Disjecta Membra: Light News Mon/Tues/Wed/Thurs/Fri/Sat

Congress is gone for 2 weeks, as Democrats try to hammer home the details of the COVID relief law. Meanwhile, lawmakers hope to get some basics this week on the first Biden budget. Even without an adjournment resolution, this is "Regular Order."
https://jamiedupree.substack.com/p/democrats-use-easter-break-to-sell

Cargo ship blocking Suez Canal has been refloated
https://www.nytimes.com/live/2021/03/29/world/suez-canal-stuck-ship
https://www.cnbc.com/2021/03/29/cargo-ship-blocking-suez-canal-has-been-refloated-says-inchcape.html
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-03-28/progress-made-in-moving-ship-more-vessels-diverted-suez-update

Islamic terrorists in Mozambique murder dozens of people
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-56557623

Winter Weather to strike Northeast to start April
https://www.accuweather.com/en/winter-weather/no-fooling-wintry-blast-to-strike-northeast-to-start-april/923204

Many MLB and NBA teams are getting vaccinated, idiot Republicans and idiot Black people need to follow that lead

Leftist candidates cost Democrats votes in key 2020 races
https://www.mcclatchydc.com/news/politics-government/election/article250184285.html
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https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/03/29/fact-sheet-the-biden-harris-administrations-multi-agency-effort-to-support-renters-and-landL-rds/

FACT SHEET: The Biden-Harris Administration's Multi-Agency Effort to Support Renters and LandL-rds
March 29, 2021    • Statements and Releases

Today's action by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to extend the federal eviction moratorium represents the latest effort to provide relief to renters and landL-rds.

Following today's announcement from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of a 90-day extension of the federal eviction moratorium, the Biden-Harris Administration is continuing its efforts to support tenants and landL-rds during the COVID-19 pandemic. Federal agencies including the Treasury Department, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) are coordinating efforts to get tenants and landL-rds the assistance they need during the public health crisis.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/covid-eviction-declaration.html

President Biden entered office facing twin crises of historic proportions: a global pandemic and an economic downturn that left 10 million people out of work and one in five renters behind on rent. On January 29th, just days after President Biden entered office, the CDC extended the existing eviction moratorium through the end of March, recognizing the historic threat to our nation's health. Alongside the extension, the Administration continued to seek relief for struggling Americans. $25 billion had been allocated to rental assistance under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, and the Biden-Harris Administration worked quickly to streamline and simplify rules to access funding. The American Rescue Plan, signed into law by President Biden, will deliver an additional $21.5 billion in emergency rental assistance to help millions of families keep up on rent and remain in their homes.

https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/empsit.pdf
https://www.cbpp.org/research/poverty-and-inequality/tracking-the-covid-19-recessions-effects-on-food-housing-and

President Biden remains committed to implementing a whole-of-government approach to addressing the nation's housing challenges. The White House American Rescue Plan Coordinator is working across agencies and with White House offices to implement the American Rescue Plan's housing provisions. And, Treasury, HUD, USDA, CFPB and the FTC are upholding that commitment through the following actions to maximize the impact of the extension and additional funding in the American Rescue Plan:

Treasury

- The Treasury Department is in the process of delivering $1,400 Economic Impact Payments (EIP) to approximately 85% of American households, including those who may be behind on rent or at threat of eviction. More than 100 million EIPs have already been delivered.
- The Treasury Department continues to administer the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) to assist households that are unable to pay rent and utilities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks to the passage of the ARP, an additional $21.5 billion is available, almost doubling in size the scale and reach of this program and providing greater relief to our most vulnerable households.
- Rental assistance is being distributed by the Treasury Department to state and local grantees. Renters and landL-rds seeking access to rental assistance should apply directly to the local program in their area. More information on the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, including eligibility requirements, can be found here.

https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/cares/emergency-rental-assistance-program

- The Treasury Department recently updated guidance on the ERAP, providing grantees greater flexibility in determining renter eligibility.

https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/ERA-Frequently-Asked-Questions_Pub-3-16-21.pdf

- The Treasury Department is administering funding to cover costs borne by state and local governments that have stepped in during the crisis to provide housing assistance and relief to Americans across the country. These critical measures taken to blunt the impacts of the economic fallout from the pandemic will no longer be a strain on the balance sheets of American municipalities.

HUD

- HUD will reach out to HUD grantees, including tens of thousands of local governments and housing providers, and other program participants to communicate about the eviction moratorium extension and will offer guidance and support where needed.
- HUD will continue to coordinate across federal agencies to efficiently implement emergency rental assistance programs that prevent evictions and ensure financial stability of renters and rental properties (including programs from HUD, Treasury, and HHS's Administration for Children and Families).
- HUD will continue to support CDC in developing strategies for monitoring and evaluating the impacts of the eviction moratorium.
- HUD will continue its responsibilities in upholding the Fair Housing Act and will monitor and address circumstances where landL-rds are evicting tenants because of race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), disability, familial status, or national origin. If tenants feel like they have experienced discriminatory treatment, they can contact HUD's Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity at (800) 669-9777 (voice) or (800) 877-8339 (Relay). Tenants can also file discrimination complaints online at hud.gov/fairhousing.

USDA

- USDA will send a notice to 7,000 property owners in its multifamily portfolio to inform them of their obligations under the extended CDC Eviction Moratorium. USDA will also require property owners to post the extension at their properties along with a template of the original moratorium letters. These actions follow USDA's outreach to 400,000 tenants to share information on the protections provided under the CDC Eviction Moratorium as well as information on how to access the U.S Treasury's Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP).

CFPB

- Tenants can learn about their eviction and debt collection rights and how to get help with housing costs at www.consumerfinance.gov/renters.
- The CFPB is taking complaints from tenants about problems with debt collectors, including attorneys seeking to evict tenants in violation of the CDC eviction moratorium. Consumers can submit a complaint at www.consumerfinance.gov/complaint/ or by calling (855) 411-2372

http://www.consumerfinance.gov/complaint/

- The CFPB will monitor and investigate eviction practices to ensure that companies are complying with the law. Evicting tenants in violation of the CDC, state, or local moratoria, or threatening to evict them without apprising them of their legal rights under such moratoria, may violate the law.

FTC

- The FTC will be monitoring and investigating eviction practices to ensure that companies are complying with the law. Evicting tenants in violation of the CDC, state, or local moratoria, or threatening to evict them without apprising them of their legal rights under such moratoria, may violate the law.

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https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/03/28/president-joseph-r-biden-jr-approves-disaster-declaration-for-the-poarch-band-of-creek-indians/

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Disaster Declaration for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians
March 28, 2021    • Statements and Releases

Today, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. declared that a major disaster exists for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians and ordered federal aid to supplement the Tribe's efforts in the areas affected by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic beginning on January 20, 2020, and continuing.

The President's action makes federal funding available for Crisis Counseling for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians.

Federal funding is also available to the Poarch Band of Creek Indians and certain private nonprofit organizations for emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance, for the entire Tribe impacted by COVID-19.

Robert J. Fenton, Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Department of Homeland Security, named Gracia B. Szczech as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas.

Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the Tribe and warranted by the results of further assessments.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION MEDIA SHOULD CONTACT THE FEMA NEWS DESK AT (202) 646-3272 OR FEMA-NEWS-DESK@FEMA.DHS.GOV.
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https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/03/29/white-house-announces-environmental-justice-advisory-council-members/

White House Announces Environmental Justice Advisory Council Members
March 29, 2021    • Statements and Releases

Today, the White House announced the members of the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council. The advisory council will provide advice and recommendations to the Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) and the White House Environmental Justice Interagency Council on how to address current and historic environmental injustices, including recommendations for updating Executive Order 12898.

The White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council (WHEJAC) was established by President Biden's Executive Order on Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad to fulfill his and Vice President Harris's commitment to confronting longstanding environmental injustices and to ensuring that historically marginalized and polluted, overburdened communities have greater input on federal policies and decisions.

"We know that we cannot achieve health justice, economic justice, racial justice, or educational justice without environmental justice. That is why President Biden and I are committed to addressing environmental injustice," said Vice President Harris. "This historic White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council will ensure that our administration's work is informed by the insights, expertise, and lived experience of environmental justice leaders from across the nation."

The WHEJAC members will represent a diverse set of geographical regions and will serve in a voluntary capacity.

• LaTricea Adams, Michigan
• Susana Almanza, Texas
• Jade Begay, South Dakota
• Maria Belen-Power, Massachusetts
• Dr. Robert Bullard, Texas
• Tom Cormons, Virginia
• Andrea Delgado, Washington, D.C.
• Catherine Flowers, Alabama
• Jerome Foster, New York
• Kim Havey, Minnesota
• Angelo Logan, California
• Maria Lopez-Nunez, New Jersey
• Harold Mitchell, South Carolina
• Richard Moore, New Mexico
• Rachel Morello-Frosch, California
• Juan Parras, Texas
• Michele Roberts, Washington, D.C.
• Ruth Santiago, Puerto Rico
• Nicky Sheats, New Jersey
• Peggy Shepard, New York
• Carletta Tilousi, Arizona
• Vi Waghiyi, Alaska
• Kyle Whyte, Michigan
• Beverly Wright, Louisiana
• Hli Xyooj, Minnesota
• Miya Yoshitani, California

"This is a historic moment that environmental justice communities have been working toward for decades. President Biden and Vice President Harris are, for the first time ever, bringing the voices, perspectives, and expertise of environmental justice communities into a formal advisory role at the White House," said Cecilia Martinez, Senior Director for Environmental Justice, CEQ. "The advisory council builds off the important work of EPA's National Environmental Justice Advisory Council and will provide input and recommendations to senior leaders across government as this administration works to clean up toxic pollution, create good-paying, union jobs in all communities, and give every child in America the chance to grow up healthy."

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) will fund and provide administrative support for the WHEJAC. The first meeting of the WHEJAC will be held virtually tomorrow, March 30, and will be open to the public. Please visit the U.S. EPA's WHEJAC webpage for more information at: www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/white-house-environmental-justice-advisory-council.

http://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/white-house-environmental-justice-advisory-council

The WHEJAC will complement the ongoing work of the National Environmental Justice Advisory Council (NEJAC), a federal advisory committee established in 1993 to provide advice and recommendations on EJ issues to the Administrator of the EPA. More information about NEJAC can be found here: https://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/national-environmental-justice-advisory-council

https://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/national-environmental-justice-advisory-council

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https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/blog/2021/03/29/approaching-policy-with-equity-in-mind/

Approaching Policy with Equity in Mind
March 29, 2021    • Blog

By Kalisha Dessources Figures and Catherine E. Lhamon

The converging crises our nation faces today have exposed and exacerbated inequities that have long been with us. As we work to overcome those crises and build back better, we have an opportunity before us to pursue bold and necessary change to advance equity and opportunity for all. That change must be driven by policies that weave together racial justice, gender equity, and other dimensions of equity to ensure that they lift up every single community and leave no one behind.

Together, the White House Gender Policy Council and the Domestic Policy Council work every day to implement the comprehensive approach to advancing equity for all that President Biden and Vice President Harris have prioritized since day one. From health, to economic security, to education and safety—equity is essential to building a stronger country for us all.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/03/08/executive-order-on-establishment-of-the-white-house-gender-policy-council/
https://www.whitehouse.gov/dpc/
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/01/20/executive-order-advancing-racial-equity-and-support-for-underserved-communities-through-the-federal-government/

Equity is essential to health outcomes and health care. As one example, our country is facing a maternal health crisis—and Black and Indigenous women and their families are bearing the brunt. Recent data show that Black women are 2.5 times more likely, and Indigenous women are 2.3 times more likely, to die from pregnancy complications than non-Hispanic white women. The Centers for Disease Control reports that two out of three of these deaths are preventable. At the same time, women of color continue to face disproportionate barriers to accessing health care; they are more likely to lose coverage during a pregnancy, and less likely to have access to mental health screenings, treatment, and support before, during, and after pregnancy.

https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/nchs_press_releases/2020/202001_MMR.htm

Equity is essential to economic security for women and families. We know, for example, that reliable access to child care is critical to helping parents secure and maintain good jobs and build economic stability. But even before the pandemic, more than three in five Hispanic families lived in child care deserts, with limited to no access to licensed child care. Part of the reason for this is that our nation has failed to adequately invest in and value our care infrastructure—the under-compensated caregivers and early childhood educators who bring greater security and peace of mind to so many families—who themselves are disproportionately Latina women and other women of color. Latina women on average earn 55 cents for every dollar that non-Hispanic white men earn. This totals tens of thousands of dollars in diminished earnings in a year, and more than a million dollars over the course of a lifetime.

https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/early-childhood/reports/2018/12/06/461643/americas-child-care-deserts-2018/

Equity is essential to the safety of women and girls. Across communities, Black, Indigenous and other women and girls of color face high rates of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, harassment and stalking, whether at home, at work, or in the community. Asian American women suffer twice as many incidents of harassment and violence as Asian American men, exemplifying how racism, sexism, and gender-based violence converge to inflict harm. Native American women are subjected to sexual violence and domestic violence at rates higher than any other population in the United States, and the vast majority report being victimized by a non-native individual. Equity also requires supporting the work of culturally specific community-based organizations to ensure different pathways to safety and more holistic approaches to prevention and healing for survivors from historically marginalized communities.

In addition to approaching policy with both racial and gender equity in mind, considering other factors that create barriers for safety and well-being is important, too. While Black girls are suspended from school at higher rates than girls of any other race or ethnicity, LGBTQ+ students, especially those who are transgender or who have disabilities, are also more likely than their non-LGBTQ+ peers to receive detention, suspensions, and expulsions from school, often as a result of discrimination and harassment. And harmful school discipline policies are further compounded for LGBTQ+ students of color and with disabilities.
https://www.glsen.org/news/lgbtq-students-face-unfair-school-discipline-pushing-many-out-school

For all of these reasons, we need to infuse our laws, norms, and policies with a strong focus on equity— and that's exactly what the Biden-Harris Administration is doing. We're more than ready for the urgency of this work; here are some of the steps this Administration has already taken:

1. The President's $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan will not only be instrumental to vaccinating America, safely reopening our schools, and delivering economic relief checks into the pockets of 85 percent of the American people—it is also projected to dramatically reduce poverty and racial and gender wealth gaps. It contains the largest investment in child care since World War II, which will especially benefit the women of color disproportionately employed in our caregiving workforce. It makes the largest single federal investment in history for Native programs. It provides crucial support to small businesses in industries that have been hit the hardest by COVID-19, many of which are concentrated among entrepreneurs of color. Its creation of a new public health job corps will mobilize 100,000 community health workers to provide culturally competent care, maximizing better health outcomes across America, and specifically benefitting communities of color and women and girls. All told, it is projected to cut poverty in the Black community by 38 percent, in the Hispanic community by 43 percent, and in AAPI communities by 23 percent—and it will cut child poverty in half.

2. President Biden's Executive Order directing federal agencies to fully implement all federal laws that prevent discrimination on the basis of sex, to include sexual orientation and gender identity, is one of the most consequential policy actions for LGBTQ+ Americans ever signed by a U.S. President. This is a critical step in protecting so many Black, Indigenous, and women and girls of color, including Black transgender women and girls, for example, who face unconscionably high levels of workplace discrimination, homelessness, and often deadly episodes of violence.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/01/20/executive-order-preventing-and-combating-discrimination-on-basis-of-gender-identity-or-sexual-orientation/

3. In addition to these early and transformative actions, our teams have set up the infrastructure to ensure that whole-of-government approaches to equity are deeply integrated throughout the federal government—keeping in mind the specific barriers that Black, Indigenous, and other women and girls of color face every step of the way. We and our colleagues across the federal government have rolled are rolling up our sleeves—and will keep them rolled up—to eradicate hate, ensure equitable federal procurement, provide data to the public, promulgate regulations that promote fairness, and generally ensure that equity guides all of our work and results in equitable outcomes for the American people.

This Administration is committed to ensuring that we all—regardless of race, gender, or any other factor —have access to equal opportunity and equitable outcomes. Our joint work, laser-focused on equity, will move us closer to that goal.

Kalisha Dessources Figures is Special Assistant to the President for Gender Policy.

Catherine E. Lhamon is Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy Director of the Domestic Policy Council for Racial Justice and Equity.
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https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/03/29/fact-sheet-biden-administration-jumpstarts-offshore-wind-energy-projects-to-create-jobs/

FACT SHEET: Biden Administration Jumpstarts Offshore Wind Energy Projects to Create Jobs
March 29, 2021    • Statements and Releases

Interior, Energy, Commerce, and Transportation Departments Announce New Leasing, Funding, and Development Goals to Accelerate and Deploy Offshore Wind Energy and Jobs

Today, the White House convened leaders from across the Administration to announce a set of bold actions that will catalyze offshore wind energy, strengthen the domestic supply chain, and create good-paying, union jobs.

National Climate Advisor Gina McCarthy, Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg met today with state officials, industry executives, and labor leaders to announce new leasing, funding, and goals that employ President Biden's whole-of-government approach, position America to lead a clean energy revolution, and create thousands of jobs across the country with the choice to join a union.

In his first week in office, President Biden issued an Executive Order that calls on our nation to build a new American infrastructure and clean energy economy that will create millions of new jobs. In particular, the President's Order committed to expand opportunities for the offshore wind industry. The President recognizes that a thriving offshore wind industry will drive new jobs and economic opportunity up and down the Atlantic Coast, in the Gulf of Mexico, and in Pacific waters. The industry will also spawn new supply chains that stretch into America's heartland, as illustrated by the 10,000 tons of domestic steel that workers in Alabama and West Virginia are supplying to a Texas shipyard where Dominion Energy is building the Nation's first Jones Act compliant wind turbine installation vessel.

Federal leadership, in close coordination with states and in partnership with the private sector, unions and other key stakeholders, is needed to catalyze the deployment of offshore wind at scale.

Today, the Administration is taking coordinated steps to support rapid offshore wind deployment and job creation:

    1. Advance ambitious wind energy projects to create good-paying, union jobs
    2. Investing in American infrastructure to strengthen the domestic supply chain and deploy offshore wind energy
    3. Supporting critical research and development and data-sharing.

Advance Ambitious Wind Energy Projects to Create Good-Paying, Union Jobs

    - Announcing a New Wind Energy Area. The Interior Department's Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is announcing a new priority Wind Energy Area in the New York Bight—an area of shallow waters between Long Island and the New Jersey coast—which a recent study from Wood Mackenzie shows can support up to 25,000 development and construction jobs from 2022 to 2030, as well as an additional 7,000 jobs in communities supported by this development. The study indicates the New York Bight lease area also has the potential to support up to 4,000 operations and maintenance jobs annually, and approximately 2,000 community jobs, in the years following. This new Wind Energy Area is adjacent to the greater metropolitan Tri-State area— the largest metropolitan population center in the United States that is home to more than 20 million people and their energy needs. The next step is for BOEM to publish a Proposed Sale Notice, followed by a formal public comment period and a lease sale in late 2021 or early 2022.
    - Establishing a Target of Employing Tens of Thousands of Workers to Deploy 30 Gigawatts (30,000 megawatts) of Offshore Wind by 2030. The Departments of Interior (DOI), Energy (DOE), and Commerce (DOC) are announcing a shared goal to deploy 30 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind in the United States by 2030, while protecting biodiversity and promoting ocean co-use. Meeting this target will trigger more than $12 billion per year in capital investment in projects on both U.S. coasts, create tens of thousands of good-paying, union jobs, with more than 44,000 workers employed in offshore wind by 2030 and nearly 33,000 additional jobs in communities supported by offshore wind activity. It will also generate enough power to meet the demand of more than 10 million American homes for a year, and avoid 78 million metric tons of CO2 emissions.
      -- DOI action to unlock deployment potential: To position the domestic offshore wind industry to meet the 2030 target, DOI's Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) plans to advance new lease sales and complete review of at least 16 Construction and Operations Plans (COPs) by 2025, representing more than 19 GW of new clean energy for our nation.
        -- Massive supply chain benefits of deploying offshore wind energy at scale: Meeting the 2030 target will catalyze significant supply chain benefits, including new port upgrade investments totaling more than $500 million; one to two new U.S. factories for each major windfarm component including wind turbine nacelles, blades, towers, foundations, and subsea cables; additional cumulative demand of more than 7 million tons of steel—equivalent to 4 years of output for a typical U.S. steel mill; and the construction of 4 to 6 specialized turbine installation vessels in U.S. shipyards, each representing an investment between $250 and $500 million.
        -- 2050 implications of meeting the 2030 goal: Achieving this target also will unlock a pathway to 110 GW by 2050, generating 77,000 offshore wind jobs and more than 57,000 additional jobs in communities supported by offshore wind activity – all while creating further economic opportunity and ensuring future generations have access to clean air and abundant renewable power.

- Advancing critical permitting milestones for the Ocean Wind Offshore Wind Project. BOEM is announcing a Notice of Intent (NOI) to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for Ocean Wind, putting it in line to become America's third commercial scale offshore wind project. Ocean Wind has proposed an offshore wind project with a total capacity of 1,100 megawatts (MW) — enough to power 500,000 homes across New Jersey. BOEM previously announced environmental reviews for Vineyard Wind (MA) and South Fork (RI), and anticipates initiating the environmental reviews for up to ten additional projects later this year.

Investing in American Infrastructure to Strengthen the Domestic Supply Chain and Deploy Offshore Wind Energy

- Investing in Port Infrastructure to Support Offshore Wind. The U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) Maritime Administration today is announcing a Notice of Funding Opportunity for port authorities and other applicants to apply for $230 million for port and intermodal infrastructure-related projects through the Port Infrastructure Development Program. Port Infrastructure Development Grants support projects that strengthen and modernize port infrastructure, and can support shore-side wind energy projects, such as storage areas, laydown areas, and docking of wind energy vessels to load and move items to offshore wind farms. In addition to supporting our nation's long-term economic vitality, DOT's review process will consider how proposed projects can most effectively address climate change and environmental justice imperatives.

- Access to $3 billion in Debt Capital to Support Offshore Wind Industry through DOE Loan Programs Office. DOE's Loan Programs Office (LPO) released a fact sheet to facilitate access for the offshore wind industry for $3 billion in funding through LPO's Title XVII Innovative Energy Loan Guarantee Program. The fact sheet signals that LPO is open for business and ready to partner with offshore wind and offshore transmission developers, suppliers, and other financing partners to scale the U.S. offshore industry and support well-paying jobs. To date, LPO has provided $1.6 billion in support of projects totaling about 1,000 MW of onshore wind.

Supporting Critical Research and Development and Data-Sharing

    - Announcing offshore wind R&D funding through the National Offshore Wind R&D Consortium. The National Offshore Wind Research and Development Consortium (NOWRDC), created by the DOE and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), is announcing the award of $8 million to 15 offshore wind research and development projects that were selected through a competitive process. The new projects will focus on offshore support structure innovation, supply chain development, electrical systems innovation, and mitigation of use conflicts that will help reduce barriers and costs for offshore wind deployment. The NOWRDC was established in 2018 with a $20.5 million DOE investment, matching funds from NYSERDA, and with follow-on contributions from state agencies in Maryland, Virginia, Massachusetts, and Maine—all resulting in a total investment of around $47 million.
    - Partnering with Industry on Data-Sharing. The Department of Commerce's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is signing a Memorandum of Agreement with Ørsted, an offshore wind development company, to share physical and biological data in Ørsted-leased waters subject to U.S. jurisdiction. This agreement is the first of its kind between an offshore wind developer and NOAA, and paves the way for future data-sharing agreements that NOAA expects to enter into with other developers. NOAA anticipates that Ørsted's and other companies' data will fill gaps in ocean science areas—particularly in ocean mapping and observing—in service of NOAA's mission to advance climate adaptation and mitigation, weather-readiness, healthy oceans, and resilient coastal communities and economies.
    - Studying Offshore Wind Impacts. NOAA's Northeast Sea Grant programs, in partnership with DOE, DOC, and NOAA's Northeast Fisheries Science Center, is releasing a request for research proposals to support more than $1 million in grant funding to improve understanding of offshore renewable energy for the benefit of a diversity of stakeholders, including fishing and coastal communities. Grant funding will support objective community-based research in the Northeast to further understanding of the effects of offshore renewable energy on the ocean and local communities and economies as well as opportunities to optimize ocean co-use.

At today's convening, leaders from across the Administration shared their commitment to work closely with one another and with key stakeholders to deliver the economic potential presented by offshore wind energy resources.

    - National Climate Advisor Gina McCarthy: "President Biden has declared very clearly that when he thinks of climate, he thinks of people and jobs—good-paying, union jobs. That's because President Biden believes we have an enormous opportunity in front of us to not only address the threats of climate change, but use it as a chance to create millions of good-paying, union jobs that will fuel America's economic recovery, rebuild the middle class, and make sure we bounce back from the crises we face. Nowhere is the scale of that opportunity clearer than for offshore wind. This commitment to a new, untapped industry will create pathways to the middle class for people from all backgrounds and communities."
    - Secretary of Interior Deb Haaland: "For generations, we've put off the transition to clean energy and now we're facing a climate crisis. It's a crisis that doesn't discriminate – every community is facing more extreme weather and the costs associated with that. But not every community has the resources to rebuild, or even get up and relocate when a climate event happens in their backyards. The climate crisis disproportionately impacts communities of color and low-income families. As our country faces the interlocking challenges of a global pandemic, economic downturn, racial injustice, and the climate crisis – we have to transition to a brighter future for everyone."
    - Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm: "This offshore wind goal is proof of our commitment to using American ingenuity and might to invest in our nation, advance our own energy security, and combat the climate crisis," said Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. "DOE is going to marshal every resource we have to get as many American companies, using as many sheets of American steel, employing as many American workers as possible in offshore wind energy—driving economic growth from coast to coast."
    - Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo: "The Commerce Department is committed to innovative partnerships that advance the best science and data to ensure the development of offshore wind is transparent and inclusive of all stakeholders," said Secretary Raimondo. "We look forward to engaging the public and private sectors to invest in clean energy solutions, like offshore wind, that will contribute to our whole-of-government approach to combat the climate crisis and create high-paying, high-skilled American jobs."
    - Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg: "Tackling the climate crisis is vital to our nation's future," said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg. "The Biden-Harris Administration is taking actions that show how creating jobs and addressing climate change can and must go hand in hand. Today's announcement makes a critical investment in our nation's ports, which in turn builds up the resilience and sustainability of America's economy."
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https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/03/29/notice-on-the-continuation-of-the-national-emergency-with-respect-to-significant-malicious-cyber-enabled-activities/

Notice on the Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to Significant Malicious Cyber-Enabled Activities
March 29, 2021    • Presidential Actions

NOTICE

– – – – – – –

CONTINUATION OF THE NATIONAL EMERGENCY WITH RESPECT TO SIGNIFICANT MALICIOUS CYBER-ENABLED ACTIVITIES

On April 1, 2015, by Executive Order 13694, the President declared a national emergency pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) to deal with the unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States constituted by the increasing prevalence and severity of malicious cyber‑enabled activities originating from, or directed by persons located, in whole or in substantial part, outside the United States. On December 28, 2016, the President issued Executive Order 13757 to take additional steps to address the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13694.

These significant malicious cyber-enabled activities continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States. For this reason, the national emergency declared on April 1, 2015, must continue in effect beyond April 1, 2021. Therefore, in accordance with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)), I am continuing for 1 year the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13694.

This notice shall be published in the Federal Register and transmitted to the Congress.

