us. Period. It did not have to be this way."
Sally Yates, the former acting attorney general at the start of the Trump administration, testified on the Russia investigation before the Senate Judiciary Committee. The committee is reviewing the origins of the investigation and the role of the FBI. Due to the coronavirus pandemic Ms. Yates and some of the lawmakers participated in the hearing virtually.
Former Education Secretary Arne Duncan (Obama Administration, 2009-15) and other education officials testified before the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis on the safety of reopening schools during the coronavirus pandemic. Several topics were discussed, including the need for clear guidance from the CDC on reopening schools nationwide, the need for federal financial support for schools to address the digital divide, and that children are not immune from the coronavirus, disputing a recent statement by the president. During his opening statement, Mr. Duncan said that "what infuriates me about what is happening today, is that it's an unforced error. We are in this situation because our federal leadership failed us. Period. It did not have to be this way."
Gov. Larry Hogan (R-MD) passed off the chairmanship of the National Governors Association to Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D-NY) during the group's virtual summer meeting. They discussed the need to invest in the nation's infrastructure, as well as to face the challenges of America's recovery and revival from the coronavirus pandemic. The governors agreed that further federal funding for state and local government is what would spur America's economic recovery.
Senate Majority Leader was critical of Democrats over Coronavirus aid negotiations. The Majority Leader said the Paycheck Protection Program needs to be extended and that an economic aid bill should include legal liability protections especially for doctors, schools and charities. Senator McConnell warned that tthe Senate won't be taking a summer recess until economic stimulus legislation has been voted on.
A number Senators came to the floor to debate the next coronavirus aid legislation. Republican Senator Rob Portman argued that the $600 weekly unemployment benefit should reduced because it exceeds normal wages for most people.
Sally Yates, the former acting attorney general at the start of the Trump administration, testified on the Russia investigation before the Senate Judiciary Committee. The committee is reviewing the origins of the investigation and the role of the FBI. Due to the coronavirus pandemic Ms. Yates and some of the lawmakers participated in the hearing virtually.
