Johns Hopkins University history professor Martha Jones explored the efforts by black women to win their right to vote. This was a virtual event hosted by Harvard Book Store in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Two technology leaders discuss the big tech issues in 2020 & the role of these issues in Campaign 2020. Jessica Gonzalez, Free Press Co-CEO, and Berin Szoka, TechFreedom Founder & Senior Fellow, examine these tech issues on The Communicators
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) held a get-out-the-vote rally in Lebanon, NH, in support of 2020 Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden. Before his remarks on health care and the economy, the senator began by wishing President Trump and the First Lady a speedy recovery after they tested positive for coronavirus, saying that "each one of us will remain vulnerable" until there is a cure. Senator Sanders won New Hampshire's 2020 Democratic presidential primary and later endorsed Mr. Biden's campaign.
The Center for Global Development held a virtual discussion on COVID-19 vaccine research and development. Medical and global health leaders discussed the timeline for a vaccine discovery, the efficacy of the vaccine, and the need for diversity in research to determine the risk factors with the vaccine. They also briefly spoke about manufacturing and distribution challenges, as well as the need for global partnership in the development of a vaccine.
The Aspen Institute hosted a virtual discussion with representatives from media, legal, and civil rights organizations on preparing for a contested election. They discussed voter intimidation, disinformation tactics, election integrity, and mail-in voting. They also briefly addressed what happens if a candidate is not able to remain on the ballot during the election process, referencing the recent news of President Trump testing positive for COVID-19.
A House Armed Services subcommittee and House Foreign Affairs subcommittee held a hybrid hearing on strengthening biological security. Members questioned Department of Defense and State Department officials on the country's readiness for a biological attack, department response to COVID-19 and foreign adversaries using chemical agents against opponents. Members also offered their thoughts and prayers for a quick recovery from COVID-19 to President Trump and the first lady.
The inspector general of the Small Business Administration (SBA), along with a representative of the Government Accountability Office, testified on preventing fraud and abuse in the Paycheck Protection Program established in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The witnesses explained that an initial need to quickly disperse loans during the coronavirus pandemic led to a lack of controls in the process which increased fraud. They discussed the number of investigations currently underway, and made recommendations about preventing further fraud, but they also expressed concern about the SBA's lack of transparency with audits.
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute hosted their annual education summit. This portion included a conservation with Gov. Larry Hogan (R-MD). Several topics were discussed, including the impact the coronavirus pandemic has had on Maryland's educational system and working across party lines. The governor also spoke about his experience during the 2015 riots in Baltimore that occurred in the wake of the death of Freddie Grey and how it can be a model of effective governance for governors and mayors dealing with social unrest in their cities and states.
A panel of foreign policy experts from the Brookings Institution discussed the 2020 presidential election, foreign policy and the future of transatlantic relations under a Trump or Biden presidency. They also discussed the president's health condition.
Wall Street Journal Supreme Court correspondent Jess Bravin previewed the new Supreme Court term and related issues, including the upcoming confirmation hearings for Judge Amy Coney Barrett.
Senator Pat Toomey (R-PA) held a news conference in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania to address his future political plans. He announced that he will not be running for reelection in 2022 and will also not be running for governor. Following his remarks, Sen. Toomey took questions from reporters on a range of topics including President Trump being diagnosed with COVID-19 and confirmation process for Supreme Court nominee Judge Amy Coney Barrett.
Two technology leaders discuss the big tech issues in 2020. Jessica Gonzalez, Free Press Co-CEO, and Berin Szoka, TechFreedom Founder & Senior Fellow, examine these tech issues on The Communicators
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute hosted their annual education summit. This portion included a conservation with former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice (Bush administration, 2005-09). They discussed education policy, school choice legislation and police reform. Several topics were discussed, including the impact the coronavirus pandemic has had on the education system, racial inequality, trust in government, and political civility.
Bristol-Myers Squibb CEO Dr. Giovanni Caforio, Teva CEO Kare Schultz and former Celgene CEO Mark Alles testified on prescription drug pricing before the House Oversight and Reform Committee. Members pressed the pharmaceutical executives on why the retail price of their drugs frequently increase and at a rate that far exceeds inflation. The drug makers defended the price hikes as the cost of doing research and development and talked about price-reduction programs that their companies offer. This was the first day of a two-part hearing with pharmaceutical executives.
The World Bank Group hosted a virtual discussion with global financial leaders on the economic recovery from COVID-19. The group discussed the World Banks' plans on how to help developing nations recover from the pandemic's economic fallout, the long-term impact of children not attending in-person classes and addressing climate change.
Bristol-Myers Squibb CEO Dr. Giovanni Caforio, Teva CEO Kare Schultz and former Celgene CEO Mark Alles testified on prescription drug pricing before the House Oversight and Reform Committee. Members pressed the pharmaceutical executives on why the retail price of their drugs frequently increase and at a rate that far exceeds inflation. The drug makers defended the price hikes as the cost of doing research and development and talked about price-reduction programs that their companies offer. This was the first day of a two-part hearing with pharmaceutical executives.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell asked unanimous consent for the chamber to recess for the next two weeks as a precaution after three Republican Senators recently tested positive for COVID-19. He went on to explain why the confirmation hearing for Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett would continue as planned in a virtual setting. He also wished President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump a quick and smooth recovery following their COVID-19 diagnosis.
The World Bank Group hosted a virtual discussion with global financial leaders on the economic recovery from COVID-19. The group discussed the World Banks' plans on how to help developing nations recover from the pandemic's economic fallout, the long-term impact of children not attending in-person classes and addressing climate change.