                               JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

THE WHITE HOUSE,
March 29, 2021.
___________________________________

Notice on the Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to South Sudan
March 29, 2021    • Presidential Actions

NOTICE

– – – – – – –

CONTINUATION OF THE NATIONAL EMERGENCY WITH RESPECT TO SOUTH SUDAN

On April 3, 2014, by Executive Order 13664, the President declared a national emergency pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701-1706) to deal with the unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States constituted by the situation in and in relation to South Sudan, which has been marked by activities that threaten the peace, security, or stability of South Sudan and the surrounding region, including widespread violence and atrocities, human rights abuses, recruitment and use of child soldiers, attacks on peacekeepers, and obstruction of humanitarian operations.

     The situation in and in relation to South Sudan continues to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States. For this reason, the national emergency declared on April 3, 2014, must continue in effect beyond April 3, 2021. Therefore, in accordance with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)), I am continuing for 1 year the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13664.

     This notice shall be published in the Federal Register and transmitted to the Congress.

                                JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

THE WHITE HOUSE,
March 29, 2021.
___________________________________

US suspends all trade with Myanmar after weekend of violence against pro-democracy protesters
https://www.cnn.com/2021/03/29/politics/us-trade-suspension-myanmar/index.html

China slaps duties of up to 218% on Australian wine for 5 years
https://edition.cnn.com/2021/03/26/business/china-australia-wine/index.html

Biden says he is directing his COVID team to ensure there is a vaccine site within five miles of 90% of all Americans by April the 19, three weeks from today.
https://c-span.org/video/?510365-1/president-biden-delivers-remarks-covid-19-response-vaccinations

President Biden: "I call on every governor, mayor, and local leader to maintain and reinstate the mask mandate. Please, this is not politics. Reinstate the mandate if you let it down."
https://c-span.org/video/?510365-1/president-biden-delivers-remarks-covid-19-response-vaccinations

Biden echoes earlier warnings from CDC, saying virus could get "worse, not better" and admonishes people letting up on mitigation efforts. "We're giving up hard-fought, hard-won gains," he says.
https://c-span.org/video/?510365-1/president-biden-delivers-remarks-covid-19-response-vaccinations

Suez Canal reopens after giant cargo ship successfully refloated
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/suez-canal-ship-ever-given-partially-refloated-after-huge-effort-n1262299

Today, the CDC also announced a 90-day extension of the federal eviction moratorium. The news was out earlier today. The moratorium was scheduled to expire on March 31st and is now extended through June 30th. The President is committed to supporting renters and small landl-rds through the COVID-19 crisis.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/press-briefings/2021/03/29/press-briefing-by-press-secretary-jen-psaki-march-29-2021/

Today, the White House convened leaders from across the administration and is taking coordinated steps to announce a set of bold actions that will catalyze offshore wind energy and create good-paying union jobs. The President recognizes that a thriving offshore wind industry will drive new jobs and economic opportunity up and down the Atlantic Coast, in the Gulf of Mexico, and in Pacific waters. We just released a factsheet on this announcement — pretty detailed. The Department of Interior — Interior, Energy, and Commerce announced a shared goal to deploy 30 gigawatts of offshore wind in the United States by 2030, while protecting biodiversity and protecting ocean co-use. Meeting this target will trigger more than $12 billion per year in capital investment in projects on both U.S. coasts, create tens of thousands of good-paying union jobs with more than 44,000 workers employed in offshore wind by 2030, and nearly 33,000 additional jobs in communities supported by offshore wind activity. It will also generate enough power to meet the demand of more than 10 million American homes and avoid 78 million metric tons of carbon emissions. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Treasury's Maritime Administration today is announcing a Notice of Funding Opportunity for port authorities and other applicants to apply for $230 million for port and intermodal infrastructure-related projects through the Port Infrastructure Development Program.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/press-briefings/2021/03/29/press-briefing-by-press-secretary-jen-psaki-march-29-2021/

Last item is, I have a — some — an update for you on the flooding that has occurred in the Tennessee Valley. The Department of Homeland Security and media sources report four fatalities and over 150 rescued in the Tennessee Valley as heavy rainfall swamped the area, flooding homes and roads, including parts of Nashville. The President and the White House continue to monitor the situation very closely and stand at the ready, should any federal — federal assistance be requested or required. At this time, no request for federal assistance have come in.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/press-briefings/2021/03/29/press-briefing-by-press-secretary-jen-psaki-march-29-2021/

Q    I want to talk about George Floyd. Will the President be watching or receiving updates on Derek Chauvin's trial today? And has he been in touch with George Floyd's family in the lead-up to trial?
MS. PSAKI: Well, he certainly will be watching closely, as Americans across the country will be watching. You know, at the time of George Floyd's death, he talked about this as being an event that really opened up a wound in the American public, and it really brought to light for a lot of people in this country just the kind of racial injustice and inequality that many communities are experiencing every single day. And he'll be watching it closely. He'll certainly be provided updates. Obviously, this is a trial that's working its way through a law enforcement — or a legal process, so we wouldn't weigh in further than that. But these were events that, at the time, he spoke about as being just a reminder of also the need to — and it certainly impacted how he's thought about, in his own government, making equity central to what we do, instituting and putting in place — racial injustice and addressing racial injustice as a priority — one of the key crises that he believes he is facing and we are all facing as a country. So it will continue to be central to what we do, and he will of course be watching the trial closely.
Q    And has he spoken to the family of George Floyd in the lead-up to the trial?
MS. PSAKI: Not — I don't have any calls to read out. He obviously spoke to them — or not "obviously." For those of you who didn't follow this closely, he did speak to them last spring, and spoke at the time and commented at the time about their grace. And I know he conveyed that, and he was just impressed by their courage, and he continues to believe that. Q    You said it redoubled his commitment to advancing racial justice in this country. He also committed to creating this national police oversight commission during his first 100 days in office. Has that been created yet? Is that still on track to being created?
MS. PSAKI: Well, we're encouraged, first, by the interest and engagement by members of the House and Senate in the George Floyd bill, which is making progress, and there's discussions that are active at this point in time. That's really where our focus is going to be at this moment. We believe that — and he believes, I should say — that it is imperative to put in place — in order to rebuild trust among communities, that there needs to be accountability and there needs to be systems in place to ensure that — and laws changed to ensure that that can be carried out. So that is where our focus is. The President supports that piece of legislation. And we're hopeful that he will be able to — he will receive a landmark reform bill on his desk.
Q    So will the commission still be established in his first 100 days in office?
MS. PSAKI: I don't have any update on it other than to convey that this bill is an opportunity to put in place a number of the actions that — that he, that many in the advocacy community feel are imperative at this point in our country's history.
Q    So it's still kind of an open question here. No firm commitment to —
MS. PSAKI: I don't have any update on the timeline, but I think what's important to note is that the George Floyd bill, which would put in place and make law a number of the accountability measures and actions that he and so many who watched these events in horror feel are imperative at our — this point our country.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/press-briefings/2021/03/29/press-briefing-by-press-secretary-jen-psaki-march-29-2021/

Q    And just one more thing. On Friday, the White House announced that it was nominating Gayle Manchin, Senator Joe Manchin's wife, for the job of federal co-chair of the Appalachian Regional Commission. This is a group responsible for steering millions of dollars in states like West Virginia. That nomination came as a surprise to some people on the Hill, and I'm wondering if you could talk a little bit about the process and how the White House settled on Gayle Manchin for that job, and what type of input Senator Manchin had on that.
MS. PSAKI: I'll have to follow up with our personnel team on the exact process there, but we can do that for you after the briefing.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/press-briefings/2021/03/29/press-briefing-by-press-secretary-jen-psaki-march-29-2021/

MS. PSAKI: Sure. Let me — let me give you a reaction and also — because we haven't talked about this that much in here recently — an update on some of our recent actions. We're deeply concerned by the recent escalation of violence against peaceful protestors in Burma. Burmese security forces are responsible for hundreds of deaths in Burma since they perpet- — perpetrated a coup on February 1st. We condemn this abhorrent violence against the Burmese people. The Burm- — the Burmese junta continues to use lethal force against its own people. Last week's killing of children is just the most recent example of the horrific nature of the violence perpetrated by the military regime. We continue to make clear that we will impose costs on the military regime for the deadly violence against peaceful protestors and the suppression of human rights. Today, USTR announced the suspension of all U.S. engagement with Burma under the 2013 Trade and Investment Framework Agreement, effective immediately. This suspension will remain in effect until the return of democratically elected government. Additionally, the sanctions on military-owned holding companies, MEC and MEHL, were — we announced last week are the most significant action since the February 1st coup to impose costs on the military regime. We've also announced a number of actions by the Department of Commerce: new export controls on Burma, and added four Burmese entities to the entity list in response to the military coup and violent crackdowns. We, of course, continue to work with our allies and partners and like-minded institutions as we condemn the actions of the military, call for the immediate restoration of democracy, and hold those who seize power accountable.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/press-briefings/2021/03/29/press-briefing-by-press-secretary-jen-psaki-march-29-2021/

Q    — on Ethiopia. Senator Coons recently traveled to Addis on behalf of the President. Since then, we've seen Prime Minister Abiy announce plans for the withdrawal of Eritrean troops from Tigray. Do you have some reaction on that? And is that something that President Biden was demanding?
MS. PSAKI: Well, first, we are grateful to Senator Coons for traveling to Ethiopia on behalf of President Biden. We appreciate the time and the deliberation of the president — the Prime Minister, I should say. We're encouraged by the Prime Minister's announcement that the government of the State of Eritrea has agreed to withdraw its forces from Ethiopia. The immediate and complete withdrawal of Eritrean troops from Tigray will be an important step in deescalating the conflict and restoring regional peace and stability.n We hope both governments will make good on this commitment on the ground urgently. Certainly it was a part of the discussion that Senator Coons traveled there to communicate about.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/press-briefings/2021/03/29/press-briefing-by-press-secretary-jen-psaki-march-29-2021/

Q    Thanks. So the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy announced this formation of a task force to investigate past tampering with science decisions in the White House. And I'm wondering: What was sort of the thinking behind forming that taskforce, and what do you guys hope to find or accomplish with it?
MS. PSAKI: Well, the President issued a memorandum on Scientific Integrity and Evidence-Based Policymaking, directing agencies "to make evidence-based decisions guided by the best available science and data." And so, this task force will be taking the whole-of-government approach to reinstate science across federal agencies and ensure that it is part of how decision making is made. They're going to examine policies that were antithetical to that mission over the last four years, and also look ahead and ensure it's integrated as we move forward. We're just starting — we're just inaugurating that process. And it's just as — evidence that the President believes that scientific integrity matters and it should be central to how we approach governing.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/press-briefings/2021/03/29/press-briefing-by-press-secretary-jen-psaki-march-29-2021/

DeSantis says here that he will endeavor to forbid *private sector* from requiring proof of vaccination from customers. He specifically mentions movie theatres, sports, and theme parks as venues he would prohibit from protecting the safety of employees and other customers. The anti-vaccine-passport is not a pro-liberty movement. It's an attempt to police and control how businesses ensure the safety of their premises - all for the benefit of a subset of a population who wish to use the property of others without regard to the health of others.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1376622116234162179

Lin Wood is running for chairman of the South Carolina Republican State party just a few months after moving to the state from Georgia. He's running against incumbent chairman Drew McKissick, who already has Donald Trump's endorsement.
https://www.postandcourier.com/politics/pro-trump-attorney-lin-wood-running-for-s-c-gop-chairman-against-trump-backed-incumbent/article_ca3f1dcc-9093-11eb-900a-0b67e9bfae34.html

The opening bid from leftists is a $1M per person exemption from cap gains taxes at death -- putting numbers on an idea Biden endorsed last year. Hard to see that number going down as this goes through Congress.
https://www.wsj.com/amp/articles/senate-democrats-push-for-capital-gains-tax-at-death-with-1-million-exemption-11617046200

A guy accused of storming the Capitol on Jan. 6 was wearing a t-shirt with Donald Trump's picture that said "Take America Back" and "I Was There, Washington D.C., January 6, 2021" when the FBI came to arrest him.
https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-donald-trump-dallas-media-arrests-b393f63484444463a459aa6998a78a7f

And now, yet another 43 seconds more: Former officer knelt on George Floyd for 9 minutes and 29 seconds -- not the infamous 8:46
https://www.cnn.com/2021/03/29/us/george-floyd-timing-929-846/index.html

_______________________________

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/03/29/statement-by-nsc-spokesperson-emily-horne-on-national-security-advisor-jake-sullivans-call-with-head-of-presidential-office-andriy-yermak-of-ukraine/

Statement by NSC Spokesperson Emily Horne on National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's Call with Head of Presidential Office Andriy Yermak of Ukraine
March 29, 2021 • Statements and Releases

National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan spoke by phone today with Head of Presidential Office Andriy Yermak of Ukraine. Mr. Sullivan affirmed the United States' unwavering support for Ukraine's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and Euro-Atlantic aspirations, in the face of continuing aggression. He also relayed the Biden Administration's commitment to revitalize our strategic partnership in support of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's plan to tackle corruption and implement a reform agenda that delivers justice, security, and prosperity to the people of Ukraine.
_______________________________

https://www.newyorker.com/news/news-desk/inside-the-koch-backed-effort-to-block-the-largest-election-reform-bill-in-half-a-century

Inside the Koch-Backed Effort to Block the Largest Election-Reform Bill in Half a Century

On a leaked conference call, leaders of dark-money groups and an aide to Mitch McConnell expressed frustration with the popularity of the legislation—even among Republican voters

By Jane Mayer
March 29, 2021

In public, Republicans have denounced Democrats' ambitious electoral-reform bill, the For the People Act, as an unpopular partisan ploy. In a contentious Senate committee hearing last week, Senator Ted Cruz, of Texas, slammed the proposal, which aims to expand voting rights and curb the influence of money in politics, as "a brazen and shameless power grab by Democrats." But behind closed doors Republicans speak differently about the legislation, which is also known as House Resolution 1 and Senate Bill 1. They admit the lesser-known provisions in the bill that limit secret campaign spending are overwhelmingly popular across the political spectrum. In private, they concede their own polling shows that no message they can devise effectively counters the argument that billionaires should be prevented from buying elections.

https://www.newyorker.com/news/current/with-hr-1-democrats-announce-a-new-program-for-electoral-reform

A recording obtained by The New Yorker of a private conference call on January 8th, between a policy adviser to Senator Mitch McConnell and the leaders of several prominent conservative groups—including one run by the Koch brothers' network—reveals the participants' worry that the proposed election reforms garner wide support not just from liberals but from conservative voters, too. The speakers on the call expressed alarm at the broad popularity of the bill's provision calling for more public disclosure about secret political donors. The participants conceded that the bill, which would stem the flow of dark money from such political donors as the billionaire oil magnate Charles Koch, was so popular that it wasn't worth trying to mount a public-advocacy campaign to shift opinion. Instead, a senior Koch operative said that opponents would be better off ignoring the will of American voters and trying to kill the bill in Congress.

As a result, McKenzie conceded, the legislation's opponents would likely have to rely on Republicans in the Senate, where the bill is now under debate, to use "under-the-dome-type strategies"—meaning legislative maneuvers beneath Congress's roof, such as the filibuster—to stop the bill, because turning public opinion against it would be "incredibly difficult." He warned that the worst thing conservatives could do would be to try to "engage with the other side" on the argument that the legislation "stops billionaires from buying elections." McKenzie admitted, "Unfortunately, we've found that that is a winning message, for both the general public and also conservatives." He said that when his group tested "tons of other" arguments in support of the bill, the one condemning billionaires buying elections was the most persuasive—people "found that to be most convincing, and it riled them up the most."

https://www.newyorker.com/news/our-columnists/examining-the-case-against-the-filibuster

McKenzie explained that the Koch-founded group had invested substantial resources "to see if we could find any message that would activate and persuade conservatives on this issue." He related that "an A.O.C. message we tested"—one claiming that the bill might help Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez achieve her goal of holding "people in the Trump Administration accountable" by identifying big donors—helped somewhat with conservatives. But McKenzie admitted that the link was tenuous, since "what she means by this is unclear." "Sadly," he added, not even attaching the phrase "cancel culture" to the bill, by portraying it as silencing conservative voices, had worked. "It really ranked at the bottom," McKenzie said to the group. "That was definitely a little concerning for us."

Gretchen Reiter, the senior vice-president of communications for Stand Together, declined to respond to questions about the conference call or the Koch group's research showing the robust popularity of the proposed election reforms. In an e-mailed statement, she said, "Defending civil liberties requires more than a sound bite," and added that the group opposes the bill because "a third of it restricts First Amendment rights." She included a link to an op-ed written by a member of Americans for Prosperity, another Koch-affiliated advocacy group, which argues that the legislation violates donors' freedom of expression by requiring the disclosure of the names of those who contribute ten thousand dollars or more to nonprofit groups involved in election spending. Such transparency, the op-ed suggests, could subject donors who prefer to remain anonymous to retaliation or harassment.

The State Policy Network, a confederation of right-wing think tanks with affiliates in every state, convened the conference call days after the Democrats' twin victories in the Senate runoffs in Georgia, which meant that the Party had won the White House and majorities in both houses of Congress, making it likely that the For the People Act would move forward. Participants included Heather Lauer, the executive director of People United for Privacy, a conservative group fighting to keep nonprofit donors' identities secret, and Grover Norquist, the founder and president of Americans for Tax Reform, who expressed alarm at the damage that the disclosure provisions could do. "The left is not stupid, they're evil," he warned. "They know what they're doing. They have correctly decided that this is the way to disable the freedom movement."

Coordinating directly with the right-wing policy groups, which define themselves as nonpartisan for tax purposes, were two top Republican congressional staffers: Caleb Hays, the general counsel to the Republicans on the House Administration Committee, and Steve Donaldson, a policy adviser to McConnell. "When it comes to donor privacy, I can't stress enough how quickly things could get out of hand," Donaldson said, indicating McConnell's concern about the effects that disclosure requirements would have on fund-raising. Donaldson added, "We have to hold our people together," and predicted that the fight is "going to be a long one. It's going to be a messy one." But he insisted that McConnell was "not going to back down." Neither Donaldson nor Hays responded to requests for comment. David Popp, a spokesperson for McConnell, said, "We don't comment on private meetings."

Nick Surgey, the executive director of Documented, a progressive watchdog group that investigates corporate money in politics, told me it made sense that McConnell's staffer was on the call, because the proposed legislation "poses a very real threat to McConnell's source of power within the Republican Party, which has always been fund-raising." Nonetheless, he said that the close coördination on messaging and tactics between the Republican leadership and technically nonpartisan outside-advocacy groups was "surprising to see."

The proposed legislation, which the House of Representatives passed on March 3rd, largely along party lines, has been described by the Times as "the most substantial expansion of voting rights in a half-century." It would transform the way that Americans vote by mandating automatic national voter registration, expanding voting by mail, and transferring the decennial project of redrawing—and often gerrymandering—congressional districts from the control of political parties to nonpartisan experts. Given the extraordinary attempts by Donald Trump and his supporters to undermine the 2020 election, and Republicans' ongoing efforts to deter Democratic constituencies from voting, it is the bill's sweeping voting-rights provisions that have drawn the most media attention. During his first press conference, last week, President Joe Biden backed the bill, calling Republican efforts to undermine voting rights "sick" and "un-American." He declared, "We've got to prove democracy works."

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/24/us/politics/democrats-voting-rights.html

But as the State Policy Network's conference call demonstrated, some of the less noticed provisions in the eight-hundred-plus-page bill are particularly worrisome to conservative operatives. Both parties have relied on wealthy anonymous donors, but the vast majority of dark money from undisclosed sources over the past decade has supported conservative causes and candidates. Democrats, however, are catching up. In 2020, for the first time in any Presidential election, liberal dark-money groups far outspent their conservative counterparts, according to the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics, which tracks campaign spending. Nonetheless, Democrats, unlike Republicans, have pushed for reforms that would shut off the dark-money spigot.

The Supreme Court's Citizens United decision, from 2010, opened up scores of loopholes that have enabled wealthy donors and businesses to covertly buy political influence. Money is often donated through nonprofit corporations, described as "social welfare" organizations, which don't publicly disclose their donors. These dark-money groups can spend a limited percentage of their funds directly on electoral politics. They also can contribute funds to political-action committees, creating a daisy chain of groups giving to one another. This makes it virtually impossible to identify the original source of funding. The result has been a cascade of anonymous cash flooding into American elections.

The nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics reports that in the 2020 federal election cycle more than a billion dollars was spent by dark-money groups that masked the identity of their donors. Of that total, more than six hundred and fifty-four million dollars came from just fifteen groups. The top spender was One Nation, a dark-money social-welfare group tied to McConnell. The For the People Act requires greater disclosure of the identities of donors who pay for election ads—including those released on digital platforms, which currently fall outside of such legal scrutiny. It also requires that donors who give ten thousand dollars or more to social-welfare groups be identified, if that donation is spent to sway elections. Donors who fund non-election-oriented activities by such groups can remain anonymous. And, notably, the legislation calls for the disclosure, for the first time, of large donors trying to exert control over the selection of judicial nominees. This provision appears to target groups such as the Judicial Crisis Network, on the right, and Demand Justice, on the left, which have mounted multimillion-dollar public-advocacy campaigns to influence the confirmation of Supreme Court nominees.

Brendan Fischer, a campaign-finance-reform advocate in favor of the legislation, said that the conference call showed that "wealthy special interests are working hard to protect a broken status quo, where billionaires and corporations are free to secretly buy influence." After listening to the recording, Fischer, who directs the Campaign Legal Center's Federal Reform Program, added that it exposed "the reality that cracking down on political corruption and ending dark money is popular with voters across the political spectrum."

On the call, McKenzie, the Koch operative, cited one "ray of hope" in the fight against the reforms, noting that his research found that the most effective message was arguing that a politically "diverse coalition of groups opposed" the bill, including the American Civil Liberties Union. "In our message example that we used, we used the example of A.C.L.U., Planned Parenthood, and conservative organizations backed by Charles Koch as an example of groups that oppose H.R. 1," he said. "I think, you know, when you put that in front of people . . . they're, like, 'Oh, conservatives and some liberal groups all oppose this, like, I should maybe think about this more. You know, there must be bigger implications to this if these groups are all coming together on it.' "

However, that test message was inaccurate. Planned Parenthood does not oppose the For the People Act. It is, in fact, on a list of organizations giving the legislation their full backing. And the A.C.L.U. supports almost all of the expansions of voting rights contained in the bill, although it has sided with the Koch groups and other conservative organizations in arguing that donors to nonprofit groups could be harassed if their names are disclosed. Advocates for greater transparency in political spending argue that there is no serious evidence of any such harassment. Asked if she could cite any examples, Kate Ruane, a senior legislative counsel at the A.C.L.U., said that the only one she knew about was atypical—the online backlash experienced by the actor Mila Kunis, after she had made a donation to a pro-abortion group in the name of Mike Pence, a staunch opponent of abortion rights.

With so little public support, the bill's opponents have already begun pressuring individual senators. On March 20th, several major conservative groups, including Heritage Action, Tea Party Patriots Action, Freedom Works, and the local and national branches of the Family Research Council, organized a rally in West Virginia to get Senator Joe Manchin, the conservative Democrat, to come out against the legislation. They also pushed Manchin to oppose any efforts by Democrats to abolish the Senate's filibuster rule, a tactical step that the Party would probably need to take in order to pass the bill. "The filibuster is really the only thing standing in the way of progressive far-left policies like H.R. 1, which is Pelosi's campaign to take over America's elections," Noah Weinrich, the press secretary at Heritage Action, declared during a West Virginia radio interview. On Thursday, Manchin issued a statement warning Democrats that forcing the measure through the Senate would "only exacerbate the distrust that millions of Americans harbor against the U.S. government."

https://www.politico.com/news/2021/03/25/manchin-voting-rights-compromise-477976

Pressure tactics from dark-money groups may work on individual lawmakers. The legislation faces an uphill fight in the Senate. But, as the January 8th conference call shows, opponents of the legislation have resorted to "under-the-dome-type strategies" because the broad public is against them when it comes to billionaires buying elections.
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HR1 stops billionaires from buying elections: He warned that the worst thing conservatives could do would be to try to "engage with the other side" on the argument that the legislation "stops billionaires from buying elections."
https://www.newyorker.com/news/news-desk/inside-the-koch-backed-effort-to-block-the-largest-election-reform-bill-in-half-a-century

Draymond Green from the logo
https://streamable.com/c4603c

Evan Fournier finishes the game 0-10 from the field in his Celtics debut

Steph Curry temporarily loses his dribble, recovers, and pulls off a globetrotter-esque move on the way to a bucket
https://streamable.com/n8b6up

Brandon Ingram drills a deep stepback in Tatum's face to put the Pels up 5 late
https://streamable.com/z4dk6y

John "Tank Commander" Wall scores 9 points on 2-12 shooting and 1-5 from 3, he also adds on 3 rebounds and 8 assists(4 TO's). He has only shot over 50% from the field twice since january 6th.

James Harden tonight: 38/11/13 on 11-25 shooting, 4-8 from three, and 12-13 at the line

Rudy Gobert in a blowout win over the Cavaliers: 18 points on 5/8 shooting (8/10 from the FT line), 17 rebounds, 4 blocks, 2 steals, and a +/- of +38

Donovan Mitchell in 10 games since the All-Star break: 29/4/6 on 50/46/89 shooting splits. The Jazz are a league best 8-2 in their last 10 games.

Ja Morant with a ridiculous circus shot
https://streamable.com/0hkv84

The Los Angeles Clippers (32-16) defeat the Milwaukee Bucks (29-17), 129 - 105

Steph shows off his handles and loses Vucevic for the and-1
https://streamable.com/xof8tf

Clippers announcers noticed that Giannis Antetokounmpo seems to frequently commit a 10 second violation at the free throw line. After counting the seconds during his next trip to the line their suspicions were confirmed
https://twitter.com/EAisascam23/status/1376748822462877698

Luke Kennard hits back-to-back-to-back triples to push the Clippers lead out to 14
https://streamable.com/q1cgua

Wiseman with the rejection
https://streamable.com/4tjodd

The Miami Heat (23-24) defeat the New York Knicks (24-23), 98-88 and snap their 6-game losing streak

Tyrese Haliburton throws the behind the back pass to whichever King wants to grab it, Harkless splashes the three.
https://streamable.com/hn78cf

Rudy Gobert picks up Garland at the 3-point line and swats his layup attempt
https://streamable.com/o76z4q

Kennard continues to cook the Bucks with a deep 3 over Holiday
https://streamable.com/uukpv2

Daniel Theis throws it down
https://streamable.com/18jacy

The Sacramento Kings (22-25) defeat the San Antonio Spurs (23-21), 132 - 115Post Game Thread

Batum chases down DiVincenzo for the block
https://streamable.com/8p3kvh

Saddiq Bey-sically hits one from the logo
https://streamable.com/h8f1a2

Batum gets up for the putback dunk and Mann is shook
https://streamable.com/asr6ks

The Detroit Pistons (13-33) defeat the Toronto Raptors (18-29), 118 - 104

John Wall (and Kevin Love....) one of the worst contracts in sports history w

Richuan Holmes in a win against the Spurs. 23/12/3 on 8/11 shooting with 1 steal, 3 blocks and a +20.

Giannis with the monster extension and block on Zubac
https://streamable.com/d0ruf3

Karl-Anthony Towns 31 points 12 rebounds 5 assists 3 blocks vs. Brooklyn Nets

Jeff Teague last 11 games: 9.6 PPG in only 20 minutes on 62/56/77 shooting splits (73.5% TS).

Minnesota attorney fined $10,000 for bamboozling voters into suing Democrats over 2020 election. Susan Shogren Smith filed complaints against Democratic candidates including Ilhan Omar and lost and has now been fined.
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/susan-shogren-smith-2020-election-b1824050.html

________________________________

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/03/30/president-biden-announces-intent-to-nominate-11-judicial-candidates/

President Biden Announces Intent to Nominate 11 Judicial Candidates
March 30, 2021 • Statements and Releases

WASHINGTON – President Biden today announced his intent to nominate 10 individuals to serve as Federal Circuit and District Court judges, and one individual to serve as a Superior Court Judge for the District of Columbia. These highly-qualified candidates reflect the President's deeply-held conviction that the federal bench should reflect the full diversity of the American people – both in background and in professional experience.

