Reaction to the death of Rep. John Lewis (D-GA), Citizens Against Government Waste's Tom Schatz on wasteful gov't spending, and Death Penalty Information Center's Robert Dunham discusses the resumption of federal executions.
Robert Kaplan, the president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, joined the National Press Club for a virtual discussion on America's economic recovery during the coronavirus pandemic. America's economic recovery, according to Mr. Kaplan, is connected to health care. He called for universal mask wearing to help stop the spread of the coronavirus and improve consumer confidence. Mr. Kaplan also said it was important for Congress to include an extension of unemployment benefits and additional funding for state and local governments in the next coronavirus stimulus package.
A House Oversight and Reform subcommittee held a hearing on ensuring a safe coronavirus vaccine. Members questioned the witnesses on how the vaccine is being developed quickly while also providing safety, effectiveness, and diverse testing in clinical trials. They also talked about the importance of messaging to counter disinformation and lack of trust within minority communities towards the medical industry.
The House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Intelligence and Counterterrorism held a virtual hearing to examine domestic extremist groups. Witnesses included former law enforcement officials and experts on American extremist movements including the co-founder of the Global Project Against Hate and Extremism. They provided recommendations to Congress for countering extremist groups on social media and around the country. Speakers also addressed the potential threats posed to law enforcement officials, protesters and the nation as a whole.
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin testified before the House Small Business Committee on the status of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), a small business fund established in the $2 trillion coronavirus economic aid package. Secretary Mnuchin said, "A next phase of relief should extend the PPP but on a more targeted basis for smaller companies and those that are especially hard hit such as restaurants, hotels, and other travel and hospitality business.' He also told lawmakers that the U.S. should consider forgiveness for "all the small loans" provided under the Paycheck Protection Program. Other topics addressed included the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the economy and access to loans for female and minority-owned businesses. Also testifying before the committee was Small Business Administrator Jovita Carranza.
Congressional Black Caucus Chair Rep. Karen Bass (D-CA) talked about police reform efforts in a virtual discussion with the National Press Club. Rep. Bass discussed the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, systematic racism, the federal response to the coronavirus and her consideration to be Joe Biden's pick for Vice President.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo sat down with The Hill to discuss national security threats and foreign policy. He talked on a range of issues, including several dealing with China. He said he was "pleased" with the U.K.'s decision to reverse course on Chinese telecommunications company, Huawei, and also added that the U.S. would be making a decision soon on whether to ban China's social media app, Tik Tok.
On Friday, civil rights leader and Georgia Democratic Congressman John Lewis died at the age of 80, after a long battle with pancreatic cander. On July 11, 2012, he was our guest on Q&A, discussing his life and involvement in the civil rights movement, including the 1965 march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, during which he was severely beaten by state troopers.
New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) discussed her state's response to the coronavirus pandemic during a virtual event hosted by the Washington Post. The governor spoke about her early actions to combat the virus as well as the state's policies on masks and out of state visitors. She also discussed the upcoming election and her name on the list of potential running mates for Democratic candidate and former Vice President Joe Biden.
Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) was the featured speaker at a virtual campaign fundraising event for Joe Biden, the 2020 presumptive Democratic presidential nominee. It was hosted by League 46, a group targeting young Democrats and was focused on boosting enthusiasm for Mr. Biden's presidential candidacy among progressive voters. During the event, Senator Warren answered questions from leaders of progressive political organizations and a state senator from Nevada. Senator Warren was among the women being considered as a potential running mate for Mr. Biden.
The Citizens Against Government Waste released its annual Congressional Pig Book, identifying wasteful spending in 2020 appropriations bills. President Tom Schatz and Republican lawmakers explained the need to eliminate earmarks from the appropriations process and to reduce spending.
Washington Post fact checkers Glenn Kessler, Salvador Rizzo, and Meg Kelly discussed their compilation of more than 16000 misstatements made by President Trump. This virtual event was sponsored by Politics & Prose Bookstore in Washington, D.C.
Historian Eric Cervini recalled Frank Kameny's fight for gay rights after being dismissed from his federal job in 1957 due to his sexual orientation. This was a virtual event hosted by Literati Bookstore in Ann Arbor, Michigan,
Retired admiral James Stavridis talked about his naval career, global security, and leadership. Adm. Stavridis, former Supreme Allied Commander for Global Operations at NATO, is the author of "Command at Sea," "The Accidental Admiral," and "Sailing True North: Ten Admirals and the Voyage of Character."
State University of New York economics professor Stephanie Kelton and HuffPost senior reporter Zachary Carter talked about modern economic theories and whether they hold up today. This virtual event was hosted by Politics and Prose Bookstore.
Youth activist and author Jamil Jivani and the Manhattan Institute's Coleman Hughes and Rafael Mangual offered their thoughts on race, riots, and the police. This is virtual event hosted by the Manhattan Institute in New York City
Washington Post fact checkers Glenn Kessler, Salvador Rizzo, and Meg Kelly discussed their compilation of more than 16000 misstatements made by President Trump. This virtual event was sponsored by Politics & Prose Bookstore in Washington, D.C.