These nominees consist of attorneys who have excelled in the legal field in a wide range of positions, including as renowned jurists, public defenders, prosecutors, in the private sector, in the military, and as public servants at all levels of government.

This group also includes groundbreaking nominees, including three African American women chosen for Circuit Court vacancies, as well as candidates who, if confirmed, would be the first Muslim American federal judge in U.S. history, the first AAPI woman to ever serve on the U.S. District Court for the District of D.C., and the first woman of color to ever serve as a federal judge for the District of Maryland.

President Biden has had a career-long commitment to the strength of the federal judiciary, and that is reflected in the historically fast pace at which he has moved to fill vacancies on the federal bench. The intent to nominate 11 individuals today is faster than any President in modern history. With respect to Circuit and District Courts, none of the last four administrations had nominated more than two candidates by this point in their presidency.

Statement from President Joseph R. Biden, Jr.:

"This trailblazing slate of nominees draws from the very best and brightest minds of the American legal profession. Each is deeply qualified and prepared to deliver justice faithfully under our Constitution and impartially to the American people — and together they represent the broad diversity of background, experience, and perspective that makes our nation strong."

JUDICIAL NOMINEES:

Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson: Nominee for the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit

Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson has served on the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia since 2013. Prior to joining the federal bench, Judge Jackson served as a Vice Chair of the United States Sentencing Commission beginning in 2010.

Judge Jackson began her legal career as a law clerk for Judge Patti Saris on the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts from 1996 to 1997 and then for Judge Bruce Selya on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit from 1997 to 1998. She was an associate at Miller, Cassidy, Larroca & Lewin LLP from 1998 to 1999. She clerked for Justice Stephen Breyer of the Supreme Court of the United States from 1999 to 2000. Judge Jackson was an associate at Goodwin Proctor LLP in Boston, Massachusetts from 2000 to 2002 and an associate at Feinberg Rozen, LLP (formerly The Feinberg Group, LLP) in Washington, D.C. from 2002 to 2003.

From 2003 to 2005, Judge Jackson served as an Assistant Special Counsel for the United States Sentencing Commission, and from 2005 to 2007, Judge Jackson served as an Assistant Federal Public Defender in Washington, D.C. From 2007 to 2010, Judge Jackson was of counsel at Morrison & Foerster LLP where her practice focused on criminal and civil appellate litigation in both state and federal courts, as well as cases in the Supreme Court.

Judge Jackson received her J.D., cum laude, from Harvard Law School in 1996. She received an A.B., magna cum laude, from Harvard College in 1992.

Tiffany Cunningham: Nominee for the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit

Tiffany P. Cunningham has been a partner at Perkins Coie LLP in Chicago, Illinois since 2014. She is a member of the Patent Litigation practice and serves on the 17-member Executive Committee of the firm. Ms. Cunningham serves as trial and appellate counsel for large multinational companies, as well as small enterprises, and individuals in complex patent and trade secret disputes.

Ms. Cunningham is a registered patent attorney before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. From 2002 to 2014, she worked in the Chicago office of Kirkland & Ellis LLP as an associate until she was elevated to partner in 2007. Ms. Cunningham began her legal career as a law clerk to Judge Timothy B. Dyk on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit from 2001 to 2002. Ms. Cunningham received her J.D. from Harvard Law School in 2001 and her S.B. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1998.

Candace Jackson-Akiwumi: Nominee for the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit

Candace Jackson-Akiwumi is a partner at Zuckerman Spaeder, LLP in Washington, D.C., where she focuses on complex civil litigation, white collar criminal defense, and investigations. From 2010 to 2020, Ms. Jackson-Akiwumi worked as a staff attorney at the Federal Defender Program in the Northern District of Illinois. Ms. Jackson-Akiwumi represented more than 400 indigent clients accused of federal crimes at every stage of the process, from investigation to trial, sentencing, and appeal.

Ms. Jackson-Akiwumi began her legal career as a law clerk to Judge David H. Coar on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois from 2005 to 2006, and then for Judge Roger Gregory on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit from 2006 to 2007. Ms. Jackson-Akiwumi was a litigation associate at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP in Chicago, Illinois from 2007 to 2010.

Ms. Jackson-Akiwumi received her A.B., with honors, from Princeton University in 2000, and her J.D. from Yale Law School in 2005.

Judge Deborah Boardman: Nominee for the United States District Court for the District of Maryland

Deborah Boardman is a United States Magistrate Judge for the United States District Court for the District of Maryland, a position she was appointed to in 2019.

From 2008 to 2019, Judge Boardman served at the Federal Public Defender's Office for the District of Maryland, including four years as the First Assistant Federal Public Defender. From 2001 to 2008, Judge Boardman worked as an associate at Hogan & Hartson (now Hogan Lovells) in Washington, D.C., where she was selected to serve as the senior associate in the firm's pro bono department. Judge Boardman began her career as a law clerk for Judge James C. Cacheris of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia from 2000 to 2001.

Judge Boardman, who was born and raised in Maryland, received her J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law in 2000. After graduating with her B.A., summa cum laude from Villanova University in 1996, Judge Boardman was a Fulbright Scholar in Amman, Jordan.

Judge Lydia Griggsby: Nominee for the United States District Court for the District of Maryland

Judge Lydia Griggsby has served as a Judge on the U.S. Court of Federal Claims since 2014. Prior to her appointment, Judge Griggsby was Chief Counsel for Privacy and Information Policy and Privacy Counsel for Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, from 2005 to 2014. Prior to that, she was a counsel on the Senate Select Committee on Ethics from 2004 to 2005.

Judge Griggsby served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney, practicing in the Civil Division, for the U.S. Attorney's Office in the District of Columbia from 1998 to 2004. She was a trial attorney in the Commercial Litigation Branch in the Civil Division of the U.S. Department of Justice from 1995 to 1998. Judge Griggsby began her legal career as an associate with DLA Piper in Baltimore, Maryland from 1993 to 1995.

Judge Griggsby received her J.D. from the Georgetown University Law Center in 1993 and her B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania in 1990. She was born in Baltimore and lives in Silver Spring, Maryland.

Julien Neals: Nominee for the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey

Julien Neals is County Counsel and Acting County Administrator for Bergen County, New Jersey. He became county counsel in January 2015 and has served as Acting County Administrator since June 2016. Mr. Neals served in various positions in the Newark, New Jersey city government between 2006 and 2014, including as Business Administrator from 2010 to 2014, Corporation Counsel from 2008 to 2010, and Chief Judge of the Municipal Court from 2006 to 2008. He was a partner at the Secaucus, New Jersey, law firm of Chasan Leyner & Lamparello from 1992 to 2006 and from 2014 to 2015. Mr. Neals began his legal career as a clerk for Judge Seymour Margulies on the New Jersey Superior Court.

A native of Newark, Mr. Neals received his J.D. from Emory University School of Law in 1991 and his B.A. from Morehouse College in 1986.

Judge Florence Y. Pan: Nominee for the United States District Court for the District of Columbia

Judge Florence Y. Pan has served as an Associate Judge on the Superior Court for the District of Columbia since 2009. Prior to joining the court, from 1999 to 2009, she served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia, where she also served as Deputy Chief of the Appellate Division from 2007 to 2009. From 1998 to 1999, she worked at the United States Department of Treasury, first as a Senior Advisor to the Assistant Secretary for Financial Markets in 1998 and then as a Senior Advisor to the Undersecretary for Domestic Finance in 1999.

Judge Pan worked for the U.S. Department of Justice from 1995 to 1998, during which time she was a Bristow Fellow in the Office of the Solicitor General from 1995 to 1996 and an attorney in the Appellate Section of the Criminal Division from 1996 to 1998. From 1994 to 1995, she served as a law clerk for Judge Ralph K. Winter, Jr., of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. Judge Pan began her legal career as a law clerk for Judge Michael B. Mukasey of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York from 1993 to 1994. She received her J.D. with distinction from Stanford Law School in 1993 and her B.A. and B.S., summa cum laude, from the University of Pennsylvania in 1988.

Judge Zahid N. Quraishi: Nominee for the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey

Zahid Quraishi is a United States Magistrate Judge for the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, a position he was appointed to in 2019.

Prior to his appointment, Judge Quraishi was a partner at Riker Danzig where he chaired the firm's White Collar Criminal Defense and Investigations Group and served as his firm's first Chief Diversity Officer. Before joining Riker Danzig, Judge Quraishi served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of New Jersey from 2008 to 2013. Prior to joining the U.S. Attorney's office, Judge Quraishi served as an assistant chief counsel at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. He also served as a military prosecutor and achieved the rank of Captain in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General's Corps, deploying to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2004 and 2006. Earlier in his career, Judge Quraishi worked in private practice and clerked for Judge Edwin H. Stern, of the Superior Court of New Jersey, Appellate Division, from 2000 to 2001.

Judge Quraishi received his J.D. in 2000 from Rutgers Law School – Newark and his B.A. in 1997 from John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

Regina Rodriguez: Nominee for the United States District Court for the District of Colorado

Regina Rodriguez has been a partner at Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP in Denver, Colorado since 2019. She is the Co-Chair of the Trial Practice and handles cases involving complex litigation and government investigations. From 2016 to 2019, she was a partner in the Denver, Colorado office of Hogan Lovells US LLP. From 2002 to 2016, Ms. Rodriguez worked in the Denver office of Faegre & Benson LLP (now Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP) as a special counsel until she was elevated to partner in 2005.

She served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Colorado from 1995 to 2002, during which time she served as the Deputy Chief of the Civil Division from 1998 to 1999 and as Chief of the Civil Division from 1999 to 2002. In addition, from 1997 to 1998, Ms. Rodriguez served a four-month detail as Deputy Senior Counsel for Alternative Dispute Resolution in the U.S. Department of Justice. She began her legal career as an associate in the Denver law firm of Cooper & Kelly, P.C. (now defunct) from 1988 to 1995. Ms. Rodriguez received her J.D. from the University of Colorado School of Law in 1988 and her B.S., with honors, from the University of Iowa in 1985.

Margaret Strickland: Nominee for the United States District Court for the District of New Mexico

Margaret Strickland has been a named partner at McGraw & Strickland LLC in Las Cruces, New Mexico since 2011. She represents clients in both civil rights cases and criminal cases in both state and federal courts in New Mexico. She has represented clients in more than 70 criminal jury trials, and she has also argued before the New Mexico Supreme Court and the New Mexico Court of Appeals. From 2017 to 2019, she served as President of the New Mexico Criminal Defense Lawyers Association. Ms. Strickland started her career at the Law Offices of the Public Defender for the State of New Mexico from 2006 to 2011. She received her J.D. from New York University School of Law in 2006 and her B.A. from the University of Texas at El Paso in 2003.

Judge Rupa Ranga Puttagunta: Nominee for the Superior Court of the District of Columbia

Judge Rupa Ranga Puttagunta currently serves as an Administrative Judge for the D.C. Rental Housing Commission. Prior to joining the Commission in 2019, Judge Puttagunta was a solo practitioner from 2013 to 2019, representing indigent criminal defendants in trial and on appeal. Before opening her own practice, Judge Puttagunta practiced family and appellate law at Delaney McKinney, LLP from 2012 to 2013. While working on domestic relations matters in private practice, Judge Puttagunta also provided hundreds of hours of pro bono legal services by volunteering at D.C. Superior Court's Family Court Self-Help Center and Attorney Negotiator Program and representing victims of domestic violence in D.C. Superior Court. Judge Puttagunta began her legal career as a law clerk for Judge William M. Jackson of the D.C. Superior Court from 2008 to 2010, as well as the Senior Judges of the D.C. Court of Appeals from 2010 to 2011. Judge Puttagunta received her J.D. from Ohio State Moritz College of Law in 2007 and her B.A. from Vassar College in 2002.

###
________________________________

Biden DOE cancels student debt for borrowers with disabilities - and ended a rule requiring 230,000 to submit paperwork to qualify.
https://www.businessinsider.com/biden-education-department-cancels-student-debt-borrowers-disabilities-paperwork-cardona-2021-3

Biden is moving systematically so as not to raise eyebrows. By the time it's done, almost all student debt will be forgiven.

Capitol Police, an agency known for its extreme secrecy and horrid transparency, has provided more than *14,000 hours* of Jan. 6 security camera footage to the Senate Rules Committee and the House Administration Committee.
https://www.politico.com/news/2021/03/29/capitol-police-jan6-footage-478439

Biden wants 4 tax increases worth about $1.8 trillion to help pay for infrastructure and social safety net plans
- increate corporate rate from 21% to 28%
-individual rate of 39.6% for income $400k+
- global minimum tax
- tax capital gains as regular income for the wealthy
https://axios.com/biden-tax-plan-increases-b8905001-1ef2-45c8-8165-87ac89d1c2fe.html

"To me, a mask seems like a very small price to pay for saving people's lives," Biden coronavirus adviser Andy Slavitt says on CNN after Alabama's governor said the state will move ahead with plans to rescind its mask mandate, despite Biden's pleas to keep it in place for now.

Myanmar's security forces have murdered least 510 civilians in nearly two months of efforts to stop protests against a Feb. 1 coup
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-myanmar-politics/myanmar-death-toll-tops-500-as-protesters-defy-juntas-forces-idUSKBN2BL0C2

Germany's vaccine regulator reports 31 cases of blood disorder after AstraZeneca shot. Vaccine halted.
https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSS8N2KO06C

US will seize all Top Glove imports after finding 'sufficient evidence' of forced labor
https://us.cnn.com/2021/03/30/business/top-glove-us-forced-labor/index.html

UN probe finds French strike in Mali in January killed 19 unarmed civilians
https://uk.news.yahoo.com/un-probe-finds-french-strike-125029489.html

Reporter: "When you see James Wiseman at age 19, do you ever think back when you were 19 and what you would be doing? Steph Curry: "I was searching for frat parties at Davidson"
https://streamable.com/utmyhf

Pokusevski takes Porzingis one on one, makes Porzingis hop on a fake, proceeds to lay it up casually.
https://streamable.com/mn1ku4

The Lakers offered Schröder $84 million over 4 years and he said no to that extension
https://twitter.com/pickuphoop/status/1376884085780529161

Jen Psaki today holding her 42nd formal WH Press Briefing, same number as predecessor Kayleigh McEnany held during 9 months as Press Secy. Average length of Psaki briefings: 47 mins., compared to average 23 mins for McEnany.

Asked if the White House believes China has sufficiently cooperated with inquiries into the origins of Covid-19, PressSec says: "They have not been transparent, they have not provided underlying data. That certainly doesn't qualify as cooperation."

14 countries released a joint statement expressing concern about the WHO team's lack of access to "complete, original data and samples" during their China trip. Comes hours after WHO chief Tedros said the team had difficulty "accessing raw data."
https://www.axios.com/who-china-coronavirus-raw-data-lab-leak-af18337c-9cef-4fed-b25e-508ef1525227.html

The U.S.' cyber agency is underfunded, overwhelmed, and struggling to keep up with evolving threats. CISAgov received $650m in the Covid-19 bill, but experts say it'll need a lot more support to have a chance of stopping the next SolarWinds.
https://politico.com/news/2021/03/30/cisa-cybersecurity-problems-478413

Secret Service study of 67 school attack plans said incidents of targeted school violence are preventable when communities identify and act on the warning signs.
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/secret-service-report-says-school-shootings-are-preventable-similar-warning-n1262472?cid=sm_npd_nn_tw_np

Thursday, April 1. Just look at those starting pitchers. Head will spin following every single pitch for every single game.
https://www.espn.com/mlb/schedule

Last time Suez Canal was blocked, 14 ships got stuck for eight years and formed a communist micronation complete with postage stamps and Olympic Games in which a dog won a medal
https://www.vice.com/en/article/akd5zg/the-last-time-the-suez-canal-was-blocked-a-utopian-communist-micronation-was-formed-at-sea

Glad to see Judge Berman Jackson reject this automatic sealing proposal. Criminal court filings are presumptively *open* to the public under well-established law; prosecutors and defense attorneys don't get to file whatever they decide is "sensitive material" under seal.
https://twitter.com/kyledcheney/status/1376925399507210240

_______________________________________

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/03/30/fact-sheet-president-biden-announces-additional-actions-to-respond-to-anti-asian-violence-xenophobia-and-bias/

FACT SHEET: President Biden Announces Additional Actions to Respond to Anti-Asian Violence, Xenophobia and Bias
March 30, 2021 • Statements and Releases

"Too many Asian Americans have been walking up and down the streets and worrying, waking up each morning the past year feeling their safety and the safety of their loved ones are at stake. They've been attacked, blamed, scapegoated, and harassed. They've been verbally assaulted, physically assaulted, killed… The conversation we had today with the AAPI leaders, and that we're hearing all across the country, is that hate and violence often hide in plain sight. And it's often met with silence. That's been true throughout our history, but that has to change — because our silence is complicity. We cannot be complicit. We have to speak out. We have to act."
– President Joe Biden, March 19, 2021

Across our nation, an outpouring of grief and outrage continues at the horrific violence and xenophobia perpetrated against Asian American communities, especially Asian American women and girls. As President Biden said during his first prime time address, anti-Asian violence and xenophobia is wrong, it's un-American, and it must stop.

Today, President Biden is announcing new actions to respond to the increase in acts of anti-Asian violence, and to advance safety, inclusion, and belonging for all Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. These actions build on the President's Memorandum Condemning and Combating Racism, Xenophobia, and Intolerance Against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States, issued his first week in office. In his first 65 days, the President announced that it is the official policy of this Administration to condemn anti-Asian bias and violence; visited AAPI leaders in Atlanta to denounce anti-Asian violence and gender-based violence with the Vice President; called on Congress to pass the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act introduced by Senator Hirono and Congresswoman Meng; and created a historically diverse Administration in which 15 percent of all appointees identify as Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/01/26/memorandum-condemning-and-combating-racism-xenophobia-and-intolerance-against-asian-americans-and-pacific-islanders-in-the-united-states/

Today's announcements include:

Reinstating and reinvigorating the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, with initial focus on anti-Asian bias and violence: The President will re-establish and expand the initiative's initial mandate to coordinate across federal agencies to combat anti-Asian bias and violence, especially anti-Asian violence at the intersection of gender-based violence. The initiative will have an expanded mandate to promote inclusion, belonging, and opportunity for all Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. Over the coming weeks, the Administration will meet with Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander leaders and organizations to hear their recommendations for the initiative's mission, structure, and community engagement. And, the President will appoint a permanent Director to lead the Initiative in the coordination of policies across the federal government impacting Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities.

Funding for AAPI survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault: The Department of Health and Human Services is allocating $49.5 million from the American Rescue Plan to a new grant program for community based, culturally specific services and programs for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault who face additional barriers to services and safety, such as language access barriers. This program will expand services to domestic violence survivors from Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities.

Establishing a COVID-19 Equity Task Force committee on addressing and ending xenophobia against Asian Americans: President Biden established a COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force through his Executive Order on Ensuring an Equitable Pandemic Response and Recovery on January 21, 2021. The Task Force is charged with making recommendations to the President to eliminate health and social disparities that result in disproportionately higher rates of exposure, illness, hospitalization and death related to COVID-19, and for preventing such inequities in the future.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/01/21/executive-order-ensuring-an-equitable-pandemic-response-and-recovery/

To carry out this work, today HHS is announcing that the Task Force has established a subcommittee on Structural Drivers of Health Inequity and Xenophobia. This subcommittee will provide recommendations to ensure the Federal Government's response to COVID-19 mitigates anti-Asian xenophobia and bias, as established by the Presidential Memorandum Condemning and Combatting Racism, Xenophobia, and Intolerance Against Asian American and Pacific Islanders in the United States.

In addition to addressing bias and xenophobia against Asian American communities, the subcommittee will advance health equity for specific Asian American communities, including Pacific Islander and Native Hawaiian communities who have disproportionately been infected by and died from COVID-19. The subcommittee will lead policy sprints to develop actionable recommendations for advancing cultural competency, language access, and inclusion towards Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders as the United States ends and recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Establishment of a Department of Justice cross-agency initiative to address anti-Asian violence: To implement the President's week-one Memorandum combatting AAPI xenophobia, DOJ has established a whole agency initiative to respond to anti-Asian violence. Actions to date include:

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/01/26/memorandum-condemning-and-combating-racism-xenophobia-and-intolerance-against-asian-americans-and-pacific-islanders-in-the-united-states/

- Leadership and coordination: The Department of Justice Civil Rights Division re-convened the Department's Hate Crimes Enforcement and Prevention Initiative and is focused on the rise of hate crimes against the AAPI community. The initiative is re-initiating community outreach and engagement programs and addressing gaps in hate crimes reporting.
- Data and transparency: To ensure transparency in the nation's hate crimes data, and to support community-led efforts to shine a spotlight on acts of anti-Asian violence, the Federal Bureau of Investigation will publish a new interactive hate crime page on its Crime Data Explorer website, which will spotlight reports of anti-Asian hate crimes. This online tool will help communities, researchers, and advocates study and measure national hate crimes statistics. And, to promote accurate reporting of hate crimes against Asian Americans, the FBI is also adding scenario-based training on anti-Asian bias crimes to its data collection training manual that is provided to state and local partners. In January 2021, the FBI Criminal Justice Information System transitioned to the National Incident-Based Reporting System, which improves upon the prior reporting system by adding more than 50 additional categories of crimes and demographic data, and supports state and local law enforcement agencies in reporting hate crimes, including crimes related to anti-Asian bias.
- Removing language access barriers to hate crimes information: DOJ has updated its hate crimes website, which provides a centralized portal of hate crime-related resources for law enforcement, researchers, victims, and advocacy groups. Information on the site has been made accessible in four of the most frequently spoken AAPI languages: Chinese, Korean, Tagalog, and Vietnamese.
https://www.justice.gov/hatecrimes
- Community resources and outreach: DOJ is partnering with the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) on a panel discussion for its 50,000 members focused on improving efforts to combat anti-Asian hate incidents. DOJ's Civil Rights Division, Community Relations Service, and the FBI will participate in the discussion and share resources. DOJ is also partnering with community-based organizations to expand public education and awareness about hate crimes reporting, prevention, and response.
- Law enforcement training: The FBI will begin holding nationwide civil rights training events to promote state and local law enforcement reporting of hate crimes. These new civil rights trainings will feature modules on recognizing and reporting anti-Asian bias. The Department's Office of Community Oriented Policing Services is field testing a new hate crimes curriculum focused on law enforcement response, investigation, and reporting of hate crimes. The course focuses on increasing capacity and competency to investigate and accurately report all hate crimes, including those motivated by anti-Asian bias.

Launching a new virtual bookshelf of federally-funded projects that explore and celebrate Asian Americans' contributions to the United States: The National Endowment for the Humanities is launching a virtual library including resources for educators, civic leaders, arts and humanities institutions, and families to explore Asian American history, and address the history and ongoing challenge of anti-Asian discrimination and racism in the United States.

https://www.neh.gov/news/virtual-bookshelf-asian-american-and-pacific-islander-communities

Funding critical research to prevent and address bias and xenophobia against Asian American communities. The National Science Foundation is taking a comprehensive approach to investing in research to understand, address, and end bias, discrimination and xenophobia, including against AAPI communities. NSF is currently supporting more than 100 grants across the country totaling more than $33 million dollars of investment. These diverse researchers are advancing innovative studies to reveal new and more effective strategies for reducing the frequency and severity of discrimination experienced by historically underrepresented groups, and reduce targeting of, and violence towards, historically underrepresented communities and individuals, including Asian American communities. This work continues NSF's history of commitment to supporting fundamental research in these vital areas.

Today's announcements are additional steps in the Biden Administration's work to advance equity for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities through a whole-of-government approach to racial justice. On his first day in office, President Biden signed an Executive Order on Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government. As part of this Order, the President charged federal agencies with taking a comprehensive approach to advancing equity for AAPI communities. From reducing language access barriers, to improving the collection and disaggregation of data on AAPI individuals and households, the Biden Administration is committed to working hand in hand with Asian American leaders, civil rights organizations, and communities to advance fairness, opportunity, and inclusion for all.

###
_______________________________________

Trump aides back Alaska candidate challenging Murkowski | Kelly Tshibaka, an Alaska official who on Monday launched a challenge against Sen. Lisa Murkowski, is backed by former aides to Donald Trump in a race that could prove a test of his appeal...
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/campaigns/trump-aides-back-candidate-against-murkowski

President Biden has just signed the PPP Extension Act of 2021, according to the pool report. It moves the PPP application deadline from March 31 to May 31

As court comes back from its lunch break, we are hearing from another 18-year-old prosecution witness who is not being shown on camera because she was a minor at the time of George Floyd's death. Her audio is being broadcast.

NFL team owners approve 17-game regular season, 3 preseason games; 1st time in 33 years that regular season is increased.

If you're going to threaten to kill someone for outing your presence at the Capitol on Jan. 6, it's probably not a great idea to record it in an online video and say "You can play that for the D.A. in court."
https://justice.gov/usao-dc/case-multi-defendant/file/1371536/download

All three military chiefs resign in Brazil following Bolsonaro's changes in his cabinet, putting the country on unprecedented crisis

Kenya dismisses US in Chinese 5G spy claims.
https://www.businessdailyafrica.com/bd/economy/kenya-dismisses-us-chinese-5g-spy-claims-3339998

If you care about security then Huawei is likely the very worst possible choice out there.
https://www.zdnet.com/article/huawei-security-half-its-kit-has-at-least-one-potential-backdoor/
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/huawei-china-spying-netherlands-telecoms-cyber-security-a8917006.html
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-06-19/cyber-attacks-likely-huawei-5g-ban-payback-from-china-spy-agency/12374374
https://www.cnet.com/news/us-finds-huawei-has-backdoor-access-to-mobile-networks-globally-report-says/
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2020/jul/06/chinese-ambassador-uk-ban-on-huawei-would-damage-trust-hong-kong
https://theconversation.com/huawei-and-the-nbn-beware-the-long-arm-of-the-ccp-6158

Georgia sued for third time over voting restrictions
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-georgia-voting/georgia-sued-for-third-time-over-voting-restrictions-as-delta-coke-face-boycott-calls-idUSKBN2BM2ET

Matt Gaetz considering retirement from Congress for Newsmax job
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/matt-gaetz-retire-florida-newsmax-b1824517.html

On Tuesday, March 30, 2021, the President signed into law:
H.R. 1799, the "PPP Extension Act of 2021," which extends the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) application deadline to May 31, 2021; and extends the PPP authorization through June 30, 2021 to provide the Small Business Administration additional time to process applications received by the application deadline.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/legislation/2021/03/30/press-release-bill-signing-h-r-1799/
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2021/03/30/remarks-by-president-biden-at-signing-of-the-ppp-extension-act-of-2021/

Q    Thanks, Jen. I just want to piggyback off of that as well. World Health Organization Director General Tedros — one of his primary concerns was that the report may have glossed over, if you will, the possibility that the — that the virus escaped from a lab. Is that a central concern of the White House as well? And then, when you talk about cooperation, has China not cooperated enough, in the White House's opinion?
MS. PSAKI: Well, they have not been transparent. They have not provided underlying data. That certainly doesn't qualify as cooperation. You know, the analysis performed to date from our experts — you know, or their concern is that there isn't additional support for one hypothesis. It doesn't lead us to any closer of an understanding or greater knowledge than we had six to nine months ago about the origin. It also doesn't provide us guidelines or steps — recommended steps on how we should prevent this from happening in the future. And those are imperative.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/press-briefings/2021/03/30/press-briefing-by-press-secretary-jen-psaki-march-30-2021/

Q    Yeah, so the San Diego County Supervisor, Jim Desmond, he says, you know, "I think it's great that there's in-person learning for unaccompanied minors from Central America, but I wish every child in San Diego County was allowed the same opportunity for in-person teaching." So I guess the question is, you know: Does the White House think that this sends the right message to these 130,000 kids in San Diego and their parents, who've been stuck at home for the last year?
MS. PSAKI: Well, I'm just saying that context is important. And these kids are going back to school for hybrid learning. We, of course, want that to be five days a week, and we're confident we'll get there early next month. And I believe they're also on spring break right now, so these teachers are — would be vo- — I'm not sure if it's volunteer or paid; you'd have to ask the local school district — while the kids are on spring break, which I think the context is pretty important. Okay.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/press-briefings/2021/03/30/press-briefing-by-press-secretary-jen-psaki-march-30-2021/

Q    You know, the Biden administration, they just announced its intention to retain the National Space Council, and this is on top of the White House voicing its support for the Space Force —
MS. PSAKI: Yeah.
Q    — NASA's Artemis program. I mean, these are three programs or policies that President Trump and the Trump administration put in place. So would it be fair to say that space is one of the — and space policy is one of the few areas where President Biden actually agrees with his predecessor?
MS. PSAKI: I think that — that sounds accurate to me. Look, I think the President believes that the National Space Council, as you just conveyed or just asked about, provides an opportunity to generate National Space Policy strategies, synchronize on America's space activities at a time of unprecedented activity. It's also an opportunity to — generated by America's own activities in space. So it's certainly a program — or a council, I should say — he's excited to keep in place and one, I think it's fair to say, he agrees with the past administration's maintaining the program.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/press-briefings/2021/03/30/press-briefing-by-press-secretary-jen-psaki-march-30-2021/

Q    So Chuck Schumer is urging people to write an email to the President, the White House in hopes that he will cancel up to $50,000 of student loan debt. Why do you think that Schumer has such a fundamentally different reading of what the President can and should do? And if you could answer yes or no: Is this — has the President ruled out taking unilateral action on this yet?
MS. PSAKI: No, he has not. I will say that I do have some good student loan news for you, which you didn't even know you were going to tee up for me. But we will be expanding the pause on student loan interest and collections to the more than 1 million borrowers who are in default on a loan that was made by a private lender in the old bank-bac- — based loan program known as the Federal Family Education Loan Program. This step particularly protects 800,000 borrowers who are at risk of having their tax refunds seized. That's actually a pretty significant step. The President continues to call on Congress to cancel $10,000 in debt for student loan borrowers. That's something Congress could take an action on, and he'd be happy to sign. We're still taking a closer look at our act- — our options on student loans. This includes examining the authorities we have, the existing loan forgiveness programs that are clearly not working as well as they should. This includes borrower defense, total and permanent disability charges. There's a lot of steps we're looking at, and we'll continue to review those and be in touch, of course, with Leader Schumer about our process.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/press-briefings/2021/03/30/press-briefing-by-press-secretary-jen-psaki-march-30-2021/

Q    You said yesterday that there would be dollar-for-dollar accounting of how the measures would be paid for.
MS. PSAKI: Yep. Paid for over time. Yep.
Q    Paid for over time.
MS. PSAKI: Mm-hmm.
Q    Is the President willing to sign a bill that does not pay dollar for dollar for all of the proposals that he has?
MS. PSAKI: Well, the President believes it's responsible to propose a way for paying over time for his vision for investing in infrastructure and our economy and American workers. There will be a range of views, including how to pay for it. People will be for or against. Some people may not want to pay for it. And he's open to having those discussions. So — but the focus of his speech, of his proposal is on investing in America. We're talking about tax reform proposals that would help pay for it over time. But the reason he is putting this forward is because he thinks it's responsible to put forward a plan to pay for it as a means of discussing that. But it's really about investing in workers.
Q    But he is open to deficit financing in a final package. Is that correct?
MS. PSAKI: Again, I think — we haven't even proposed the speech yet. There'll be a range of views on Capitol Hill, as we all certainly know. He's proposing a way to pay for his proposals over time. We'll look forward to hearing from members of Congress on how they want to approach it, given there's such strong support for infrastructure investment across the country.
Q    Okay. And just on — a quick one on foreign policy: Iran has come out and basically already rejected a proposal that you haven't even put on the table yet about relaxing some of the sanctions against them to get them to come to the table. They say all of the sanctions need to be relaxed before they'll consider any changes on enrichment. Is there any point to putting a proposal on the table if it's already going to be a nonstarter?
MS. PSAKI: Well, we remain committed to pursuing a diplomatic process to determine a way forward. Sometimes that takes some time, and we certainly have found that in the past as it relates to negotiations with Iran. We remain ready to re-engage in meaningful diplomacy to achieve a mutual return to compliance with the JCPOA commitments. And that offer to discuss and engage is on the table.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/press-briefings/2021/03/30/press-briefing-by-press-secretary-jen-psaki-march-30-2021/

Q    And regarding the WHO, former President Trump has accused the WHO of being, quote, "a puppet of China." Does this report confirm that claim?
MS. PSAKI: Well, I think we've expressed our concerns about the role — the lack of transparency, the lack of data that has been provided broadly to the global community. We believe there are steps that can be taken moving forward to ensure that an independent investigation — that global experts are involved in the next stage of this process. But we also believe that the WHO is a body that the United States should be a part of — that in order to make changes happen, we need to have a seat at the table, and that's why we rejoined the WHO.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/press-briefings/2021/03/30/press-briefing-by-press-secretary-jen-psaki-march-30-2021/

The White House should have a couple of dogs who stay there no matter who the president is. Yes, it's time for civil-service rufform.

_______________________________

https://apnews.com/article/pandemics-new-york-andrew-cuomo-coronavirus-pandemic-us-news-bfbf0744510d50a1e173247ee5f9ba1b

States struggle to get rent relief to tenants amid pandemic

By MICHAEL CASEY2 hours ago

Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced last July that New York would spend $100 million in federal coronavirus relief to help cash-strapped tenants pay months of back rent and avert evictions.

https://apnews.com/article/ap-top-news-health-virus-outbreak-weekend-reads-u-s-news-833d91877e2f0fa913c5258978a9e83c

By the end of October, the state had doled out only about $40 million, reaching 15,000 of the nearly 100,000 people looking for help. More than 57,000 applicants were denied because of criteria set by lawmakers that many said was difficult to meet.

https://hcr.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2020/10/covid-rrp-report.pdf

New York's experience played out nationwide, with states failing to spend tens of millions of federal dollars aimed at helping renters avoid eviction. Burdensome requirements, poorly administered programs and landl-rds refusing to cooperate meant tens of thousands of tenants never got assistance. Some states also shifted funding away from rental relief, fearing they'd miss a year-end mandate to spend the money — a deadline that got extended.

The problem, housing advocates said, was that the federal government didn't specifically earmark any of the coronavirus aid for rental relief, leaving states scrambling to set up programs with no guidance on how the money should be allocated. As much as $3.43 billion in federal aid was spent on rental assistance, according to National Low Income Housing Coalition. But advocates said more should have been done, given tenants faced as much as $34 billion in unpaid rent through January, according to a report released by the National Council of State Housing Agencies.

https://nlihc.org/rental-assistance
https://www.ncsha.org/resource/current-and-expected-rental-shortfall-and-potential-eviction-filings/

tates' rental relief programs "were a very mixed success. It was sort of a patchwork of programs," Maryland Democratic Sen. Chris Van Hollen said in February. "There was a lot of experimentation — some successful, some not."

Several states have since made changes, hoping to be better positioned to handle their portion of more than $45 billion in rental assistance coming from Congress in the coming months.

Last year, Pennsylvania, Louisiana, Mississippi and Kansas were among the states that struggled to distribute rental assistance. Kansas set aside $35 million but siphoned off $15 million for other uses, realizing only on Dec. 27 that it had more time to spend the money.

Mississippi allocated $18 million for rental relief but committed less than $3 million by December. The state said the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development determined the grant program it relied on could not help tenants behind on rent, only those at risk of homelessness. A HUD spokesman denied that, saying the money could be used for rental aid.

In New York, difficulties were blamed on lawmakers' criteria, including that tenants show they were paying over 30% of their income toward rent. Applicants also had to show a loss of income from April to the end of July, when some saw an increase from extended unemployment and other benefits.

"When you have $100 million to help and only 40% is spent, something is wrong. There is no question there are a lot of people in need," Justin La Mort, a supervising attorney at Mobilization for Justice Inc., a nonprofit legal services provider in New York.

He said the program was too focused on preventing fraud — at the expense of helping people.

Bonney Ginett, whose massage therapy business dried up during the pandemic, applied for help in July and said she was denied in October because she failed to prove loss of income. The 66-year-old New York City resident now owes more than $26,000 in back rent on her one-bedroom apartment and fears eviction.

"It's a well-meaning program and probably should and ought to be fixed, but it's hard to say because of how much overload their system experienced and might still be experiencing," Ginett said. "The types of relief that could help me are supposedly there. But then you run into a brick wall."

Lennard Katz, her landl-rd and a partner at Sussex Realty, said he didn't understand how Ginett couldn't get help.

"We believe it's a travesty that NY State has been unable or unwilling to get money to the tenants and landl-rds that desperately need assistance during the Covid crisis," he said by email.

Charni Sochet, a spokesperson for New York State Homes and Community Renewal, said the affordable housing agency "worked intensely for months to ensure rent-burdened households received the assistance for which they qualified" and that "the rent relief program quickly delivered funding to renters most in need in accordance with the specific requirements established by the Legislature."

Pennsylvania had similar problems, spending $54 million on rental assistance and $10 million on mortgage assistance, out of nearly $175 million dedicated for the program. Just over one-third of applicants got help.

Facing the Republican-controlled Legislature's Nov. 30 deadline to spend the money, the state Housing Finance Authority returned the bulk of it. Some of it went to the corrections department.

"There were a lot of sort of roadblocks put up for people to really effectively and easily get into the program, get the assistance and stay in their homes," said Bryce Maretzki, director of the housing authority's Office of Strategic Planning & Policy.

Perhaps the biggest problem was a $750 monthly cap. That's below the median rent in Pennsylvania, making it inadequate in bigger cities with higher housing prices.

Applicants also had to be 30 days behind on rent, which Maretzki said meant someone might fall behind to qualify, only to "run the risk of losing your house and then not qualifying for the program."

"There were many tenants who didn't think the money would come in time, so they moved in with a family or doubled up or found less suitable housing because they didn't think they could make the next month's rent," said Rachel Garland, an attorney at Community Legal Services in Philadelphia.

In Louisiana, $24 million in assistance for renters facing pandemic-related financial problems was announced July 16, with about half coming from federal funding.

Just $2.3 million has been distributed to 956 applicants, said Keith Cunningham of the Louisiana Housing Corporation, the agency administering the effort. The program was so swamped with inquiries, the online system shut down within days. And there was a lengthy application.

"Do you think the person who is reaching out to you has a fax machine or solid enough internet or a printer in their house to handle a 50-page application?" said Andreanecia Morris of the Greater New Orleans Housing Alliance.

Cunningham said the program's size was daunting, made more challenging by a busy tropical storm season.

"No one in the state has done anything on that scope," he said. "There was no infrastructure, no system to deliver. ... We had to really build it from scratch."

Yaeko Scott, who lost her housekeeping job during the pandemic and owes $6,000 in rent on her family's two-bedroom apartment in New Orleans, said she's repeatedly tried to get help.

"I'm aggravated," she said. "Nothing is being done. Everyone is calling asking about the rent. I'm not getting anything. It's really, really rough right now."

Some states have made changes with new federal aid coming.

In Louisiana, roughly 7,000 applicants who were initially considered will get priority for $161 million, Cunningham said.

Pennsylvania fixed its $750 rental cap by reinterpreting the law and said a different agency would handle the new funding.

New York expanded the program's eligibility and will reconsider applicants who were initially denied.

___

Casey reported from Boston. Associated Press writers Marc Levy in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; Marina Villeneuve in Albany, New York; John Hanna in Topeka, Kansas; and Kevin McGill in New Orleans contributed to this report.
_______________________________

Matt Gaetz Is To Be Investigated Over Sexual Relationship With A 17 Year Old (Not Nestor) | Another quote from Matt Gaetz's book last year: "DC distractions take two forms--sex and money. Getting paid and getting laid. Now those aren't inherently bad things. In America, a bounty of both is to be honored and celebrated, not chastised."
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/30/us/politics/matt-gaetz-sex-trafficking-investigation.html

Excited for the Hillary Clinton Ran A Pedohile Sex Trafficking Pizza Parlor crowd to turn into the Matt Gaetz Is Innocent Until Proven Guilty In A Court Of Law By A Jury Of His Own Hand-Picked Peers crowd

Rep. Madison Cawthorn R-NC trumpet-cheering money coming to his home state - from the Covid19 relief law he voted against. The figures listed by Cawthorn match the funding released by HHS at
https://bphc.hrsa.gov/program-opportunities/american-rescue-plan/awards/nc
https://twitter.com/RepCawthorn/status/1376974226624765955

Gaetz was the only member of Congress who voted against a bill that gave the federal government more power to fight sex trafficking
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/30/us/politics/matt-gaetz-sex-trafficking-investigation.html

US issues an "Ordered Departure of non-emergency U.S. government employees and their family members" from Burma/Myanmar per StateDept release.

President Biden is expected to let lapse a pandemic-related ban on H-1Bs and other guest-worker visas imposed by former President Trump, a big win for tech cos. The moratorium is due to expire tomorrow.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-03-30/biden-to-let-trump-s-h1-b-visa-ban-expire-in-win-for-tech-firms

The House Ethics Committee--which is evenly divided by the parties--has upheld a $5,000 penalty for Rep. Louie Gohmert after he bypassed a metal detector outside the House chamber last month. The metal detectors were added after the Jan. 6 insurrection:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2021/03/30/joe-biden-live-updates/#link-J735TPE3INFQRPUPU5TX2CS4EY

This article about how corrupt Suffolk County police unions run Suffolk County politics. If you let them, the police unions will bleed the taxpayers dry.
https://nytimes.com/2021/03/26/opinion/police-suffolk-county-unions.html

#Georgia's new anti-voting law makes it a JAIL-TIME CRIME to drop off grandma's absentee ballot in a dropbox. #SB202
https://twitter.com/Greg_Palast/status/1376563526085472257

Matt Gaetz tweeted this defense of Katie Hill shortly after he began paying a 17 year old girl to "accompany" him across state lines : This is just absurd. The only person who seems to have a gripe is @RepKatieHill's soon-to-be ex.
Who among us would look perfect if every ex leaked every photo/text?
Katie isn't being investigated by Ethics or maligned because she hurt anyone - it is because she is different. twitter.com/JakeSherman/st…
https://twitter.com/mattgaetz/status/1187338202266460165

Readout of Vice President Kamala Harris Call with President Alejandro Giammattei of Guatemala
March 30, 2021 • Statements and Releases
Vice President Kamala Harris spoke today with President Alejandro Giammattei of Guatemala and reaffirmed the administration's commitment to working together and expanding partnerships to benefit the people of the region. They discussed the significant risks to those leaving their homes and making the dangerous journey to the United States, especially during a global pandemic. The Vice President updated President Giammattei on the United States' efforts to increase humanitarian assistance to Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador. They agreed to explore innovative opportunities to create jobs and to improve the conditions for all people in Guatemala and the region, including by promoting transparency and combating crime. Vice President Harris and President Giammattei agreed to collaborate on promoting economic development, leveraging technology, strengthening climate resilience, and creating the conditions to expand opportunity for people in their home countries in order to address the root causes of migration to the United States. The Vice President also thanked President Giammattei for his efforts to secure Guatemala's southern border.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/03/30/readout-of-vice-president-kamala-harris-call-with-president-alejandro-giammattei-of-guatemala/

Texas Senate passes bill aiming to impose heavy fees on federal subsidies for wind and solar power
https://www.expressnews.com/politics/texas/article/Texas-Senate-passes-bill-aiming-to-counter-16062267.php

Satellite images show renewed activity at a North Korean nuclear facility. Kim Jong Un's regime is preparing or has already started reprocessing plutonium for nuclear weapons.
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/satellite-image-shows-renewed-activity-north-korean-nuclear-lab-n1262530

What's Liz Cheney thinking about the Gaetz news?

G. Gordon Liddy, undercover operative convicted in Watergate scandal, dies at 90
https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/obituaries/gordon-liddy-dead/2021/03/30/4d50c40c-91ae-11eb-a74e-1f4cf89fd948_story.html

Biden endorsed Warren's wealth tax when he was a candidate and now he rejects her wealth tax legislation
https://politico.com/news/2021/03/30/biden-elizabeth-warren-wealth-tax-478642

KD threatening Michael Rapaport over IG DMs
https://www.instagram.com/p/CNDlg_NFMcy/
KD tweeted and confirmed it's real
https://twitter.com/kdtrey5/status/1377004493733310473?s=21

CIA overhauled it's entire website but still managed to ensure it's electronic #FOIA submission link stays broken
https://twitter.com/JasonLeopold/status/1377060055808286723

This Gaetz interview on Tucker is wild. He just named a former DOJ staffer who he alleges is extorting him. He bizarrely brought up what he says is a previous, false allegation against Tucker(?) and then references a dinner with Tucker and some friend? Even Tucker seems confused. And....Tucker shows no interest in actually getting to the bottom of what happened and instead ends the interview with Gaetz and goes back to his regularly schedule propaganda. Good stuff.

As a senior, I woof suggest that Major gets a bit of extra training here at the WH, on location. Being walked by different hoomans every day can be destabilizing for a young dog. Major needs one hooman only, a behaviorist/trainer who knows what she/he is doing. #Consistency
https://twitter.com/TheOvalPawffice/status/1377065258536296449

Also, as a general rule, hoomans need to learn how to pawpproach doggos. Always ask for petting permission from the pupper: get down on our level 3 feet away and having your hand in a loose fist, slightly extend it, for us to sniff you first. PS: Major is a good boy. Awoooof!
https://twitter.com/TheOvalPawffice/status/1377065890471108608

There is no law that says dogs have to like all humans.

Judge Voids Trump Campaign's Unlimited Staffer NDAs
https://www.courthousenews.com/judge-voids-trump-campaigns-unlimited-staffer-ndas/

Trump sued by two Capitol Police officers for inciting 'wild' insurrection
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/03/31/business/trump-sued-by-two-capitol-police-officers-inciting-wild-insurrection/

Arizona declares holiday to honor Native code talkers
https://indiancountrytoday.com/.amp/news/arizona-declares-holiday-to-honor-native-code-talkers

Swiss ambassador to US allegedly assaulted in Washington
https://www.cnn.com/2021/03/30/politics/swiss-ambassador-residence-intruder/index.html

Iranian hackers targeting US, Israeli medical researchers
https://thehill.com/policy/cybersecurity/545654-iranian-hackers-targeting-us-israeli-medical-researchers-analysis

Landmark Amazon union vote count begins in Alabama. The results will determine if the first-ever Amazon union in the U.S. is formed.
https://abcnews.go.com/Business/landmark-amazon-union-vote-count-begins-alabama/story?id=76767505

Colorado to become first state to provide public housing benefits regardless of immigration status
https://www.denverpost.com/2021/03/30/public-housing-immigration-status-colorado-first-state/

New York Legislature votes to legalize adult-use, recreational cannabis
https://www.politico.com/states/new-york/city-hall/story/2021/03/30/new-york-legislature-votes-to-legalize-adult-use-recreational-cannabis-1370684

NY Lawmakers Legalize Marijuana, Hoping To Avoid Racial Pitfalls Of Decriminalization
https://www.npr.org/2021/03/30/982742060/ny-lawmakers-legalize-marijuana-hoping-to-avoid-racial-pitfalls-of-decriminaliza

Facundo Campazzo trucks Ben Simmons
https://streamable.com/s236pv

Facundo Campazzo tonight: 0 points (0/5 from 3) in 25 minutes

The Orlando Magic (16-31) defeat the Los Angeles Clippers (32-17), 103 - 96

Beautiful ball movement by the Nuggets, as Michael Porter Jr passes it to Murray, who launches it to Gordon for the oop
https://streamable.com/43fn1t

The Denver Nuggets (29-18) defeat the Philadelphia 76ers (32-15), 104 - 95

Carter-Williams strips Kawhi and hammers it down to seal the Magic's stunning comeback
https://streamable.com/ouk0yx

Jamal Murray with a behind the back dribble before drilling the stepback 3 against Thybulle
https://streamable.com/malcml

Trae Young gives the ball to Ayton in the clutch
https://streamable.com/ipie5p

Michael Porter Jr in the 20 games since an 0/8 showing for 0 pts vs. Boston on Feb 16th: 19 PPG on 57.4 FG% and 50.9 3PT% on 5.6 3PA/G.

Michael Porter JR in win vs 76ers 27/12/4/1/1 on 11/16 shooting and 5/7 from 3

Rui Hachimura in his last 10 games: 20.2 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 56%FG, 40% 3PT

Jae Crowder drills the dagger 4pt play
https://streamable.com/5zvg28

Mo Bamba completely erases Reggie Jackson's ambitious poster attempt before drilling the 3 on the other end
https://streamable.com/mk46kt

In the final 2:39, after Kawhi hit 2 free throws to give the Clippers a 93-86 lead, the Orlando Magic went on a 17-3 run.

Dwight Howard gets called for a flagrant 1
https://streamable.com/pkr552

Chuma Okeke in tonight's comeback win over the Clippers: 18 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 steals on 7-11 shooting

The leading scorer for the Philadelphia 76ers today against Denver was Tyrese Maxey off the bench in 16 min with 13 points. Yes you read that right.

Michael Carter-Williams in today's comeback win over the Clippers: 8 points, 7 rebounds, 9 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks

Ben Simmons with the beautiful pass to Danny Green in the cornerHighlight
https://streamable.com/qtfn7c

Jamal Murray scores on 2 straight possessions against the 76ers
https://streamable.com/bjj0om

Rookie Chuma Okeke over his last 4 games: 17.8 PPG on 63/63/83 shooting splits (78% TS) while averaging 3 3PM a game and being a +4 on the court.

Danny Green tries to draw the foul on the 3, hits it anyway
https://streamable.com/mwgsa5

Some great Hart possessions on Tatum from the last two Pelicans/Celtics matchups
https://streamable.com/emgw3i

______________________________

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/03/30/statement-by-national-security-council-spokesperson-emily-horne-on-the-u-s-japan-republic-of-korea-trilateral-national-security-advisors-dialogue/

Statement by National Security Council Spokesperson Emily Horne on the U.S.-Japan-Republic of Korea Trilateral National Security Advisors' Dialogue
March 30, 2021 • Statements and Releases

On Friday, April 2, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan will welcome National Security Secretariat Secretary General Shigeru Kitamura of Japan and National Security Advisor Suh Hoon of the Republic of Korea for a trilateral dialogue at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD.

This trilateral meeting, which follows the visits of Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin to Japan and the Republic of Korea, provides an opportunity for our nations to consult on a wide range of regional issues and foreign policy priorities, including maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, and combating climate change.

This meeting with Japan and the Republic of Korea is the first National Security Advisor-level multilateral dialogue of the Biden Administration, reflecting the importance we place on broadening and deepening our cooperation on key issues and advancing our shared prosperity across a free and open Indo-Pacific.
______________________________

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/press-briefings/2021/03/31/background-press-call-by-a-senior-administration-official-on-the-presidents-american-jobs-plan/

Background Press Call by a Senior Administration Official on the President's American Jobs Plan
March 31, 2021    • Press Briefings

Via Teleconference

(March 30, 2021)

8:17 P.M. EDT

MS. SIMONS: Hi, everyone. Thank you for joining us. This evening, we're joined by a senior administration official to give you an embargoed preview of President Biden's American Jobs Plan, which will create millions of good-paying jobs, rebuild our country's infrastructure, and position the United States to out-compete China.

This call is on background, attributable to an administration official. And the contents will be embargoed until 5:00 a.m. Eastern tomorrow, March 31st.

By joining this call, you are agreeing to these ground rules. For your awareness and not for reporting, joining us this evening is [senior administration official].

You should have received an embargoed factsheet providing an overview of the American Jobs Plan. This document is also embargoed until 5:00 a.m. tomorrow.

At the end, we will open it up for a few questions. You can press the "raise hand" button, and we will try to get to your questions.

With that, I'll turn it over now to our speaker.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Thanks, Emilie. And thank you all for joining. In particular, thank you for who are already raising your hands. You guys are an eager bunch. Thanks for your patience tonight.

So I'm going to — I'll just try to provide a little bit of context for the announcement that the President will make tomorrow, and then happy to get to your questions.

So, first, just to provide a bit of context here to the American Jobs Plan that the President will roll out tomorrow:

Since really before the President took office, he has been very focused on two core issues: the pandemic — COVID-19 — and the economic crisis. And in the days since we've been here in office, we've made a lot of progress. We have made progress on vaccinations. We are on track to get to 200 million shots in our first 100 days, doubling the initial target that the President set. And we were able to construct and pass the American Rescue Plan.

And we've seen encouraging signs following that passage. Perhaps most significantly, most economic forecasters have now significantly increased their growth projections for 2021 to over 6 percent, which is a rate of growth we've not seen in recent memory in the United States.

But the President has always communicated an approach and a vision that rescue was just part of the economic challenge he ran — he ran for President to address, and that recovery and the work of building back better could come not too soon. So that effort will start in earnest tomorrow with the announcement of the American Jobs Plan.

As the President will explain tomorrow, this plan should be viewed as one part of a — of two elements, the second of which he'll talk about in the coming weeks, both of which are key to his approach to building back better from this crisis.

But the American Jobs Plan is really about focusing on how can we make a historic capital investment in America to improve our competitiveness, create millions of jobs, rebuild our infrastructure, and position our economy to face the crises and the threats we will face in the future, and finally address the climate crisis as a nation.

So I just want to give you — you guys have the paper, and so I'm happy to take questions associated to that, but just in terms of how we're thinking about this plan, there's really four key elements.

The first is transportation infrastructure: how we move. This is investments in our roads, bridges, rails, and other elements. This is a place where the urgency and need for action has been clearly identified again and again in Washington, and we now have an opportunity to really do something about it.

The fact that we are ranked 13th in the world in infrastructure has real, tangible economic costs every day. Those delays cost our economy and they cost families.

This plan would make a historic investment in our transportation infrastructure: modernize 20,000 miles of roads, focus on economically significant bridges and also bridges around the country, double federal funding for public transit.

And re- — as we rebuild our nation's infrastructure, focus on what we — the infrastructure for the future, which includes the electrification of the transport system; a building out and making good on the President's commitment to build a network of 500,000 EV charging stations around the country; replacing diesel transit vehicles; electrifying the bus fleet; and helping consumers — helping make electric vehicles and clean vehicles affordable for consumers through tax incentives and point-of-sale rebates.

Across all of these infrastructure investments, there will be a focus on making our infrastructure of the future more resilient to climate change and meeting the President's commitment to target 40 percent of the benefits of these clean infrastructure investments to disadvantaged communities.

A second big category is how we live at home. This is modern broad — modern infrastructure about water, Internet, our homes themselves, and the electricity that we rely on.

With respect to water, the President is setting both a bold but a very practical goal, which is every American should have access to clean water, which requires replacing all lead service lines and pipes in America. Today, 400,000 schools and childcare centers are serviced by lead pipes, even as our health experts say that there is no safe amount of lead in drinking water. This is a national project which is urgent; it's economically efficient and will create jobs. And it would help improve health and the health of our families.

Right now, you know, we've seen in this crisis families who lack access to Internet, lack access to the modern economy. Internet is the electricity of the 21st century. This plan would achieve the goal of universal access to affordable broadband in this decade. We've seen in stark terms the impact that our ailing and aging electric power system applies to our economy and to our families, costing families billions of dollars every year.

This plan would do a generational investment in upgrading and reorienting our power infrastructure in this country for the carbon-free electric future that we are — we're headed toward, investing in transmission, in storage, in grid resilience. And it would invest in building, renovating, and retrofitting more than 2 million homes and housing units, which would put people to work in construction jobs all over the country and also address the issue of housing, access to housing, and people being able to move to jobs and afford housing as well.

In addition, significant investment in repairs of schools, community colleges, childcare facilities, federal buildings, and also our veteran hospital system. I would note that the average VA hospital is 56 years old. There is a backlog of high- efficiency projects that would help increase the health security of our veterans, put people back to work, and achieve an important national project.

The third category of this plan is investing in the care infrastructure of the country by reducing the backlog — the waitlist for the hundreds of thousands of families who seek care for their family member or — who is elderly or a person with disabilities, and by doing so, expand jobs in the homecare workforce.

Today, one in six of our essential healthcare workers — disproportionately women, disproportionately women of color — they're out there providing the infrastructure of care that so many families rely on to work and to earn a living themselves. One in six of these workers currently work and live in poverty.

This plan would invest in upgrading the infrastructure of this — of this part of our economy, not only creating more than a million new jobs, but also ensuring that those jobs are well paying and can provide dignity to those essential workers.

The last element of this is about investing in our innovation and R&D infrastructure. We're one of the few major economies where we've seen public investment, as a share of GDP, decline over the past 25 years. We're seeing China and other countries significantly increase their investments. And we have a moment of opportunity now, particularly as we lay bare the vulnerabilities in our own supply chains and technology infrastructure to do a transformational investment in R&D and in domestic incentives to manufacture the innovations that come from that R&D in the United States and all across America.

So the plan includes historic investments in R&D, in clean energy R&D, and providing incentives for domestic production for manufactur — for semiconductors, for batteries in clean energy technologies, and for other areas that we identified as important to American supply chains.

As part of that, it would a major investment in workforce and training as well, including doubling the number of registered apprenticeships to make sure that our — that Americans all over the country have access and can access these innovation jobs in the future.

So, in the aggregate, the way to think about this plan is that it's about $2 trillion in investment that would principally spend out over an eight-year period. And these are high-value investments, the investments that experts across the board have identified as contributing to addressing deficiencies, improving economic efficiency. And we think that these are investments that, as a country, we cannot afford not to make. At the same time, the President feels that the right and responsible thing is to identify how we could pay for these investments across time.

To be clear, this plan is not assuming or relying on any sort of dynamic scoring for the investment portion of the plan. Instead, it is — we are coupling the proposal for the American Jobs Plan with a Made in America Corporate Tax Reform Plan that would offset the full cost of this plan over 15 years. That plan is centered on making our corporate tax system more competitive and encouraging domestic investment.

Today, we have a broken tax system that was made worse by the 2017 tax law. We've seen the average tax rate for U.S. multinationals, in the wake of that law, fall from 16 percent to 8 percent. The average U.S. multinational pays a tax rate of 8 percent. And that law aggravated incentives that were already embedded in our tax code to encourage production and profits to move overseas.

So the reform — that corporate tax reform that the President is proposing would reset that to incentivize job creation in the United States and actually stop the race to the bottom of profit-shifting to tax havens by setting the corporate rate at 28 percent, which I would note is a rate that is lower than at any point in our country's history since World War Two, other than the years since 2017.

It would also reform how we tax multinational corporations by strengthening a global minimum tax and raising the rate to 21 percent, and ensuring that we're addressing how other countries tax their corporations so we stop the race to the bottom on corporate taxes.

This and other provisions would raise about a half a percent of GDP per year in corporate revenue, which would, over a 15-year period, fully pay for the investments in this plan. And I would note that over the long term, it — we would — it would reduce the debt because the — those reforms would be permanent.

With that, I will pause and take your questions. I guess the last thing I would just leave you with is: I think that this plan reflects the President's commitment to recognizing the moment that we are in as an important moment to demonstrate that the United States and democracies can deliver for the people that they serve, and that the stakes of this moment are high, that the world is watching, and that this is a moment where, by moving and actually getting done something that has had broad bipartisan support in the past, we can demonstrate to the American people that the type of historic and galvanizing public investment programs we have had in the past — but have not seen in earnest since the creation of the Interstate highway system and the Space Race in the 1960s — can revitalize our national imagination and put millions of Americans to work right now in work that's desperately needed for the nation.

So with that, let me pause. And I am hoping that Emilie is going to call on you all because I don't know how to do that.

MS. SIMONS: Yes. Thank you. I will take it from here and quickly bring it back to you. You can press the "raise hand" button, and we will try to get to your question. I see some hands raised already, so we'll open it up now.

And just a reminder that the contents of this call are all on background, attributable to an administration official, and the embargo is tomorrow morning at 5:00 a.m.

So, first we'll go to Chris Megerian.

Q    Hi, everybody. I was wanting to talk a little bit more about the legislative strategy here. Do you plan to have one bill with both the taxes and the infrastructure spending in there? And also, do you hope to use the reconciliation package to push this through Capitol Hill?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Sure. Thanks, Chris. So, you know, this is — this is the beginning of a process. The President is going to lay out this plan tomorrow. He is going to describe to the nation the — and make the case for the urgency of the moment. And we will — we will begin and already have begun to do extensive outreach to our counterparts in Congress — Republicans and Democrats — to build on the plan, to listen, to solicit input, and to identify how we can move forward most effectively here. So I think that we'll get through tomorrow, and we'll focus on engaging with our congressional counterparts.

But our hope is that the issues — I mean, the elements of this plan are — elements of this investment package are places where we have seen a lot of enthusiasm in the past to make progress. They're issues that are — that have broad support among the American people. And there has been a lot of eagerness to move in Congress on them as well.

And so we thought it's an important initiative to start the process with the President being very clear that he's got a plan and that he's open to hearing what others think. But what he is uncompromising about is the urgency of the moment and the need to really deliver for the American people and make good on building back better in this moment.

MS. SIMONS: Great, thank you. Our next question will go to Molly Nagle.

Q    Hi. Thanks so much for doing the call. I just wanted to follow up on the tax incentives. There's no mention of the capitals gain — raising the capital gains tax in this proposal. Is that correct? And is that — can you explain a little bit about why that portion that was so key to Vice President Biden's campaign tax policy is not included here?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Correct, the capital gains is not addressed here. The reason for that is that the focus of this plan is on — is on corporate tax reform and reforming the corporate tax system. And we think that that is important as a matter of fairness and also important as a matter of encouraging domestic investment.

So the focus on corporate tax reform here reflects both the President's longstanding commitments on the campaign, but also a practical perspective that coupling investments in our infrastructure and improving our productive capacity and our — and the attractiveness of the U.S. as an investment destination, coupled with corporate tax reform to actually address the fact that our corporate tax system today actually affirmatively encourages investment to move out — and profit to move offshore — that doing those things together would actually encourage greater domestic investment.

So that's the — that's — that — I hope that gives you some of the logic behind why he will be talking about these two things in conjunction tomorrow.

MS. SIMONS: Thank you. Our next question will go to Jim Tankersley.

Q    Hey, thanks so much for doing this. A two-part question; part one is very easy. How many jobs do you guys project this is going to create? And part two is kind of in the weeds, but it says the President will create a clean energy standard in here. Is that executive authority or — is that going to be part of the bill?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: So, on the first one, we — this plan will create millions and millions of jobs, and we'll have more to say about that issue after tomorrow.

On the second one, this is something that we — that is part of the President's plan and that he intends to work with Congress — work with Congress on. This would be part of the legislative proposal to work with Congress on. That's on the clean energy standard.

MS. SIMONS: Okay. Our next question will go to Kristen Welker.

Q    Hi everyone. Thank you so much for doing this call. Can you speak to some of the, sort of, prebuttals that we've already heard from some moderate Democrats, some Republicans, who say, "Look, you just passed a $1.9 trillion relief package. Now the President is asking for another two-plus-trillion-dollar plan. Ultimately, that could jeopardize the economic growth"? These are the arguments. And there are concerns that by rolling back the Trump tax cuts, that could send businesses overseas. How do you address those concerns?

And if I could, to the President's promises of bipartisanship: If he can't get Republicans on board with this plan, does that undercut that promise that he made during the campaign?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Okay, Kristen, thank you. That was somewhere between a two- and a five-part question.

So I will — let me start on the first piece of it. I think it's important to recognize that there is — there's a different economic logic behind the Rescue Plan and the American Jobs Plan. And so, the Rescue Plan was designed specifically to provide relief and to address the immediate economic crisis, and as a result was designed to speed relief to families and businesses, as well as provide support to bolster the vaccination program, get schools reopened, and the like.

This is a different approach; this is a multi-year investment approach. If you look at it, it's about, you know, 1 percent of GDP. We're proposing ways to offset that investment across time.

So I think that the — on the economics, we think that there's a logic for doing these things, because as we are — the Rescue Plan is helping to speed the recovery, bring us back to full employment faster than would otherwise be the case. The American Jobs Plan will help to invest in critical areas where we know that our productive capacity as a country is being set back, and, if we make those investments, will create more and better jobs, will address critical areas that will increase our productivity as a country, and we'll be able to take on the escalating economic cost that the climate crisis and the increased incidence and severity of extreme weather is imposing on our economy.

So we think there's actually a compelling economic rationale for moving forward on the American Jobs Plan.

With respect to your question about the corporate tax system, I would just say the facts strongly reinforce that since the 2017 tax cut, what we've seen is greater incentive to move profit and production overseas; that the principal impact of that tax bill, in addition to encouraging stock buybacks, was to actually make it easier and more attractive for companies to shift their profits and strip their profits out of the United States.

So we have a more broken tax system that is providing greater incentive to evade the U.S. tax system and to locate production overseas. And so the opportunity is to reform the corporate tax system in a way that would maintain our competitiveness and actually encourage domestic production in the United States.

And on your last question, you know, about Republicans, this is the President's plan. He's going to lay it out. He's going to make the argument for why investing in transportation infrastructure, investing in water infrastructure, investing in broadband — including in rural areas — are all not only commonsense areas where we've seen and continue to see bipartisan support and, in fact, bipartisan urgence [sic] — urging that we move forward on them, but they're also really important to people, to communities all across the country right now.

And he's going to — he's going to make the case that he wants to — he wants to understand if people have other ideas, they have other ideas of how to pay for it, they have other ideas of how to structure these. That's what this process is going to be about. And our hope is that we can advance the process and deliver — you know, deliver for the American people.

His — I think you've heard him say and he'll say again: His focus here is on delivering for the American people. And I think that this — in this proposal you see an approach that is economically necessary, would be extraordinarily — provide extraordinary benefits to people all over this country, and is built on ideas that have had a lot of bipartisan support inside and outside of Washington historically.

So that's where we're going to take the conversation starting tomorrow.

MS. SIMONS: All right. And thank you to everyone. We may — do we have time for one more question?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Sure, let's do it.

MS. SIMONS: Okay, to Josh Boak. If you could make it quick because we are at the end of our time.

Q    Sure. Thanks so much for doing the call again. Real quick: When would you expect projects to get started? And does the U.S. have the capacity in terms of workers and material to do this much construction?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: So, you know, on your — great questions. On your first question, you know, it really depends, and we need to go through the different proposals and provisions there.

As I mentioned, this — at the top, this is structured as an eight-year investment package. That's not true for all of the provisions; some of them are designed to be more frontloaded and moving more quickly, particularly those that are designed as incentives, particularly on the tax side. Others are designed explicitly to provide the time to get these investments right.

And, you know, that's — there are — when you're doing big — you know, big bridge projects, for example, even in a streamlined way, those are not projects that you immediately get going over the course of a month or two or three. And the planning and the design elements are really important. So there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer to your question.

But we — but on the material side: Look, part of the economic logic of this plan, as well, is that — and that the President will talk about tomorrow — is that this is not just about infrastructure but it's about creating more jobs and more industrial strength here in the United States. And so when you make these infrastructure investments and you couple it with the President's commitment to buy American, what you do is you're actually pulling forward in creating demand that will help to actually accelerate new industries in the United States — for example, for low-carbon building materials, or for components that go into electric vehicles.

And one of the explicit strategies you'll see in this proposal that the President talked about as part of his Build Back Better plan is to use the power of procurement, for example, to make large purchases of electric vehicles for the federal fleet. By doing that on a forward basis, even if the delivery timeframe is over a 12-, 18-, or 24-month timeframe, you've created a demand pull to actually strengthen the incentive to build domestic capacity. And what that means, ultimately, is jobs and prosperity here in the United States.

So we certainly think that that's actually a virtue of this — is that by making these investments and prioritizing these projects, connected to a focus on Buy American, we can actually spur more economic activity, more job growth. And that's an explicit part of the design of the plan.

MS. SIMONS: Thank you so much for your time. And thanks to everyone. One more reminder that the contents of this call are under embargo until 5:00 a.m. tomorrow Eastern, and on background, attributable to an administration official.

Please reach out to me and others on the press team if you have any additional questions. Have a great night.

8:49 P.M. EDT
______________________________

Philippines demands China remove vessels at 6 islands, reefs
https://news.yahoo.com/philippines-hits-china-vessels-swarming-110519392.html

Some 200,000 animals trapped in Suez canal likely to die. Even for ships who resumed course, the water and food isn't enough
https://euobserver.com/world/151394

EU Commission sues Poland for undermining independence of judges
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-poland-eu-commission-lawsuit-idUSKBN2BN1DT

China's Military Preparing for U.S. Intervention in Taiwan Strait
https://www.newsweek.com/chinas-military-preparing-us-intervention-taiwan-strait-1579788

U.S. watching "escalation of armed confrontation" and "concerning" build up of Russian forces near Ukraine border
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/russia-troops-ukraine-border-concerning-united-states/

Kevin Durant apologizes to Michael Rapaport after homophobic anti-lgbtq rant
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/mar/30/kevin-durant-michael-rapaport-threats-instagram

Reminder: The Trump campaign's non-disclosure agreements have been voided by a court, opening the door for whistleblowers
https://www.businessinsider.com/court-voids-donald-trump-campaign-non-disclosure-agreements-2021-3

EPA dismisses dozens of anti-science anti-environment Republican conservative advisers picked under Trump. The Biden administration says it needs to restore trust in the agency by "resetting" membership on two key science advisory panels
https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2021/03/31/epa-advisory-panels/

Georgia's Republican Party illegally accepting in-kind contributions from an election integrity nonprofit
https://www.businessinsider.com/georgia-gop-accused-of-campaign-finance-violations-related-to-runoffs-2021-3

Texas Court of Criminal Appeals will review Crystal Mason's controversial illegal voting conviction | The Tarrant County woman faces a five-year prison sentence for casting a provisional ballot in the 2016 election while on supervised release for a federal conviction. Her vote was never counted.
https://www.texastribune.org/2021/03/31/crystal-mason-texas-voting-ruling/

KKK Fliers Appear In California Ahead Of Planned 'White Lives Matter' March
https://www.newsweek.com/kkk-newport-beach-white-lives-matter-march-1580119

YEP: Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez Says Calling Border Situation a 'Surge' is a Militaristic, White Supremacist Idea
https://www.newsweek.com/alexandra-ocasio-cortez-says-calling-border-situation-surge-militaristic-white-supremacist-1580141
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https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/03/31/a-proclamation-on-cesar-chavez-day-2021/
A Proclamation on César Chávez Day, 2021
March 31, 2021 • Presidential Actions

In his time, César E. Chávez witnessed a booming economy that served those at the top, but left millions of hardworking Americans behind — and he earned an enduring place in history by standing strong for the rights and dignity of the working people who built and sustained our Nation. Today, on what would have been his 94th birthday, we summon his courage and moral clarity to guide us as we face the ongoing challenges of a pandemic, a deeply unequal economic crisis, and a long overdue national reckoning on racial and economic justice. As we work to recover and rebuild an economy that rewards hard work and brings everyone along — including the immigrants and farm workers he championed, as well as the essential workers carrying our Nation on their backs today — we have no finer role model than César Chávez.

His legacy as the founder, along with Dolores Huerta, of the United Farm Workers of America, reminds us of the central place that organizing and collective bargaining holds in advancing the dignity and wellbeing of working Americans. It's a reminder that the power of workers coming together to bargain for a better deal is what built the American middle class and made possible the American dream. Chávez taught us: "Our ambitions must be broad enough to include the aspirations and needs of others, for their sakes and for our own." That most American of sentiments is as resonant today as it has ever been, as we seek to build back our Nation in a way that brings every single one of us along.

He fasted. He marched. He organized. He stayed true to his convictions, and brought hope to millions for whom hope had often seemed too far away. To him, "La Causa" meant elevating our common humanity to the center of an agenda for progress. And that elevation meant organizing for safe and healthy workplaces, a living wage, protections against sickness and disability, time with family, and so much else that we continue to prize and fight for today.

I keep that lesson in my heart every day — and I was proud to place a bust of César Chávez in the Oval Office, so that no one who enters that historic room may forget the powerful truths his farm worker hands imparted. On César Chávez Day, let us recommit ourselves to the duty we have in service to one another to work toward equity and justice across our communities.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim March 31, 2021, as César Chávez Day. I call upon all Americans to observe this day as a day of service and learning, with appropriate service, community, and education programs to honor César Chávez's enduring legacy.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-one, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-fifth.

JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

_____________________________

The synthesis here is that Greenwald, Taibbi, Yglesias and Sullivan are polarizing (in the sense of having strong and controversial views) but not partisan (in the sense of clearly belonging to Team Red or Team Blue). They represent an unwoke but anti-Trump form of centrism.

The IG says it has already identified more than $5.4 billion of potentially fraudulent UI benefits paid to individuals with SSNs in multiple states, to individuals with SSNs of deceased persons and federal inmates, and to individuals with SSNs and suspicious email accounts. And the IG says that already-huge amount of improper payouts could actually be higher: "The OIG's initial pandemic audit and investigative work indicate UI program improper payments, including fraudulent payments, will be higher than 10 percent." And it says OIG has opened more than 15,000 new investigative matters involving UI fraud since the crisis began, up from an average of 100 UI fraud matters pre-pandemic.
https://www.oig.dol.gov/doloiguioversightwork.htm

Italy Expels Two Russian Embassy Officials, Arrests Navy Captain On Spying Charges
https://www.npr.org/2021/03/31/983045625/italy-expels-two-russian-embassy-officials-arrests-navy-captain-on-spying-charge

The world lost enough forest to fill Colorado in 2020.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2021/03/31/climate-change-deforestation/

State prosecutors in Manhattan investigating Trump and the Trump Organization have subpoenaed the personal bank records of company CFO Allen Weisselberg and are questioning gifts he and his family received from Trump.
https://nytimes.com/2021/03/31/nyregion/trump-vance-investigation.html

Running to represent the people of #IA02 in the U.S. House of Representatives has been one of the greatest honors of my life. I could not have done it without all of you. Read my statement from today here:
https://twitter.com/RitaHartIA/status/1377350159667920901

CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky: "Our data from the CDC today suggest that vaccinated people do not carry the virus."
https://twitter.com/i/status/1376950399232573442

And the third officer's body cam footage is now being shown to the jury. Tou Thao is the former officer who kept the bystanders from intervening. "This is why you don't do drugs, kids" is a sentence uttered former officer Thao, a racist piece of shit Asian who should be deported back to Asia.

It's so weird to hear a President need to explain why financing infrastructure is necessary, especially when it's underdeveloped and crumbling in front of everyones eyes.

"The middle class built this country. And unions built the middle class." Preach, Joe.

Can't wait to hear some dude making 25k a year complaining about a 7% corporate tax hike.

The average household income is around $65k a year but yet a lot of those people that make that or less will act like this is going to strip them of every penny they have ever worked for.

There's a podcast on Crooked Media where Biden talks about transportation and how it intersects with climate change, and he sounds like a kid in a candy shop looking forward to the good that is possible.

Boris Johnson's upbeat new report on race says Britain is a "model for other white-majority countries" and I'm like, uhhhhh, Britain is barely white and its population is mostly criminal ghetto trash and heavily criminalist Islam

Biden was scheduled to visit the plant in Baltimore that reportedly ruined 15 million Johnson & Johnson vaccine doses but canceled after the company (Emergent Biosolutions) was subject to a NYT exposé that it was bilking the federal government on Anthrax vaccines

"We do not believe increasing the corporate tax rate and broadening the base is the right strategy for infrastructure funding since such changes impact the country's economic competitiveness..."
https://cnbc.com/2021/03/31/biden-infrastructure-bill-companies-split-on-whether-to-fight-corporate-tax-hike.html

No history books in public schools informed us about racial imperialism. Instear we were given romantic notions of the "new world," the "American dream," America as the great melting pot where all races come together as one. We were taught Columbus discovered America; that "Indians" were scalphunters, killers of innocent women and children; that black people were enslaved because of the biblical curse of Ham, that G-d "himself" had decreed they would be hewers of wood, tillers of the field, and bringers of water. No one talked of African and Asian people who came to America before Columbus. No one mentioned mass murders of Native Americans as genocide, or the rape of Native American and African women as terrorism. No one discussed slavery as a foundation for the growth of capitalism. No one described the forced breeding of white wives to increase the white population as seixist oppression.

Future shipments of Johnson & Johnson's coronavirus vaccine have been halted in the US after a mistake at a manufacturing plant ruined 15 million doses and raised questions about quality control. The workers at Emergent BioSolutions' Baltimore plant mixed up the ingredients for J&J's single-dose vaccine and another COVID-19 inoculation being produced there several weeks ago.
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/31/world/johnson-and-johnson-vaccine-mixup.html

Pelicans forward Zion Williamson suffered a sprained thumb against the Boston Celtics but avoided a serious injury. There were fears Zion could have been out for a multiple weeks, but ultimately he shouldn't miss much - if any - time.
https://twitter.com/_andrew_lopez/status/1377379301545406472
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https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/03/31/a-proclamation-on-national-financial-capability-month-2021/

A Proclamation on National Financial Capability Month, 2021
March 31, 2021    • Presidential Actions

     My Administration is working hard to help Americans overcome the financial impact of COVID-19 and the deep-rooted inequities in our society that have greatly limited the economic prosperity of too many Americans. Given the disproportionate impact the pandemic is having on minority and low-income communities, a concerted effort by the Federal Government is necessary for recovery and building back a better economy. Financial education that builds financial capability helps families receive assistance, build resilience, and benefit from a stronger and more equitable economy. April is recognized as National Financial Capability Month to highlight the value of high-quality financial education to improving Americans' financial capability.

     The Financial Literacy and Education Commission, a 23-member body of Federal agencies, chaired by the Secretary of the Treasury, was created to coordinate and improve financial education for all Americans. Its members are helping address the financial challenges our country faces as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Agencies are reaching American families with critical assistance and information on home mortgage forbearance, student loan repayment relief, unemployment assistance, and economic impact payments. Federal agencies are also alerting the public about scams, bogus investments, and other ways bad actors have tried to take advantage of people during this crisis.

     High-quality financial education should build on and respond to people's individual strengths, circumstances, and needs in order to help them work toward their own unique goals. Yet such high-quality financial education has not historically reached all Americans, especially our most underserved low-income and minority communities. This month, all financial educators in Federal, State, local, and Tribal governments, schools, and private sector organizations should recognize the systemic disparities in our society that have acted as barriers to financial well-being for too many families. They should redouble their efforts to better understand and effectively serve historically underserved people and communities, including people of color, low-income individuals, and persons with disabilities.

     NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 2021 as National Financial Capability Month. I call upon all Americans to observe this month by understanding barriers to financial well-being, and taking action to build their own financial capability and assist others to do so.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of March, in the year of our L-rd two thousand twenty-one, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-fifth.



JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.
_____________________________________

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/03/31/a-proclamation-on-national-sexual-assault-prevention-and-awareness-month-2021/

A Proclamation on National Sexual Assault Prevention And Awareness Month, 2021
March 31, 2021    • Presidential Actions

Sexual assault, at its core, is a devastating abuse of power — one that affects people of every age, race, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, socioeconomic background, and religion. It is the responsibility of each of us to stand up and speak out against it, not only to improve the laws and services available to survivors, but also to change the culture and attitudes that allow sexual assault to proliferate. Together, we must work toward a society that upholds every person's right to live free from sexual violence — where our institutions and communities commit to preventing sexual assault and sexual harassment, supporting survivors, and holding offenders accountable.

     The pandemic has exacerbated the already harrowing challenges facing sexual assault survivors by making it more difficult or risky for them to seek help. Victims may be reluctant to go to the hospital for a medical forensic exam because of the risk of COVID-19 exposure; rape crisis centers and other social service providers have struggled to maintain their services while adopting necessary public health protocols; and survivors are often isolated from loved ones, friends, or co-workers who might be in the best position to provide support. As we race to stop the spread of this devastating virus, we must strengthen our efforts to support sexual assault survivors whose suffering may be compounded by this pandemic, as well as by the economic crisis that has further undermined their economic security and taken a toll on service providers.

     We also must recognize that sexual assault was already a public health crisis even before the pandemic struck. According to the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey, done by the CDC, one in five women has been a victim of a completed or attempted rape at some point in her lifetime. Research has revealed a strong link between sexual violence and chronic disease, as well as greater long-term economic burdens on survivors of sexual assault. The trauma of assault is further compounded by the high costs of medical and mental health care, navigating the criminal justice system, and lost productivity.

     My Administration stands with survivors, and is committed to alleviating the public health crisis of sexual assault. As part of the American Rescue Plan (ARP), we included $450 million in supplemental funding for domestic violence and sexual assault services, including rape crisis centers. Recognizing the added barriers faced by survivors from historically marginalized communities — particularly survivors who are Black, Indigenous, Latino, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and other people of color — the ARP includes new funding to support community-based organizations to provide culturally-specific services for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence.

     I am also proud to have created the first-ever White House Gender Policy Council, through an Executive Order that I signed on International Women's Day. In addition to its work to bring a whole-of-government approach to gender equity in every policy we pursue, this Council will help coordinate Federal agencies to develop a National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence. I have also established an independent review commission that will provide recommendations to help guide the development of new policies and enforcement measures in keeping with my Administration's unwavering commitment to improving the response to, and prevention of, sexual assault and sexual harassment in the military.

     To strengthen our national commitment to end gender-based violence, we must also renew and further improve the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Writing and championing the passage of VAWA as a Senator is one of my proudest legislative accomplishments — it is a law that has transformed the way our country responds to sexual assault and intimate partner violence. With each reauthorization, I have worked with the Congress to expand VAWA's provisions on a bipartisan basis to improve protections, including for Native American women, the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community, as well as immigrant survivors and survivors from communities of color and other underserved groups. I applaud the House of Representatives for recently passing the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2021 with bipartisan support, and I urge the Senate to follow their lead to renew and strengthen this landmark law immediately. Through this legislation, we can continue to support Federal programs with a proven track record of helping survivors heal, strengthen the coordinated community response, improve the response of the criminal justice system, and provide additional pathways to safety by supporting innovative programs and prevention efforts.

     We have made important strides thanks to courageous survivors and dedicated advocates. This month, we honor the strength and resilience of sexual assault survivors, and we recommit ourselves to standing with them for safety, dignity, and justice. There is still much work to do, and it will take all of us to do it. This year's Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month is an opportunity for every person, employer, school, sports team, faith-based organization, and institution to come together and commit to being part of the solution. We must rededicate ourselves to creating a society where sexual violence — including sexual assault and sexual harassment — is not tolerated, where survivors are supported, and where all people have an opportunity to thrive without fear of abuse or assault.

     NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 2021 as National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. I urge all Americans to support victims when they reach out and disclose abuse.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of March, in the year of our L-rd two thousand twenty-one, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-fifth.

                               JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.
_____________________________________

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/03/31/a-proclamation-on-national-child-abuse-prevention-month-2021/

A Proclamation on National Child Abuse Prevention Month, 2021
March 31, 2021    • Presidential Actions

As we begin to emerge from a year of unprecedented stress and hardship, children and families need our support more than ever. The confluence of a devastating pandemic and the worst economic crisis in nearly a century have increased the risk for child abuse and neglect as Americans grapple with the compounding challenges of school and child care facility closures, social isolation, and increased financial instability. Children and families of color — who so often across our history have been underserved, marginalized, and adversely affected by persistent poverty and inequality — face even greater adversity today as they disproportionately carry the burdens of the COVID-19 crisis. During National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and throughout the entire year, it is imperative that we join together as one Nation to combat child abuse in all of its forms — through neglect, mistreatment, or physical, emotional, or sexual abuse.

Community-based child abuse prevention programs are a critical tool for preventing the mistreatment of children and advancing equity. Authorized by Title II of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act, the purpose of community-based child abuse prevention programs is to support local efforts that strengthen and support families to reduce the likelihood of child abuse. These programs offer comprehensive assistance that improves family stabilization, while also fostering meaningful engagement with diverse populations to promote effective prevention strategies.

Across our country, a vast network of frontline workers, court and legal professionals, faith leaders, volunteers, teachers, and helpful loved ones and neighbors work every day to support the wellbeing of our children. They deserve our recognition and our sincere gratitude, particularly in the midst of this difficult year. Though the pandemic has changed the ways that they interact with the families they serve, they have shown remarkable resilience, and their dedication to preventing child abuse continues to transform lives.

We recognize that within the larger context of addressing child abuse, there is a need to specifically address issues of sexual violence against children and adolescents. My Administration is committed to expanding efforts to improve prevention initiatives, enhance trauma-informed responses to assist children and adolescents impacted by sexual violence, and work toward healing and justice. It is an imperative not only in the United States, but also in galvanizing global action to end sexual violence against children and adolescents.

National Child Abuse Prevention Month is a time for us to not only honor those who work to support children and strengthen families, but to shine a light on the many ways we can all play a role in preventing children from being harmed. The Prevention Resource Guide, an annual publication by the Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families Children's Bureau outlines actions that can be taken by communities, organizations, families, and individuals to address the root causes of child abuse and provide meaningful and equitable support to families. You can access the Prevention Resource Guide and other resources at the Child Welfare Information Gateway's Child Abuse Prevention Month website. By increasing efforts to prevent child abuse, we will help children, families, and communities thrive.

https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/preventing/preventionmonth/

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 2021 as National Child Abuse Prevention Month. I call upon all Americans to protect our Nation's greatest resource — its children — and to take an active role in supporting children and parents and creating safe communities filled with thriving families.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of March, in the year of our L-rd two thousand twenty-one, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-fifth.

JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.
_____________________________________

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/03/31/a-proclamation-on-national-donate-life-month-2021/

A Proclamation on National Donate Life Month, 2021
March 31, 2021    • Presidential Actions

April is National Donate Life Month, a time for all Americans to celebrate the generosity of those who have saved lives by becoming organ, eye, tissue, marrow, and blood donors ‑- and to encourage more Americans to follow their example. We also honor the families and friends of donors who have supported their loved one's decision to donate, as well as the caring and committed professionals who serve the transplantation community. This month-long observance also encompasses National Pediatric Transplant Week from April 18-24, a week dedicated to ending the pediatric transplant waiting list.

     Despite the extraordinary challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020 saw organ transplants from deceased donors set an annual record for the 10th consecutive year — a testament to Americans' generosity and selflessness even in times of unbearable loss. Thanks to the resilience of our organ donation and transplantation professionals and the caring nature of the American people, more than 39,000 life-saving or life-enhancing organ transplants were performed in the United States last year from both living and deceased donors.

     While thousands of Americans receive the gift of life each year through organ transplantation, the number of people in need of life-saving organs remains staggeringly high. There are more than 107,000 people currently on the national transplant waiting list, and another person is added every nine minutes. Sadly, the waiting list currently contains more than 1,900 children under the age of 18 who are awaiting a life-saving organ transplant. While very small children most often must receive donations from other young children due to size constraints, older children and adults can often match. In many cases, that means generous American adults can contribute to our goal of ending the pediatric transplant waiting list.

     Current statistics show that Americans belonging to minority groups make up nearly 60 percent of those waiting for an organ transplant. Although a transplant can be successful regardless of the race or ethnicity of the donor and recipient, there is a greater chance of longer-term survival for the recipient if the genetic background of the donor and recipient are closely matched. Americans from every community are needed to help make a life-saving difference.

     Nearly 18,000 people are diagnosed each year with illnesses for which blood stem cell transplantation — requiring marrow or cord blood — is the best treatment option. Over 65 percent of these individuals require donors from outside their own family. Although some 30 million adults are currently registered as blood stem cell donors, many individuals still have difficulty finding a suitably matched donor, meaning that we need many more registrants to fill this life-saving need.

     Every day, 17 people in America die while waiting for a transplant. Yet, all of us have the power to help: one donor can save up to eight lives through organ donation, and can improve another 75 lives through eye and tissue donation. If you have not signed up as an organ donor, we need your help to fill the gap between the availability of organs and people who need them. I encourage all Americans to give hope to those awaiting a match by visiting organdonor.gov for organ, eye, and tissue donation, and bloodstemcell.hrsa.gov for marrow donation.

https://www.organdonor.gov/register.html
https://bloodstemcell.hrsa.gov/donor-information/donate-bone-marrow/joining-registry

     NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 2021 as National Donate Life Month. I call upon every person to share the gift of life and hope with those in need of a life-saving or life-enhancing transplant by becoming organ, eye, tissue, marrow, and blood donors.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of March, in the year of our L-rd two thousand twenty-one, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-fifth.

                                 JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

_____________________________________

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/03/31/a-proclamation-on-national-cancer-control-month-2021/

A Proclamation on National Cancer Control Month, 2021
March 31, 2021    • Presidential Actions

Despite the incredible advancements we have made in recent years, cancer remains the second leading cause of death in the United States. Behind this statistic are millions of Americans who know the distress of receiving a cancer diagnosis, and millions more who watch family members or friends courageously fight this disease and too often succumb to it. Cancer is brutal and cruel, and I intimately understand the incalculable human toll that this disease inflicts on patients and their loved ones — a toll that strikes communities of color at disproportionately high rates.

During National Cancer Control Month, we celebrate the progress made against this disease, and we reaffirm our national commitment to preventing cancer, improving treatments and the delivery of care, and finding a cure. This includes efforts to improve cancer prevention, promote early detection, enhance treatment, and support the needs of cancer survivors and caregivers. This issue is deeply personal for me — and as President, I am committed to ending cancer as we know it.

Progress begins with helping people take steps to lower their risk for many kinds of cancer. Tobacco use remains the top cause of cancer deaths in the United States. By helping people quit smoking and limiting exposure to secondhand smoke, we can reduce cancer risk and save lives. Resources to help quit smoking can be found at SmokeFree.gov or by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW. Eating healthy, getting regular physical activity, limiting alcohol consumption, and reducing sun exposure when the sun is at its peak can also help reduce the risk of getting cancer.

http://www.smokefree.gov/

My Administration is proud to support efforts like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Comprehensive Cancer Control and the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Programs, which help Americans in communities throughout the country get recommended cancer screenings. You can read more about these programs at cdc.gov/cancer.

http://www.cdc.gov/cancer

My Administration is also a proud supporter of ClinicalTrials.gov, the world's largest public clinical research database that gives patients, families, health care providers, researchers, and others easy access to information on clinical studies relating to a wide range of diseases and conditions, including cancer.

This year also marks the 50th anniversary of the National Cancer Act of 1971. This landmark legislation cemented our Nation's commitment to cancer research, establishing networks of cancer centers, clinical trials, data collection systems, and advanced research, without which many breakthroughs against cancer in recent years would not have occurred.

In addition, the Cancer Moonshot, which former President Obama and I initiated in 2016, accelerated progress in cancer prevention, treatment, and cures, including by funding six Implementation Science Centers in cancer control. These centers were created to expand the use of proven cancer prevention and early detection strategies, especially among underserved, rural, and minority populations, which often have lower rates of cancer screening and thus find cancer at more advanced stages. You can read about these important research programs and breakthroughs by visiting cancer.gov.

http://www.cancer.gov/

As part of the Cancer Moonshot, we also established the Oncology Center of Excellence at the Food and Drug Administration to drive faster and better integrated development of drugs, medical devices, and biological and other products to tackle this devastating disease. Find out more at fda.gov.

https://www.fda.gov/about-fda/fda-organization/oncology-center-excellence

This year, we must be especially mindful of the significant disruptions the COVID-19 pandemic is bringing to cancer care — delaying routine screening, diagnosis, and therapy. I urge Americans not to delay recommended screenings, doctor's visits, and treatments. Because of the Affordable Care Act, most health insurance plans must cover a set of preventive services with no out-of-pocket costs, including many cancer screenings. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, my Administration also announced a special enrollment period for the Health Insurance Marketplace, allowing uninsured individuals and families to sign up for health coverage and gain these protections through August 15th. I encourage you to visit healthcare.gov to explore your eligibility and get covered today.

http://www.healthcare.gov/

Our Nation has made extraordinary advances in the fight against cancer. Still, much work remains to be done. We owe it to every person who has lost their battle with this disease, every person living with this disease, and every person who may one day contract it, to continue working tirelessly to defeat it. During National Cancer Control Month, let us renew our efforts to save lives and spare suffering by accelerating our work to end cancer as we know it.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim April 2021 as National Cancer Control Month. I encourage citizens, government agencies, private businesses, nonprofit organizations, and other interested groups to join in activities that will increase awareness of what Americans can do to prevent and control cancer.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of March, in the year of our L-rd two thousand twenty-one, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-fifth.

JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

_____________________________________

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/03/31/a-proclamation-on-second-chance-month-2021/

A Proclamation on Second Chance Month, 2021
March 31, 2021    • Presidential Actions

America's criminal justice system must offer meaningful opportunities for redemption and rehabilitation. After incarcerated individuals serve their time, they should have the opportunity to fully reintegrate into society. It benefits not just those individuals but all of society, and it is the best strategy to reduce recidivism. During Second Chance Month, we lift up all those who, having made mistakes, are committed to rejoining society and making meaningful contributions.

     My Administration is committed to a holistic approach to building safe and healthy communities. This includes preventing crime and providing opportunities for all Americans. It also requires rethinking the existing criminal justice system — whom we send to prison and for how long; how people are treated while incarcerated; how prepared they are to reenter society once they have served their time; and the racial inequities that lead to the disproportionate number of incarcerated Black and Brown people.

     We must commit to second chances from the earliest stages of our criminal justice system. Supporting second chances means, for example, diverting individuals who have used illegal drugs to drug court programs and treatment instead of prison. It requires eliminating exceedingly long sentences and mandatory minimums that keep people incarcerated longer than they should be. It means providing quality job training and educational opportunities during incarceration to prepare individuals for the 21st century economy. And it means reinvesting the savings from reduced incarceration into reentry programs and social services that prevent recidivism and leave us all better off.

     More than 600,000 individuals return to their communities from State and Federal prisons every year. Transitioning back into society can be overwhelming for those who are formerly incarcerated as well as their families and communities. Too many individuals face unfair legal and practical barriers to reentry. The reentry process is complicated in the best of times, and is even more so with the additional difficulties presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.

     We must remove these barriers. Every person leaving incarceration should have housing, the opportunity at a decent job, and health care. A person's conviction history should not unfairly exclude them from employment, occupational licenses, access to credit, public benefits, or the right to vote. Certain criminal records should be expunged and sealed so people can overcome their past.

     By focusing on prevention, reentry, and social support, rather than incarceration, we can ensure that America is a land of second chances and opportunity for all people.

     NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 2021 as Second Chance Month. I call upon all government officials, educators, volunteers, and all the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of March, in the year of our L-rd two thousand twenty-one, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-fifth.

                               JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.
_____________________________________

Most lawyers would tell a client facing a sex trafficking probe to keep quiet. Gaetz hasn't stopped talking since the news came out. Legal experts say he might be digging himself a deeper hole. Gaetz says he needs to spread "the truth"

Matt Gaetz's bizarre saga
https://www.todayintabs.com/p/should-it-be-matz-gaet-instead

Houston Rockets in the first quarter vs. the Brooklyn Nets: 42 points on 15-19 shooting, including 7-9 from three-point range

Kyle Lowry will miss 7-10 days with the toe infection. "It's not going very well," Nick Nurse says.
https://twitter.com/BlakeMurphyODC/status/1377389129374199814

James Harden draws the 3 point foul at half-court
https://streamable.com/478v76

______________________________________

https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2021/03/eric-swalwell-trump-riot-congress/618459/

The Strange Life of a Congressional Trump Basher, After Trump

Representative Eric Swalwell built a public profile criticizing the ex-president. He's still figuring out what's next.

Edward-Isaac Dovere

10:37 AM ET

Eric Swalwell is going through some stuff. A lot of people are—and not just those who, like him, have grown a scraggly pandemic beard under their mask. Like many members of Congress, Swalwell is still working through the anger and trauma caused by the attack on the Capitol. Like so many Americans, he's learning to live in a post-Trump United States, a post-Trump politics. He's still trying to find his footing. At work, he looks around and doesn't know how to talk to some of his colleagues—like today, in a tunnel in the Capitol basement, when he passes a white guy with gray hair and an official member-of-Congress pin on his lapel.

"Hi," the man says. Swalwell says "Hi" back before he catches himself, wondering if he might have just accidentally greeted one of his Republican colleagues who voted in January to overturn the election. It's hard to tell with the face masks. It's hard to keep track of which gray-haired white guys were insurrection-curious and which weren't. "I don't have the list fully memorized," Swalwell jokes, bitterly. His staff has an informal rule against interacting with the office of any member who voted to overturn the election, even on basic congressional tasks such as signing on to group letters.
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Democrats haven't put a lot of effort into rebuilding relations with the Trumpiest parts of the congressional GOP. Where would they start? Swalwell was one of the impeachment managers—essentially prosecutors—who made an intense, emotional case for Republican senators to convict Donald Trump for his role in inciting the violence at the Capitol. Since December, Republicans have been attacking Swalwell over reports that a Chinese spy fundraised for his 2014 campaign. (Swalwell later learned that the FBI suspected the woman, and cut off contact with her.) Two weeks ago, nearly every House Republican backed a resolution from Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy to remove Swalwell from the Intelligence Committee. Swalwell claims, in a roundabout way, that he's flattered that he matters so much to them. "They just bounce from grievance to grievance, cultural issue to cultural issue," he told me. "I guess I'm probably somewhere between Dr. Seuss and, next week, 'Why did they cancel Dunkaroos?'"

https://www.axios.com/china-spy-california-politicians-9d2dfb99-f839-4e00-8bd8-59dec0daf589.html
https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/dr-seuss-book-sales-soar-after-6-titles-canceled-for-racist-imagery

For years, Swalwell was an ambitious young man in a hurry. After breaking both of his thumbs, he transferred from the college where he had won a soccer scholarship to a better one. He got the local city council to create a student-liaison position, which he then filled as a senior. After law school, he headed home to California, where he worked as a prosecutor for a few years until he beat a 20-term incumbent in a congressional primary in 2012, at the age of 31. Two years after he arrived in Congress, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi picked him to head the Future Forum, a group for young members of Congress, and at the end of 2016 he was named to a minor role in Democratic leadership. By then, Trump had won the presidency, and Swalwell became a cable-news fixture, popping up to take shots at him. In 2019, Swalwell convinced himself that Americans wanted him to run for president, then pulled the plug on his campaign after 11 weeks. He filled his spare time by writing a book, and getting agitated and despondent about the news. Two weeks after the election, he turned 40.

https://web.archive.org/web/20170925035850/http:/www.gazette.net/gazette_archive/2003/200304/collegepark/news/140786-1.html

Then the rioters arrived with their zip ties and fake-fur Viking helmets, and he wondered for a moment if he would see his wife and children again. Two weeks later, Swalwell was standing at Joe Biden's inauguration, freshly picked by Pelosi to serve as an impeachment manager, speculating to me about what the chances of a conviction might be. Two weeks after that, he was staring right at Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell as he laid out his part of the impeachment case, processing his own trauma all the while. He spent weeks second-guessing his decision to leave the House floor when the rioters poured into the Capitol, feeling guilty for what seemed to him like a surrender. His first instinct when he heard the mob had been to seek advice from his friend Representative Ruben Gallego of Arizona, an Iraq War veteran who was showing members how to put on a gas mask. Gallego told Swalwell to grab a ballpoint pen to use as a weapon if necessary.

Now he's a relatively young man in an institution built of marble and gerontocracy. He's a five-term congressman in a safe district, but he has no clear path to higher office in California, and probably at least 15 years to wait until he has enough seniority to chair a committee and wield real power.

Swalwell is trying to adjust—not just to life after Trump, but to no longer being the fresh new face, to transitioning from mentee to mentor, to accepting a new rhythm in his personal and political life, to being what he likes to call "the oldest of the youngest."

"My first couple years, you're constantly wondering, Do I belong here?" he said. "For the senior members, a lot of times, you're just the IT help desk—'Hey, can you help me get on Instagram? Can you help me turn my phone off in this committee hearing?' We turned a lot of phones off in our first couple years."

In his early days on the Intelligence Committee, Swalwell often felt like the CIA briefers mistook him for an intern. Now he's sitting in a 100-year-old black-leather armchair that he proudly snagged from congressional furniture storage—along with a matching one I'm sitting in on the other side of the room—to decorate the new office he recently received as a perk of his seniority. He's talking about growing up in Congress, figuring out that there's value in experience. "It's maturity, and learning," he says.

Swalwell isn't under the illusion that politics is returning to the Eisenhower era. This is the first time since he won office that the White House, Senate, and House are all in Democratic hands. But that hasn't cured his anxiety—the margins are so close that it's like "we sunk a three at the buzzer and we're in overtime," he says. He wants to be part of the rebuilding of America and back up Biden, but he doesn't quite know how. He's been thinking that he should do something about white supremacy, but he doesn't quite know what. He's ready to come down from the high of prosecuting an impeachment on national television, to move on from feeling a little envious of how much more coverage his fellow impeachment managers were getting, and to settle in for the long haul.

At least that's what he's trying to get himself to believe.

"I'm 40," he said. "I don't feel [the] pressures of having to make big career decisions. I don't."

The group of House members Swalwell arrived with in 2012 hasn't done a lot of sitting back and waiting. Of those sworn in alongside Swalwell, there are now five senators, two governors, one lieutenant governor, one former White House chief of staff, five former Senate candidates, three other former presidential candidates, the current and previous chairs of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, the current chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, one of the chairs of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, two former vice chairs of the Democratic National Committee, and one member, Hakeem Jeffries of New York, seen by many as the likely next speaker of the House. About 30 minutes after our interview, Swalwell called me to point this out.

Swalwell's first cable-news appearance as a congressman came five days into his term, right into the fire with Sean Hannity, who used the segment to complain to Swalwell that reporters had publicized that the Fox News host had a gun license. (This was January 2013, a few weeks after the Sandy Hook massacre, when even Hannity was feeling a little anxious about being connected with gun rights.) Swalwell's fellow panelist that night was the Republican Tom Cotton, then a representative from Arkansas and now a U.S. senator, who made a virtual appearance in New Hampshire the weekend after Biden's inauguration, ramping up for a presidential run that is about as much of a secret as Garfield liking lasagna is.

The Capitol complex is simultaneously a bunch of office buildings full of people doing their jobs and a hive of political mini-celebrities. In just the walk from Swalwell's office to the House floor and back as he cast a few votes, McCarthy walked by twice, side-eyeing him (the second time he removed his mask, under the presumption that no one was watching), and Representative Ilhan Omar of Minnesota saw Swalwell and joked, "Are you off yet?," in reference to McCarthy's failed resolution to boot him from the Intelligence Committee. Omar has been teasing Swalwell that Pelosi should announce that if Republicans remove Swalwell from the committee, Democrats will replace him with Omar. Putting a Black Muslim woman on the committee would really bother them, she jokes. Heading back into the Cannon Office Building, we saw Representative Madison Cawthorn of North Carolina, the youngest congressperson ever elected. On the day of the riot, Swalwell helped Cawthorn move his wheelchair down a ramp while they were being evacuated. Two and a half months later, with me, Swalwell stepped aside to let Cawthorn pass at a security checkpoint. Both kept their hellos to silent nods.

Swalwell makes a point of calling newer, younger members to offer tips: how to navigate having a personal life while in office; how to find a good apartment in D.C.; how to avoid getting caught leaving town by not walking down the Capitol's outside steps after the last votes before the weekend. I ask him what his advice is about looking across the aisle to people he believes either encouraged or accepted domestic terrorism. "I don't want to look at them," he says. Other Democrats have described a similar conundrum: not knowing what to do with how disgusted and distraught they feel about the people serving alongside them. Swalwell mentions a video that Representative Lauren Boebert of Colorado—his new, QAnon-friendly colleague who is eagerly striving to be an internet sensation—posted two days before the attack on the Capitol, making a big show of how she carries a gun on her hip and "will carry my Glock to Congress." Swalwell gives the half-chortle of snarky disbelief that has become the most consistent sound Democrats make when talking about Republicans. "Well, when the mob came, she was nowhere to be found with her gun," he says. "When it was real, she was pretty useless."

Serving in Congress is about finding a niche to turn into a brand, and Swalwell's hunt for a new niche led him to talking about tackling white supremacy. But even a little seniority doesn't lay out an obvious path for how to turn aspiration into action. I ask if anything on the topic is coming up in one of his committees. Not really, his staff says. Swalwell tells me that he wants to start by making sure the new attorney general has more funding for investigations into white-supremacist groups, and that he wants to figure out, "community by community," how to provide "resources to educate people about inclusiveness." He has the same problem America has right now, the same issue everyone in Congress has: The problem is obvious, but what to do about it is not. Congress could hold some kind of hearings, Swalwell says: "There's not a bill that can fix every problem, but this is a forum that can bring awareness to almost every problem."

"Bring awareness" might seem like the goal of the lawsuit Swalwell filed in early March against Trump, Donald Trump Jr., Rudy Giuliani, and Representative Mo Brooks of Alabama, seeking to hold them responsible in civil court for inciting some of the rioters. Swalwell insists that he's up to something bigger, though. He says the lawsuit came from casting around for ideas of how to keep the fight against Trump going, then fortuitously connecting with lawyers who were having similar thoughts. "It is definitely more than a press release," Swalwell's attorney Phil Andonian told me. He compared it to the civil suit brought against O. J. Simpson after his criminal acquittal, though I noted that the plaintiffs never received anything close to the $33.5 million Simpson was ordered to pay. "Is this going to be the thing that breaks Donald Trump, finally, once and for all? Who knows," Andonian said. "I guess I hope so to some degree. But we are hopeful about getting some kind of judgment or proclamation in a court of law." Attorneys for the Trumps are trying to get the suit dismissed (liberal legal scholars believe that it will survive those challenges). If it moves forward, lawyers could be in the discovery phase, with access to internal communications and records, by the fall. It's not a stunt to stay relevant, Swalwell says: "I don't like to lose. And I wouldn't intentionally do something to lose."

https://www.cnn.com/2021/03/05/politics/trump-lawsuit-insurrection-eric-swalwell/index.html

Swalwell's parents are lifelong Republicans. His brothers are Republicans too. When he started going on Fox News, part of the draw was that his family would see him. One of his aides has a theory, Swalwell says, that one reason Republicans go after him is they feel that he should be one of their own. When he was first running for Congress, he was seen as more of a centrist, and he dispatched his father to knock on Republican doors to vouch for him. Then came Trump, and Swalwell was tagged as more of a liberal. His parents kept voting for him, but they both voted for Trump in 2016 too.

Swalwell's father told him that he didn't vote for Trump in 2020. Although Swalwell isn't sure he believes him, he's decided it's better for family peace not to push. He's more confident that his mother has gotten off the Trump train. "Once the president sent a mob to kill her son and his colleagues, that might have been the impetus for her," he jokes.

Some of the members of Congress whose time in Washington is measured in decades believe that the new progressives will settle down once they've been in office for a while. That, in so many words, is what Swalwell says he wants to do. He chuckles when I point this out to him, and says he has faith in the younger generation not to fade."I ran on 'New energy, new ideas'—that was our slogan," he says. "To anyone who's nervous about it, this place needs an injection like that."

The career that Swalwell says he's ready to settle in for, seems like that of Adam Schiff, his fellow congressman from California, who was also smarter and better on TV than most of his colleagues. Schiff was Swalwell's age when he was first elected to Congress, in 2000, and he had to wait 18 years before he became Intelligence Committee chairman and had any real power on the Hill. After all that, I point out, Schiff spent the past few months trying to get himself appointed California attorney general—and it didn't work.

https://www.politico.com/states/california/story/2021/03/24/newsom-wont-pick-schiff-as-california-ag-1369424

Swalwell does his proper deferential duty and says he'd be honored to have a career like Schiff's. He adds that 200 years from now, Americans will be studying what Schiff said as an impeachment manager in Trump's first trial, last year. We're standing in Swalwell's office, where one of the walls features a John F. Kennedy quote: "The American, by nature, is optimistic. He is experimental, an inventor and a builder who builds best when called upon to build greatly."

"The curtains have dropped on Act I," Swalwell says. "I'm excited for Act II."

That's the kind of thing, though, that a politician says when he still isn't sure what Act II is going to bring.
______________________________________

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2021/03/31/filibuster-stop-being-afraid-mitch-mcconnell-cause-hes-not-afraid-you/

Jonathan Capehart

March 31, 2021 at 12:30 p.m. EDT

Our Declaration of Independence declares that democracies derive their power from the "consent of the governed." But this democracy will fail if only some of the governed are allowed to vote. See: Georgia. That's why when it comes to H.R. 1, the federal legislation that would standardize voter registration and access across the nation, the filibuster rule must be blown up if it means getting the bill passed.

https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript#:~:text=We%20hold%20these%20truths%20to,their%20just%20powers%20from%20the
https://www.ajc.com/politics/new-georgia-law-changes-voting-rules-and-maybe-results/4QBKQXRS45GUZHBSQ67W4FVLRY/
https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/1/text

I don't come to this conclusion lightly. The threats from Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell are not to be discounted. "Let me say this very clearly for all 99 of my colleagues," the Kentucky Republican said March 16. "Nobody serving in this chamber can even begin — can even begin to imagine — what a completely scorched-earth Senate would look like."

https://www.rev.com/blog/transcripts/mitch-mcconnell-senate-floor-speech-on-filibuster-transcript-march-16

Oh, yes they can. No one has handled the blowtorch in pursuit of his priorities more adroitly than McConnell.

Having failed in making good on his 2010 promise to make Barack Obama a one-term president, McConnell put Republican legislative recalcitrance into overdrive. In the fall of Obama's second term in 2013, Republicans blocked three of his nominees for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, and, for the first time ever, they filibustered a defense secretary nominee. By November of that year, then-Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) had had enough. He ended the filibuster for lower federal court and executive branch nominees.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/fact-checker/wp/2017/01/11/when-did-mitch-mcconnell-say-he-wanted-to-make-obama-a-one-term-president/
https://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/19/us/politics/republicans-block-another-obama-nominee-for-key-judgeship.html
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/senate-republicans-have-the-votes-to-filibuster-on-hagel/2013/02/14/91afab0c-76c5-11e2-8f84-3e4b513b1a13_story.html
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2013/11/21/harry-reid-nuclear-senate/3662445/

It's this action that critics point to as the genesis of our current filibuster crisis. But if Reid's action was the match, then the subsequent actions taken by McConnell were gasoline on the fire.

First, McConnell stole a Supreme Court seat. Upon the death of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia in 2016, nine months before the presidential election, McConnell argued the American people should choose the next president to fill the lifetime appointment. McConnell and most Republicans refused to meet Obama's nominee, then-Judge Merrick Garland. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), then-chair of the Judiciary Committee, refused to hold a hearing. Garland is now the attorney general.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/texas-tv-station-scalia-died-of-a-heart-attack/2016/02/14/938e2170-d332-11e5-9823-02b905009f99_story.html
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/mcconnell-and-grassley-democrats-shouldnt-rob-voters-of-chance-to-replace-scalia/2016/02/18/e5ae9bdc-d68a-11e5-be55-2cc3c1e4b76b_story.html
https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/politics/scotus-senate-gop-garland/
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/president-obama-to-nominate-merrick-garland-to-the-supreme-court-sources-say/2016/03/16/3bc90bc8-eb7c-11e5-a6f3-21ccdbc5f74e_story.html
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2016/04/04/grassley-sticks-to-republican-script-on-supreme-court-nomination/

Then, not even three months after Donald Trump's inauguration in 2017, McConnell blew up the filibuster for Supreme Court nominees. That allowed the confirmation of Justice Neil M. Gorsuch by a simple-majority vote. And then, after the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg in September 2020, McConnell sealed a 6-3 conservative majority by ramming through the confirmation of Justice Amy Coney Barrett just eight days before the presidential election. So much for McConnell's earlier insistence that the American people elect a new president to pick the new jurist.

https://www.businessinsider.com/nuclear-option-gorsuch-filibuster-senate-2017-4
https://www.washingtonpost.com/powerpost/senate-set-to-confirm-neil-gorsuch-to-supreme-court/2017/04/07/da3cd738-1b89-11e7-9887-1a5314b56a08_story.html
https://www.newsweek.com/amy-coney-barrett-confirmed-days-before-election-republicans-rush-1540480

Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), who has been working on filibuster reform since 2011, is not moved by McConnell's "scorched earth" threat. "If anyone's destroyed the Senate, it's Mitch McConnell. His strategy of obstruct and delay has been deeply, deeply damaging," Merkley told me during an interview for my podcast "Cape Up." The minority leader, Merkley says, "is the master breaker of the Senate, and we need to fix it." Merkley thinks a talking filibuster where senators can block bills only by keeping debate open through continuous floor speeches is the way to go.

https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/543133-oregon-senator-takes-center-stage-in-democratic-filibuster-debate
https://www.washingtonpost.com/podcasts/cape-up/sen-jeff-merkley-has-been-pushing-for-filibuster-reform-since-2011-this-time-he-might-get-it-done/
http://washingtonpost.com/podcasts/cape-up/

The understandable argument that Democrats shouldn't reform the filibuster for fear of what Republicans would do if they regained the majority holds no weight with Merkley. "The Republicans have already torn down the filibuster on their own priorities," Merkley said, referring to judicial appointments and tax cuts.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/imagine-2025-with-a-republican-government-and-no-filibuster-welcome-to-the-apocalypse/2021/03/19/ea60e41a-88d1-11eb-8a8b-5cf82c3dffe4_story.html

"They have what they think is a perfect situation because it's kind of heads, they win, tails, Democrats lose. So that's why Mitch McConnell likes it the way it is," Merkley said. "His theory of power is that if you paralyze the Senate when there's a Democrat in the White House, that makes a better case for replacing the Democrats with Republicans." Another way for Republicans to regain the majority is for Democrats not to wield the power they have.

"The grass roots is saying, ‘Listen, you said if you've got a majority, you would do these things on health care, housing, education, jobs, equality, climate, immigration, ‘dreamers.' Are you going to simply say you'll let Mitch McConnell have a veto over all that when you don't have a veto over his priorities?'" Merkley told me. "Our grass roots understand. They are not going to show up in 2022 if we disappoint them. And, quite frankly, even if they show up, they'll be blocked from the ballot box in sufficient numbers that Republicans will take control."

Which leads me back to H.R. 1. — or S. 1, as it's called in the Senate. If Republicans aren't willing to vote for voting rights, and if the only way to safeguard our fundamental right to vote is to blow up the filibuster, then ignore McConnell's taunts and do it. As fallen-away Republican Sophia Nelson advised Democrats on my MSNBC Sunday show, "Stop being afraid of Mitch McConnell 'cause he's not afraid of you."

https://www.msnbc.com/sunday-show
______________________________________

A company owned by a StopTheSteal advocate who repeatedly promoted baseless conspiracy theories will lead the Arizona Senate's audit of the 2020 election in Maricopa County
https://www.azmirror.com/2021/03/31/arizona-senate-hires-a-stop-the-steal-advocate-to-lead-2020-election-audit/

New York authorities filed three felony hate-crime charges in the brutal stomping of an Asian American woman — a case that could test the efficacy of such statutes amid a groundswell of concern over rising anti-Asian attacks
https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/new-york-asian-american-attack/2021/03/31/a583e1ca-924b-11eb-a74e-1f4cf89fd948_story.html

U.S. Customs & Border Protection released a video Wednesday of two toddlers being abandoned on the U.S. side of the southern border.
Smugglers are seen fleeing the area after transporting the children across the international boundary.
https://twitter.com/CBSEveningNews/status/1377344293124272140

Ok so 45 min to voting ends in the #NM01 Dem runoff
Here is the land as I see it
199 votes in first round, so 100 votes to win
Lopez likely has 89 votes locked in (takes Guerrero and Fernandez votes)
So she only needs 11/67 remaining votes
Don't see how she loses
https://twitter.com/mcimaps/status/1377415435222540290

We won't stand idly by while our impeccable repawtation is under pawttack.
#DooDooGate #PawsRelease
https://twitter.com/TheOvalPawffice/status/1377413207015448576

According to prosecutors, Ray LaHood, Transportation secretary under President Obama, took $50,000 from an associate of a Lebanese-Nigerian billionaire at the center of a sprawling scheme of illegal foreign campaign contributions
https://www.axios.com/obama-official-undisclosed-foreign-cash-3cf6dc22-3621-4470-8e59-15676bdc6468.html

________________________________

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2021/03/31/remarks-by-president-biden-on-the-american-jobs-plan/

Remarks by President Biden on the American Jobs Plan
March 31, 2021 • Speeches and Remarks

Carpenters Pittsburgh Training Center
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

4:38 P.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you. (Applause.) (Inaudible) Mike asked me — and I said to Bobby, my good friend — he asked me back there — he said, "Do you ever get nervous?" And I — he said, "Because I got up this morning, made breakfast for my kids. I've got to introduce the President.'"

And what I say to you, Mike: You did a heck of a job. But I'd get nervous if I had to get up in the middle of the night, climb up a telephone pole, replace — in the middle of a storm — a connection that knocked out everybody's electricity, and put a transformer in. That's what would make me nervous. So what you did was really good. I couldn't do what you do, pal. I couldn't do what you do.

And I want to — and it's true, Mike. You're a union guy; me too. I got in trouble, but I don't make any apologies for it. I'm a union guy. I support unions. Unions built the middle class. It's about time they start to get a piece of the action.

To all my colleagues — (applause) — to the County Executives, to the Mayor, to everyone who's here, I want to say: Thank you. Thank you, Congressman, for the passport into your district. And I appreciate being here. I'm honored to be with you.

Two years ago, I began my campaign here in Pittsburgh, saying I was running to rebuild the backbone of America. And today, I return as your President to lay out the vision of how I believe we do that — rebuild the backbone of America.

It's a vision not seen through the eyes of Wall Street or Washington, but through the eyes of hardworking people, like the people I grew up with; people like Mike and his union family; union workers in this Carpenters Training Center; people like the folks I grew up with in Scranton and Claymont, Delaware.

People who get up every day, work hard, raise their family, pay their taxes, serve their country, and volunteer for their communities, and just looking for a little bit of breathing room — just a little bit of light.

Ordinary Americans doing extraordinary things. The people who break their necks every day for their families and the country they love — a country that, in fact — which, on the day I was elected, was in extreme distress with a virus on a deadly rampage that has now killed four thou- — excuse me, five hundred — I carry it in my pocket every day. I have the list of exactly how many have died: 547,296 Americans dead from the virus — more than all the people killed in World War One, World War Two, the Vietnam War, 9/11. 547,296 Americans. And an economy that left millions out of work and created so much anxiety.

That's why I moved so quickly to pass the American Rescue Plan with the help of my friends here in the Congress. I really mean that. It didn't pass by a whole lot, but with the leadership of Conor and Bobby and Mayor — just — you got it done, because it was an emergency. We needed to act to save jobs, to save businesses, and to save lives. And that's what we did.

We're beginning to see the results. We're on our way to having given 200 million vaccination shots in the first 100 days of my presidency. When I said I'd get 100 million done, people thought it was a significant exaggeration. We're going to get 200 million done — twice the original goal — because of all the help of all of you.

Leading economists are now predicting our economy will grow 6 percent this year. That's a rate we haven't seen in years and years. We can cut child poverty in half this year. With the American Rescue Plan, we're meeting immediate emergencies. Now it's time to rebuild.

Even before the crisis we're now facing, those at the very top in America were doing very well, which is fine. They were doing great. But everyone else was falling behind. The pandemic only made the division so much worse and more obvious. Millions of Americans lost their jobs last year while the wealthiest 1 percent of Americans saw their net worth increase by $4 trillion. It just goes to show you how distorted and unfair our economy has become. It wasn't always this way.

Well, it's time to change that. I'd note, parenthetically, that I got criticized for giving tax breaks to middle-class and poor folks this last time. I didn't hear that cry — hue and cry when we were doing the same thing when Trump's tax bill passed and 83 percent of the money went to the top 1 percent.

You know, this is not to target those who've made it; not to seek retribution. This is about opening opportunities for everybody else. And here's the truth: We all will do better when we all do well. It's time to build our economy from the bottom up and from the middle out, not the top down. It hadn't worked very well. For the economy overall, it hadn't worked — because Wall Street didn't build this country; you, the great middle class, built this country. And unions built the middle class. (Applause.)

And it's time — in this time, we'll rebuild the middle class. We're going to bring everybody along. Regardless of your background, your color, your religion, (inaudible) everybody gets to come along.

So, today, I'm proposing a plan for the nation that rewards work, not just rewards wealth. It builds a fair economy that gives everybody a chance to succeed, and it's going to create the strongest, most resilient, innovative economy in the world. It's not a plan that tinkers around the edges. It's a once-in-a generation investment in America, unlike anything we've seen or done since we built the Interstate Highway System and the Space Race decades ago.

In fact, it's the largest American jobs investment since World War Two. It will create millions of jobs, good-paying jobs. It will grow the economy, make us more competitive around the world, promote our national security interests, and put us in a position to win the global competition with China in the upcoming years.

Is it big? Yes. Is it bold? Yes. And we can get it done.

It has two parts: the American Jobs Plan and the American Families Plan. Both are essential to our economic future. In a few weeks, I'll talk about the Americans Family Plan, but today I want to talk about the Americans Jobs Plan.

I'll begin with the heart of the plan: It modernizes transportation infrastructure — our roads, our bridges, our airports. I just left your airport. The director of the airport said, "We're about to renovate the airport." Is that right, Mr. County Executive? "We're going to renovate. We're going to employ thousands of people." And she looked at me and said, "I can't thank you enough for this plan."

It grows the economy in key ways. It puts people to work to repair and upgrade so — that we badly need. It makes it easier and more efficient to move goods, to get to work, and to make us more competitive around the world.

Some of your local officials know, when someone wants to come into the area and a company wants to invest, what do they ask? "Where's the first rail bed? How can I get to the railroad? What access to interstate do I have? What's the water like? Tell me about it." And it goes on and on.

It's about infrastructure. The American Jobs Plan will modernize 20,000 miles of highways, roads, and main streets that are in difficult, difficult shape right now. It'll fix the nation's 10 most economically significant bridges in America that require replacement. Remember that bridge that went down? We got 10 of the most economically significant bridges with more commerce going across it that need to be replaced.

We'll also repair 10,000 bridges, desperately needed upgrades to unclog traffic, keep people safe, and connect our cities, towns, and Tribes across the country.

The American Jobs Plan will build new rail corridors and transit lines, easing congestion, cutting pollution, slashing commute times, and opening up investment in communities that can be connected to the cities, and cities to the outskirts, where a lot of jobs are these days. It'll reduce the bottlenecks of commerce at our ports and our airports.

The American Jobs Plan will lead to a transformational progress in our effort to tackle climate change with American jobs and American ingenuity. It'll protect our community from billions of dollars of damage from historic super storms, floods, wildfires, droughts, year after year, by making our infrastructure more secure and resilient and seizing incredible opportunities for American workers and American farmers in a clean energy future.

Skilled workers, like one we just heard from, building a nationwide network of 500,000 charging stations, creating good-paying jobs by leading the world in the manufacturing and export of clean electric cars and trucks.

We're going to provide tax incentives and point-of-sale reberts [sic] — rebates to help all American families afford clean vehicles of the future. The federal government owns an enormous fleet of vehicles which are going to be transitioned to clean electric vehicles and hydrogen vehicles right here in the United States, by American workers with American products.

When we make all these investments, we're going to make sure, as the executive order I signed early on, that we buy American. That means investing in American-based companies and American workers. Not a contract will go out, that I control, that will not go to a company that is an American company with American products, all the way down the line, and American workers.

And we'll buy the goods we need from all of America, communities that have historically been left out of these investments: Black, Latino, Asian American, Native American, rural, small businesses, entrepreneurs across the country.

Look, today, up to 10 million homes in America and more than 400,000 schools and childcare centers have pipes — where they get their water from — pipes that are lead-based pipes, including pipes for drinking water.

According to scientists, there is simply no safe exposure to lead for a child. Lead can slow development, cause learning behaviors and hearing problems.

The American Jobs Plan will put plumbers and pipefitters to work, replacing 100 percent of the nation's lead pipes and service lines so every American, every child can turn on a faucet or a fountain and drink clean water.

With each $5,000 investment replacing a line, that can mean up to $22,000 in healthcare costs saved — a chance to protect our children, help them learn and thrive.

We can't delay. We can't delay another minute. It's long past due.

You know, in America, where the early interest was in Internet — this thing called the Internet that we invested — we invented, the early — the early Internet was invented here. Millions of Americans, though, lack access to reliable high-speed Internet, including more than 35 percent of rural America.

It's a disparity even more pronounced during this pandemic. American Jobs will make sure every single — every single American has access to high quality, affordable, high-speed Internet for businesses, for schools.

And when I say "affordable," I mean it. Americans pay too much for Internet service. We're going to drive down the price for families who have service now, and make it easier for families who don't have affordable service to be able to get it now.

As you saw in Texas and elsewhere, our electric and power — power grids are vulnerable to storms, catastrophic failures, and security lapses, with tragic results.

My American Jobs Plan will put hundreds of thousands of people to work — hundred of thousands of people to work — line workers, electricians, and laborers — laying thousands of miles of transmission line; building a modern, resilient, and fully clean grid; and capping hundreds of thousands of, literally, orphan oil and gas wells that need to be cleaned up because they're abandoned — paying the same exact rate that a union man or woman would get having dug that well in the first place.

We'll build, upgrade, and weatherize affordable, energy-efficient housing and commercial buildings for millions of Americans.

Even before the pandemic, millions of working families faced enormous — enormous financial and personal strain trying to raise their kids and care for their parents at the same time — the so-called "sandwich generation" — or family members with disability. You got a child at home, you can't stay home from work to take care of that child unless you lose — you're going to put the child at risk or you lose your job; or you have an elderly parent you're taking care of. And seniors and people with disabilities living independently feel that strain as well. But we know, if they can remain independently living, they live longer.

The American Jobs Plan is going to help in big ways. It's going to extend access to quality, affordable home or community-based care. Think of expanded vital services like programs for seniors, or think of homecare workers going into homes of seniors and people with disabilities, cooking meals, helping them get around their homes, and helping them be able to live more independently.

For too long, caregivers — who are disproportionately women, and women of color, and immigrants — have been unseen, underpaid, and undervalued.

This plan, along with the American Families Plan, changes that with better wages, benefits, and opportunities for millions of people who will be able to get to work in an economy that works for them.

You know, decades ago, the United States government used to spend 2 percent of its GDP — its gross domestic product — on research and development. Today, we spend less than 1 percent. I think it's seven-tenths of 1 percent.

Here's why that matters: We're one of only a few major economies in the world whose public investment in research and development as a share of GDP has declined constantly over the last 25 years.

And we've fallen back. The rest of the world is closing in and closing in fast.

We can't allow this to continue. The American Jobs Plan is the biggest increase in our federal non-defense research and development spending on record. It's going to boost America's innovative edge in markets where global leadership is up for grabs — markets like battery technology, biotechnology, computer chips, clean energy, the competition with China in particular.

Critics say we shouldn't spend this money. They ask, "What do we get out of it?" Well, they said the same thing when we first flew into space for the first time. They said the same thing.

Well, pushing the frontiers led to big benefits back home. When NASA created Apollo's digital flight control system — unheard of at the time — it led to technologies that help us today to drive our cars and fly our planes.

When NASA invented ways to keep food safe for the astronauts, it led to programs that have been used to — for decades to keep food safe in supermarkets. At least 2,000 products and services have been developed and commercialized as a result of American space exploration.

GPS has helped us find each other. Computer chips allow us to see and talk to one another, even when we're separated by mountains and oceans — singing "Happy Birthday" and watching the first steps of that new baby grandchild; comforting each other when comfort is needed.

Think about what it means to you and your loved ones. We just have to imagine again.

I had a long discussion with Xi Jinping, the leader of China, when he called to congratulate me. We spent two hours on the phone. And he said — and was astonished by NASA's security team and the China experts who were on the line — he said, "You've always said, Mr. President, that you can define America in one word: possibilities." That's who we are.

In America, anything is possible. Like what we did with vaccines a decade ago that laid the foundation for COVID-19 vaccines we have today. Like we did when the Interstate Highway System that transformed the way we traveled, lived, worked, and developed.

Americans could visit relatives anywhere in the country with just a family station wagon. Businesses here in Pittsburgh could load up a truck and get a product to Portland or Phoenix. To this day, about a quarter of all the miles Americans drive each year on one of those very original highways.

Imagine what we can do, what's within our reach, when we modernize those highways. You and your family could travel coast to coast without a single tank of gas onboard a high-speed train.

We can connect high-speed, affordable, reliable Internet wherever you live.

Imagine knowing that you're handing your children and grandchildren a country that will lead the world in producing clean energy technology and will need to address one of the biggest threats of our time. That's what we'll do.

Altogether, along with the American Rescue Plan, the proposal I put forward will create millions of jobs — estimated by some Wall Street outfits: over 18 million jobs over four years; good-paying jobs.

It also works to level the playing field, empower workers, and ensure that the new jobs are good jobs that you can raise a family on, and ensure free and fair choice to organize and bargain collectively.

That's why my plan asked Congress to pass the Protecting the Right to Organize Act — the PRO Act — and send it to my desk.
This plan is important, not only for what and how it builds, but it's also important to where we build. It includes everyone, regardless of your race or your ZIP Code.

Too often, economic growth and recovery is concentrated on the coast. Too often, investments have failed to meet the needs of marginalized communities left behind.

There is talent, innovation everywhere. And this plan connects that talent through cities, small towns, rural communities; through our businesses and our universities; through our entrepreneurs, union workers all across America.

We have to move now. Because I'm convinced that if we act now, in 50 years, people are going to look back and say this was the moment that America won the future.

What I'm proposing is a one-time capital investment of roughly $2 trillion in America's future, spread largely over eight years.

It will generate historic job growth, historic economic growth, help businesses to compete internationally, create more revenue as well. They are among the highest-value investments we can make in the nation — investing in our infrastructure.

But put it another way, failing to make these investments adds to our debt and effectively puts our children at a disadvantage relative to our competitors. That's what crumbling infrastructure does. And our infrastructure is crumbling. We're ranked 13th in the world.

What's more, it heightens our vulnerability to — it attac- — attracts our adversaries to compete in ways that they haven't up to now. And our adversaries are worried about us building this critical infrastructure.
Put simply, these are investments we have to make. We can afford to make them — or, put another way, we can't afford not to.

So how do we pay for it? I spoke to the Majority Leader and — no longer — I guess he's no longer the Majority Leader; he has been for a long time. I spoke for the Republican — I spoke to the Republican Leader about the plan. Everybody is for doing something on infrastructure. Why haven't we done it? Well, no one wants to pay for it.

Less than four years ago, as I said, the Congress passed a tax cut of $2 trillion, increasing the national debt $2 trillion. It didn't meet virtually any of the predictions it would in terms of growing the economy. Overwhelmingly, the benefits of that tax package went to the wealthiest Americans. It even included new investments that would profit by shifting profits and jobs overseas if you're a corporation. It was bad for American competitiveness, deeply unfair to the middle-class families, and wrong for our future.

So, here's what I'd do. I start with one rule: No one — let me say it again — no one making under $400,000 will see their federal taxes go up. Period. This is not about penalizing anyone. I have nothing against millionaires and billionaires. I believe American — in American capitalism. I want everyone to do well.

But here's the deal: Right now, a middle-class couple — a firefighter and a teacher with two kids — making a combined salary of, say, $110-, $120,000 a year pays 22 cents for each additional dollar they earn in federal income tax. But a multinational corporation that builds a factory abroad — brings it home and then sell it — they pay nothing at all. We're going to raise the corporate tax. It was 35 percent, which is too high. We all agreed, five years ago, it should go down to 28 percent, but they reduced it to 21 percent. We're going to raise it back to — up to 28 percent.

No one should be able to complain about that. It's still lower than what that rate was between World War Two and 2017. Just doing that one thing will generate $1 trillion in additional revenue over 15 years.

In 2019, an independent analysis found that are 91 — let me say it again, 91 Fortune 500 companies — the biggest companies in the world, including Amazon — they used various loopholes so they'd pay not a single solitary penny in federal income tax. I don't want to punish them, but that's just wrong. That's just wrong. A fireman and a teacher paying 22 percent? Amazon and 90 other major corporations are paying zero in federal taxes?

I'm going to put an end to that, and here's how we'll do it. We're establishing a global minimum tax for U.S. corporations of 21 percent. We're going to level the international playing field. That alone will raise $1 trillion over 15 years.

We'll also eliminate deductions by corporations for offshoring jobs and shifting assets overseas. You do that, you pay a penalty; you don't get a reward in my plan. And use the savings from that to give companies tax credits to locate manufacturing here — in manufacturing and production here in the United States.

And we'll significantly ramp up the IRS enforcement against corporations who either fail to report their incomes or under-report. It's estimated that could raise hundreds of billions of dollars. All of this adds up to more than what I've proposed to spend in just 15 years.

It's honest. It's fiscally responsible. And by the way, as the experts will tell you, it reduces the debt — the federal debt over the long haul.
But let me be clear: These are my ideas on how to pay for this plan. If others have additional ideas, let them come forward. I'm open to other ideas, so long as they do not impose any tax increase on people making less than $400,000.

Let me close with this: Historically, infrastructure had been a bipartisan undertaking, many times led by Republicans.

It was Abraham Lincoln who built the transcontinental railroad. Dwight Eisenhower, a Republican — the Interstate Highway System. I could go on.

And I don't think you'll find a Republican today in the House or Senate — maybe I'm wrong, gentlemen — who doesn't think we have to improve our infrastructure. They know China and other countries are eating our lunch. So there's no reason why it can't be bipartisan again.

The divisions of the moment shouldn't stop us from doing the right thing for the future.

I'm going to bring Republicans into the Oval Office; listen to them, what they have to say; and be open to other ideas. We'll have a good-faith negotiation with any Republican who wants to help get this done. But we have to get it done.

I truly believe we're in a moment where history is going to look back on this time as a fundamental choice that had to be made between democracies and autocracies.

You know, there's a lot of autocrats in the world who think the reason why they're going to win is democracies can't reach consensus any longer; autocracies do.

That's what competition between America and China and the rest of the world is all about. It's a basic question: Can democracies still deliver for their people? Can they get a majority?

I believe we can. I believe we must.

Delivering for the American people is what the American Rescue Plan was all about. And it's been overwhelmingly popular.

When I wrote it, everybody said I had no bipartisan support. We're overwhelming bipartisan support with Republican — registered Republican voters. And ask around. If you live in a town with a Republican mayor, a Republican county executive, or a Republican governor, ask them how many would rather get rid of the plan. Ask them if it helped them at all.

It's what the American Jobs Plan is about — the new one I'm proposing. I hope Republicans in Congress will join this effort. I hope and I believe a number of businesses will join this effort. And I hope and believe the American people will join this effort — Democrats, Republican, and independents.

We can do this. We have to do this. We will do this.

We just have to remember: This is the United States of America. And I've said it a thousand times: There's nothing beyond our capacity if we act together. So it's time to move together.

Thank you and I hope I get to come back to see you folks after this plan is passed. And the question is: You have to attract even more apprentices, more people, because we're building so much.

G-d bless you all. And may G-d protect our troops. Thank you. (Applause.)

5:10 P.M. EDT
________________________________

McConnell reterates for the trillionith time that Republicans will never under any circumstances vote for anything Democrats want and will fight to the death to block everything the Biden Administration tries to do
https://www.cnbc.com/2021/04/01/mcconnell-says-gop-will-oppose-biden-infrastructure-plan.html

Fans at Yankee Stadium chanting "Where's your green card" and "Hey, plantanos, look at me" at Blue Jays right fielder Teoscar Hernandez
https://twitter.com/zack_hample/status/1377673575428145156

Teoscar Hernandez CRUSHES a home run off Cole to tie the game.
https://streamable.com/nnj5vf

The Pittsburgh Pirates bullpen today: 6 IP, 1H, 1ER, 11K, 1BB

Reigning Cy Young winner Shane Bieber today: 6 IP, 5 H, 3 BB, 3 ER, 12 K

Jill and I, we're looking forward to our Easter celebration, where we get to — get to get together with our family. And because we've had the great honor of being vaccinated, we may be able to get together with some of them this Easter. And — but Passover began last week. The Hindu holiday of Holi was last week. Ramadan is right around the corner. And, you know it's not only a time of reverence and celebration, it's one of the most important opportunities of the year to connect with your congregations and with your communities. And all of the great confessional faiths have the same notion about the value of human beings and the value in that we're made in the image of G-d, and that's why all of you gotten involved in the — in the way you have. And no one — no one — no one is — is not important; everyone is important. And so, you know, everybody is looking to you this season. They — you know, they trust you. It's one of the most important opportunities of the year to connect with your congregations. And I hope that doesn't sound instructive; I don't mean to sound that way. I — you know better than I do. But it's — but to connect with your congregations and those in your community. And so, you know, I think they're looking to you this season. As I said, they trust you. And you have a chance to deliver not only a spiritual direction, but comfort and guidance; prayers of joy, love, reflection; you know, rebirth that's synonymous with these holidays. Because in the last year, you've been through — we've been through an awful lot of tough, tough times, particularly all of you in the faith community. How many times did you watch on a cell phone a parishioner having to say goodbye to his mother or father in a — in a ward where they couldn't — they couldn't be there? A nurse holding up that phone. And all — how many times have you lamented the fact that leaders in your faith community have not even been able to have the funerals that they deserve and the remembrance that is so important because there's a finality? How many of you have not been able to, you know, be at the cemetery site and with the family? I mean — and there's so many things that people look to you for comfort for. And, you know, I said earlier this week, we're in a race against this virus and the race is far from over. You know, it's — we — it's taken far too many moms and dads; sisters; brothers; you know, grandpops, grandmoms. You know. And they — we put dreams and plans on hold, and it's kept us physically apart, which is — which is not the instinct of human beings. They want to congregate. They want to be with other — and they want to be with one another of like — like views, like conscience, like values. And so, we all know many families are still going without a familiar comfort to the season. We know that, despite the progress we've made, this fight is far from over. We also know that signs of hope have emerged.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2021/04/01/remarks-by-president-biden-in-a-faith-and-community-engagement-call/

Bizarrely, President Biden has still not spoken, not even once, with the Ukrainian President Zelensky. This while Russia is escalating and menacing Ukraine. President Biden didn't invite Ukraine to the climate summit. Notable invitees included one Vladimir Putin. Extraordinary snub for a supposed ally at a time Russia is escalating.

A Grosse Pointe Park CEO killed in a plane crash was secretly financing an international drug ring and building a remote-controlled submarine to haul cocaine around the world, according to unsealed federal court records.
https://twitter.com/detroitnews/status/1377703231946625028

Supreme Court helps robocallers by narrowing definition of "autodialer"
https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2021/04/supreme-court-helps-robocallers-by-narrowing-definition-of-autodialer/

Kyle Gibson's Opening Day final: 0.1 IP, 4H, 4R, 3BB, 1SO, 108 ERA

Madison Bumgarner fucks the DH as he crushes a double
https://twitter.com/BaseballQuotes1/status/1377723924398637062

Dylan Carlson with a three-run homer to put the Cardinals up 6-0 in the first inning
https://streamable.com/vlzutf

Super-chilled thunderstorm unlike any other ever detected
https://www.accuweather.com/en/severe-weather/super-chilled-storm-unlike-any-other-ever-detected/925825

From a supermoon to shooting stars, don't miss the night sky in April 1. Pyramid of light after sunset 2. Lyrid meteor shower 3. "Super Pink" Moon
https://www.accuweather.com/en/space-news/top-astronomy-events-events-in-april-2021/924065

Striking out 9 times on offense and walking 9 batters on defense is not a winning strategy. Thought they would've learned that from last year but nope.
https://www.espn.com/mlb/playbyplay?gameId=401227061

Biden administration illegally and unconstitutionally stalls handing Trump's taxes over to the House Ways and Means Committee.
https://www.cnn.com/2021/03/31/politics/trump-taxes-house-committee-biden-administration/index.html

Racist Antisemitic Latin Americans are objecting to renaming a Chicago school after Obama, saying Obama does not represent Americans because he's Black and deported illegal immigrants like themselves
https://abc7chicago.com/waukegan-public-schools-barack-and-michelle-obama-thomas-jefferson-middle-school-daniel-webster/10459946/

Asked when the restraint of George Floyd should have ended, former Police Supervisor Ploeger says when Floyd was no longer offering any resistance. After he was handcuffed, and on the ground.

Pelosi signals support for a move to put a repeal of the $10,000 cap on state and local tax deductions in Biden's infrastructure program
https://bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-04-01/pelosi-backs-move-to-lift-salt-cap-in-biden-s-economic-program

Good: "While most of the Cabinet will have a role in helping shape and press the jobs plan, today I'm announcing that I'm asking five Cabinet members to take special responsibility to explain the plan to the American public," Biden announced during his first Cabinet meeting since being sworn in. The five secretaries he appointed as his infrastructure emissaries are: Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, Housing and Urban Development Secretary Marcia Fudge, Labor Secretary Marty Walsh and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo. The work of the five Cabinet secretaries began before the public announcement on Thursday, according to a senior administration official. Tagged with the internal moniker the "Jobs Cabinet," the five officials began their work the day before Biden officially rolled out his roughly $2 trillion infrastructure and jobs proposal. | Later Thursday, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said the five secretaries "will be in charge of communicating with the public, communicating with Congress, communicating with mayors and governors, having discussions about different components of the bill."
https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/01/politics/joe-biden-infrastructure-cabinet-members/index.html

Gaetz showed nude photos of women he said he'd slept with to lawmakers, and did so while on the floor of the House working and voting. Thursday's development comes as Gaetz is facing a firestorm amid the revelation that the Justice Department is investigating whether he had a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old and paid for her to travel with him, breaking federal sex-trafficking laws by doing so.
https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/01/politics/matt-gaetz-photos-women/index.html

USDA drops Trump plan to cut food stamps for 700,000 Americans
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/food-stamps-work-requirement-trump-rule-abandoned/

Biden Allows Trump's Freeze On Skilled Worker And Other Visas To Expire
https://www.npr.org/2021/04/01/983579103/biden-allows-trumps-freeze-on-skilled-worker-and-other-visas-to-expire

Notice on the Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to Somalia | On April 12, 2010, by Executive Order 13536, the President declared a national emergency pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701-1706) to deal with the unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States constituted by the deterioration of the security situation and the persistence of violence in Somalia, and acts of piracy and armed robbery at sea off the coast of Somalia, which have been the subject of United Nations Security Council resolutions, and violations of the arms embargo imposed by the United Nations Security Council. On July 20, 2012, the President issued Executive Order 13620 to take additional steps to deal with the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13536 in view of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2036 of February 22, 2012, and Resolution 2002 of July 29, 2011, and to address: exports of charcoal from Somalia, which generate significant revenue for al-Shabaab; the misappropriation of Somali public assets; and certain acts of violence committed against civilians in Somalia, all of which contribute to the deterioration of the security situation and the persistence of violence in Somalia. The situation with respect to Somalia continues to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States. For this reason, the national emergency declared on April 12, 2010, and the measures adopted on that date and on July 20, 2012, to deal with that threat, must continue in effect beyond April 12, 2021. Therefore, in accordance with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)), I am continuing for 1 year the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13536. This notice shall be published in the Federal Register and transmitted to the Congress. JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR. THE WHITE HOUSE, April 1, 2021.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/04/01/notice-on-the-continuation-of-the-national-emergency-with-respect-to-somalia/

MS. PSAKI: The U.S. Chamber of Commerce said, quote, "We need a big and bold program to modernize our nation's crumbling infrastructure, and we applaud the Biden administration for making infrastructure a top priority." The CEO of Ford Motors said that, quote, "Ford supports the administration's efforts to advance a broad infrastructure plan that" provide — "prioritizes a more sustainable, connected, and autonomous future." The President of the League of Conservation Voters said, quote, "Today is a great day for jobs, justice, and climate action." And the International President of the SEIU called the Jobs Plan, quote, "a game-changer for tackling racial, and economic inequality." And early polling underscores the overwhelming bipartisan support for components of this plan. Just yesterday, a Morning Consult poll showed that by a 2-to-1 margin, registered voters backed a hypothetical $3 trillion infrastructure package. And a Data for Progress poll showed that by a 35-point margin, voters wanted to pay for this plan by asking the wealthy and big corporations to pay their fair share, just like the President is calling for. Two other items for all of you. Today, the Biden-Harris administration is launching a nationwide grassroots network of local voices and trusted community leaders to encourage people to get vaccinated. We've talked in here quite a bit about how effective and impactful we've seen having community voices, trusted voices be the voi- — the people who are getting the information out to communities. So this is a reflection of that. Some of the 250 founding members include NASCAR, the American Medical Association, NAACP, UNIDOS, the Chamber of Commerce, and Catholic Charities. Collectively, the group of founding members has the ability to reach millions of people and deliver critical public health information.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/press-briefings/2021/04/01/press-briefing-by-press-secretary-jen-psaki-april-1-2021/

Americans currently enrolled in marketplace coverage will see their premiums decrease on average by $50 per person per month and $85 per policy per month. So that certainly is a positive development.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/press-briefings/2021/04/01/press-briefing-by-press-secretary-jen-psaki-april-1-2021/

MS. PSAKI: I will say, the piece that's slightly different, or in addition to, is what the President announced at the Cabinet meeting, which is that he has asked some key members of his Cabinet to serve in a "Jobs Cabinet," to be front-and-center voices in engaging with members of Congress, with leadership in Congress, with governors, with elected officials, with the American public through media and through other direct communications, also traveling around the country to communicate about this plan that he's proposed. So that's another piece of it that you will see grow over the coming weeks.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/press-briefings/2021/04/01/press-briefing-by-press-secretary-jen-psaki-april-1-2021/

MS. PSAKI: The fact is, the corporate tax rate at 21 percent is lower than it has ever been in the past. What we're talking about is raising it to 28 percent, which is lower than it's been in the past several decades for most of that period of time. And it goes back to a rate — that was the case during part of the Bush administration. See, as you can see here. Now, during the '60s, it was up over 50 percent. Obviously, that's incredibly high. And it's gone down progressively. And it was in the mid '30s, as you can see, through about, you know, 2015 or right before then. And then it went dramatically down. What we're talking about is just raising it to a rate that is lower than it has been through the majority — the vast majority of time over the last 70 years. And we think that's an incredibly reasonable proposal. I will say that in the wake of the 2017 tax bill — tax giveaway to corporate America, I should say, 91 of the Fortune 500 companies paid no federal taxes. No — zero — zero federal taxes. That is not something that the American people believe is fair, that we believe is fair. And what we're talking about here is making adjustments to the tax code to make it more fair to invest in our infrastructure, invest in American workers, so that we can be more competitive over the long term.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/press-briefings/2021/04/01/press-briefing-by-press-secretary-jen-psaki-april-1-2021/

Q    And then lastly, today in Kentucky — earlier today in Kentucky, Senator McConnell was talking and said that the package, quote, "is not going to get support from our side." He opposes the undoing of the 2017 tax cuts, and said that, quote, "I'm going to fight them every step of the way." So, how do you respond?
MS. PSAKI: I think there's some more questions to be asked. Does he disagree that our nation's infrastructure is outdated and needs repair? Does he disagree that we need to do more to put American workers back to work and to invest in industries that have growth potential over the long term? Does he disagree that one third of the country who doesn't have broadband access should have access to broadband? There are a lot of areas where there is agreement with — across the political spectrum, from investment and infrastructure, doing more to be competitive with China. And what we're really talking about here is how to pay for it. And so what we're looking for is proposals of alternatives. If you don't want to raise the corporate tax rate — still lower than it's been over the last 70 years and umph, you know, across decades — if you don't want to do that, if you don't want to put in place a global minimum tax, what are the alternatives? We're happy to hear those proposals.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/press-briefings/2021/04/01/press-briefing-by-press-secretary-jen-psaki-april-1-2021/

MS. PSAKI: We certainly are. Today's politically motivated convictions in Hong Kong of seven pro-democracy activists once again shows the degree to which Beijing seeks to crush all forms of peaceful dissent in the city. These activists were taking part in a peaceful demonstration of over 1.7 million Hong Kongers protesting for the autonomy and freedom — freedoms promised to them by the PRC. Their conviction is yet another example of Beijing eroding Hong Kong's freedoms and failing to live up to its international obligations under the Sino-British Joint Declaration.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/press-briefings/2021/04/01/press-briefing-by-press-secretary-jen-psaki-april-1-2021/

MS. PSAKI: The President's focus is on the objectives he's trying to achieve, which is rebuilding our infrastructure so we can compete around the world; putting millions of Americans back to work; easing the burden, as you've noted, on — of caregiving, which is impacting millions of Americans who are not in the workforce in the way they would like. So I'm not going to give you red lines from here; only to convey that he designed this bill — the administration designed this bill with an effort to meet the moment and to do it in a way that ensures we are looking at addressing challenges in our country through a lens of equity; that we're doing in a way that helps cities and rural America; that we're doing it in a way that meets the moment and meets the moment of the needs for a once-in-a-century investment.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/press-briefings/2021/04/01/press-briefing-by-press-secretary-jen-psaki-april-1-2021/

Q    You know, the administration has often cited that, you know, they continue to expel single adults, families — or intend to expel families back south across the border. I mean, those migrants are going to some of the same areas that they were returned to under MPP as well. The administration unwound MPP and criticized it pretty sharply.
MS. PSAKI: Mm-hmm.
Q    And CDC officials have also reportedly opposed Title 42 when it was implemented by the Trump administration. So, how does the continued use of that rule square with President Biden's campaign pledge to resor- — to restore asylum at the border? And secondly, what is the CDC assessing when it comes to deciding when to lift that order?
MS. PSAKI: Well, first, we're still in the middle of a public health crisis. There's 1,000 people a day, approximately, dying of COVID-19 still. And, of course, the CDC and others — and I would defer to them on what their criteria are and their timeline — but they look at that and, of course, the impact. So I don't anticipate any near-term change, but I would defer to them on their timeline.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/press-briefings/2021/04/01/press-briefing-by-press-secretary-jen-psaki-april-1-2021/

Ed Hickox, today's 1B umpire for Royals-Rangers, has blown three calls at first base that have been overturned on instant replay.
https://twitter.com/jjcoop36/status/1377777199546310665

LaMarcus hits the vintage turnaround J
https://streamable.com/f6wcaa

Aldridge punishes the Hornets for doubling him again and again and again
https://streamable.com/pa3tjk

Aldridge collapses the defense and Green knocks down the three
https://streamable.com/r4f7cb

Zack Greinke tonight: 6 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K. Fifty-six of his 82 pitches were strikes. The A's average exit velocity on balls in play was 91.4 mph.
_____________________________________________

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/blog/2021/04/02/strengthening-our-nations-commitment-to-preventing-and-responding-to-gender-based-violence/

Strengthening our Nation's Commitment to Preventing and Responding to Gender-Based Violence
April 02, 2021    • Blog

By Rosie Hidalgo and Libby Washburn

Women's History Month has provided an opportunity for us to shine a light on so many courageous women who have made valuable contributions while overcoming significant barriers and challenges. This is certainly the case for many survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, whose voices, resilience, leadership, and dedication have paved the way for legal reforms and the creation of services to prevent and respond to gender-based violence. It is that leadership and activism, and the willingness of survivors to tell their stories, that led President Biden to write and champion the passage of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) as a senator in 1994. Since then, he has led efforts to ensure that Congress passed legislation renewing and strengthening VAWA three times with bipartisan support: in 2000, 2005, and in his capacity as Vice President in 2013. Each reauthorization of VAWA has improved the legislation by expanding access to safety, services, and support for all victims and survivors. As we mark Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April, we have an opportunity to focus on important ways to enhance prevention efforts and improve the response to sexual assault, including for survivors from historically marginalized communities who face additional barriers to safety and wellbeing.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/03/31/a-proclamation-on-national-sexual-assault-prevention-and-awareness-month-2021/

As President Biden recently stated on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, "We must recognize the ways that racism, gender discrimination, and other forms of marginalization intersect with and compound one another." That intersection is central to the President's executive order establishing the White House Gender Policy Council, which considers the interwoven components of racial equity in its plans to advance gender equity and equality and develop a government-wide approach to ending gender-based violence, both domestically and globally. In order to reach every community and address gender-based violence wherever it exists, we need to bring that broad lens to bear to develop more comprehensive approaches.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/03/21/statement-by-president-biden-on-the-international-day-for-the-elimination-of-racial-discrimination/
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/03/08/executive-order-on-establishment-of-the-white-house-gender-policy-council/
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/blog/2021/03/29/approaching-policy-with-equity-in-mind/

Applying that intersectional frame is imperative to supporting Native American women, for example, who face unique barriers to safety and heightened risks of gender-based violence. Native American women are victimized at higher rates than any other population in the United States, and the vast majority of Native American survivors report being victimized by a non-Native individual. Courageous survivors, like Diane Millich, provided testimony and advocacy during the last reauthorization of VAWA to shine a light on the fact that, because of the complex legal issues of jurisdiction in Indian country, Native American victims of domestic violence could not seek the assistance of Tribal courts or Tribal law enforcement in cases where the abuser was not Native American. Thereafter, VAWA's 2013 reauthorization included a recognition of the inherent authority of Tribal Courts to exercise special criminal jurisdiction over non-Indian abusers who commit crimes of domestic violence or dating violence or who violate qualifying protection orders in Indian country. Over time, as more Tribal Courts have taken steps to implement VAWA jurisdiction, these hard-won reforms have proven to be very effective in protecting Native women. However, they have also revealed additional gaps in the law that continue to undermine Native women's safety.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahE6D4MjX1g

As efforts are underway once again in Congress to renew and strengthen VAWA, it is imperative that we listen to and heed the voices of survivors, communities, and advocates in order to strengthen our nation's commitment to improving the response to gender-based violence. Native American women are leading advocacy efforts to expand the special criminal jurisdiction of Tribal courts. They have shared stories of Native women being sexually assaulted by non-Indian offenders while working on Tribal land, and not being able to seek justice because Tribal law enforcement and courts still lack jurisdiction to hold non-Indian offenders accountable for those crimes if they do not qualify as crimes of domestic violence or dating violence. Recently, the Domestic Policy Council and Gender Policy Council cohosted a listening session with Tribal judges, advocates, and survivors about the pressing need for expanding the jurisdictional provisions in VAWA to protect Native women, children, and the elderly, and to also allow prosecutions when Tribal law enforcement officers are assaulted while responding to these cases.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/dpc/
https://www.whitehouse.gov/gpc/

The VAWA Reauthorization Act of 2021, which recently passed the House of Representatives with bipartisan support, includes important provisions that respond to the voices of survivors and advocates. This bill would build on the successes of the 2013 VAWA reauthorization by reaffirming inherent tribal authority to prosecute certain non-Indian offenders — extending the same protections from domestic violence and dating violence to Native American victims of sexual violence, stalking, trafficking, child abuse, elder abuse, and assault against law enforcement or justice personnel when crimes are committed on Tribal territory.

VAWA reauthorization is crucial, especially when the pandemic and economic crisis have further exacerbated the risks of abuse and the barriers to safety for women across the United States. The Biden-Harris Administration will continue to make reauthorization a top priority, and the President has urged the Senate to swiftly pass the VAWA Reauthorization Act of 2021. As we commemorate Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April, we must recommit ourselves to preventing sexual assault and improving our response for all survivors — including by addressing the unique challenges faced by Native American women — and strive to uphold the dignity and human right of all people to live free from sexual violence.

Rosie Hidalgo is Special Assistant to the President for Gender Policy and Senior Advisor for Gender-Based Violence.

Libby Washburn is Special Assistant to the President for Native Affairs for the Domestic Policy Council.
_____________________________________________

Background Press Call on the Upcoming Trilateral Meeting with Japan and the Republic of Korea
April 01, 2021    • Press Briefings

Via Teleconference

4:20 P.M. EDT

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Thank you. Good afternoon, everyone, and thank you for joining us. A reminder that today's call will be on background, attributed to a senior administration official. The contents of this call will be embargoed until 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time tonight.

Our speaker today is [senior administration official]. We'll have some opening remarks at the top, and then we're happy to turn it over for a few questions.

Over to you.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Thank you. And thanks, guys, for your patience. And I'll try to just give you guys a little bit of an overview of what we're expecting in terms of next steps in some diplomacy.

Tomorrow, Jake Sullivan, our National Security Advisor, will welcome the National Security Secretary, Secretary Kitamura, of Japan and National Security Advisor Hoon of the Republic of Korea for a trilateral dialogue. And we're going to host that at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. And we've been preparing for this session for some time.

This meeting — it, you know, obviously follows on from the trips of Secretary of State Blinken and Secretary of Defense Austin to Japan and the Republic of Korea for reciprocal two-plus-two meetings — so-called "two-plus-two" meetings — in both countries.

This is our first trilateral meeting among the three countries, and we believe that this partnership is increasingly important in a complex environment in the Indo-Pacific going forward.

We have a number of topics that we're going to want to discuss over the course of a full day. And I want to say that not only will we have trilateral sessions and participants will have a chance to meet some of the cadets — and we've got cadets, I believe, from Japan and, I believe, from South Korea. And there'll be an opportunity to engage with some of the naval personnel.

We'll also have an opportunity for bilateral meetings between each of the countries to ensure that we're on the same page on the issues that we're dealing with. I expect us to talk primarily on issues associated with the maintenance of peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. We're going to talk about respective views and efforts to address the COVID-19 pandemic. And we'll obviously talk about next steps associated with climate change.

As I indicated, this is the first meeting of its kind — trilateral meeting — of the Biden administration, and it follows on a number of diplomatic steps that we've sought to take since assuming power in January.

We've already talked about many of these, but, more recently, we had an intensive discussion this week between the United States and NATO about shared perspectives and areas that we can potentially work together on out-of-area challenges in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.

I think the most important reason for this trilateral is it will give Jake and our team the opportunity to review and discuss our policy review on North Korea. And I think, as you all know, it's in its final stages. We've — we've done extensive consultations both across the U.S. government, in Congress. We've consulted previous individuals and teams that have been involved in diplomacy with North Korea. And we're prepared to now have some final consultations with Japan and South Korea as we go forward.

I think it'd be fair to say that each of these countries are intensively interested in our planned way forward, and we intend to discuss that in some detail.

In addition to North Korea, I think we will also discuss other strategic and regional and economic goals. We're going to talk extensively on technology, including on semiconductors, supply chains, and biotechnology.

I think it'd be fair to say that our three countries hold many of the keys to the future of semiconductor manufacturing technology. And we will seek to affirm the importance of keeping these sensitive supply chains secure while also working together to uphold upcoming norms and standards discussions.

We'll also have discussions about next steps, as I indicated, on COVID-19 and the summit next month here in Washington — I guess, later this month — that Secretary — President Biden and Secretary Kerry will hold on climate. And both Japan and South Korea have been invited to that. And we'll discuss those issues in some detail.

Obviously, we'll talk about other regional issues: the very serious concerns, collectively, we all have on the tragic developments in Myanmar; concerns about broader regional security issues in the South China Sea and elsewhere. And we're looking — we'll look forward to taking steps to advance our trilateral cooperation as we go forward.

Why don't I stop there, and I'm happy to take some questions. Thank you.

Q    Thank you for doing this call. Two quick questions. You talked about how this is, you know, obviously going to be very focused on North Korea, and you guys are, you know, in the final stages of conducting that policy review. Is it fair to say that this will be the final meeting with U.S. allies before the administration rolls out that policy?

And then my second question is just with regard to the Singapore Declaration. Does any of that still stand?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Yeah, thank you, Kylie. Good questions. First of all, I would say that I — we don't view this, in any way, as a kind of final meeting in the United States then departs on to engage without partnership.

We believe that this is an iterative process that we will be working constantly as we go forward with both Japan and South Korea on shared goals of denuclearization and reducing tensions and the like across the Korean Peninsula and Asia more directly. So I'd view this as part of a process and not as an end result.

And we, you know, take note of your question generally.   The report does go into detail about how we intend to go forward. I think I'd leave some of those details — or I understand the significance of the Singapore Agreement, and we'll have more to say about the next couple of days.

Q    Thanks.

Q    Thank you for taking my call. I just have a quick question. Is there going to be any kind of joint statement or press availability following the meeting tomorrow?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: I think — I think this will be a private meeting. I do not believe there will be a press availability after. We're — we'll be in — we'll be in — the area, which is closed down — it's, you know, COVID-controlled around the academy. And I think it was agreed that we will basically conduct these discussions privately.

Q    Hello, thank you for taking my call. I have three questions to ask. As you mentioned that you — the talks will focus on North Korea policy, I wondered whether there will be a slogan or a short outcome explanation on tomorrow's meeting.

And, as for the topic, would the discussion, kind of, take part by a distinguishing topic, such as North Korea, human rights, and denuclearization?

And my third question is: Currently, Korea is discussing whether Biden administration's North Korea policy will be focused on engagement or sanctions or other pressure options, and we really would like to balance this. So, will we be able to picture the — how the proportion of engagement and pressure will be after this discussion?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Well, thank you for the very detailed question. Let me take the second one first. And I think our intention is to discuss every aspect of North Korea policy — protect — prospective arenas of diplomacy, nonproliferation issues. We will probably review some of the recent missile provocations that we have seen. We'll talk about the domestic circumstances in North Korea — what we've seen in terms of COVID response — and some of the diplomacy of late that we've seen, particularly between China and North Korea.

So I think our intent is to have a deep review that will inform our process forward with respect to the review more generally.

I don't think there will be any — somehow, you know, sort of, a nameplate or a title coming out of the meeting tomorrow. I think the primary goal is to ensure that we have a deep, shared understanding of circumstances that are taking place on the peninsula in North Korea — that our goals and assessments of what we want to achieve are in alignment — and that's of critical importance — and also for us to brief both teams on what we believe are the essential elements of our strategy going forward.

So I don't think it can be easily condensed into a headline, but our hope will be that they will see the work that has gone into the overall effort.

And then, your third question — can you repeat that again? I'm sorry. I got the first two.

Q    Would you be able to picture the proportion of engagement and pressure after this discussion?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: I think — I think all sides will have a sense of what we're contemplating in terms of the way forward. And again, I think I'll just leave it at that at this juncture.

We also want to make clear that, although these are some preliminary findings, this is the most senior consultation we've had with Japanese and South Korean friends. And so we are very much open and prepared and engaged to take that feedback.

And so this is not going to be a one-way conversation. I anticipate this being more of a dialogue in which we'll get feedback and suggestions and iterations on the process. And again, this is not the end. This is more of a beginning as we go forward.

Anything that we do with respect to North Korea, we believe we need to do in partnership and in harmony with Japan and South Korea.

Q    Hi, thank you for doing this. So, I have two questions. First is: You mentioned in the trilateral tomorrow that COVID-19 will, of course, be one of the topics. So will the discussion of South Korea join the Quad's effort to push for vaccine production distribution in the meeting as well?

And second question is: I'm assuming China offers North Korea their vaccine, but maybe North Korea would consider, United States always say, a safer and more effective option. Will that be a leverage for the Biden administration's engagement with North Korea? I mean the vaccine.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: So, look, on the — on the second question, I think the President and other senior representatives in the U.S. government have made clear that our primary mission right now is to ensure that the U.S. population is vaccinated and that we are also beginning to work closely with partners and others. And that's a critical matter going forward.

I don't think I have anything further to add with respect to possible engagement on health-related issues in North Korea. I think at this juncture, I would view that as premature.

And — but I think we're also interested to hear what are the assessments about the nature of COVID-19 in North Korea. Some reports indicate the country is in a state of virtual lockdown. And I think we will want to assess what is the impact that is having on the economy, on the leadership, on its thinking about the outside world. And that will be important going forward.

Can I ask you to, again — sorry, I'm getting so bad at the multiple questions. What was your fir- — I think that was the second question. Can you repeat the first one very quickly? And I apologize — I should be writing these down.

Q    Of course. So the first question is, we know Japan —

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Oh, on the Quad, yes. Yeah.
So, look — so the Quad is an informal grouping, and it's an open architecture. And it is an attempt to gather together like-minded states that have an interest in maintaining and supporting a free and open Indo-Pacific.

We've had very close consultations with Korean friends. We've made clear that there might be opportunities for unofficial engagement in a number of initiatives we've launched: as you know, working groups on technology; we're working closely on a COVID plan to deliver up to a billion doses to Southeast Asia. And we would welcome at any point a closer consultation and engagement with South Korean friends in the process.

Q    Thank you.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Thank you.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: All right, I think that's it. Thank you, everyone, for joining us today. A friendly reminder that this call was on background, attributed to SAOs, and that the contents are embargoed until 9:00 p.m. tonight. Thanks, everyone. And have a good evening.

4:37 P.M. EDT
_____________________________________________

YEP: Progressive Leader to Biden: Don't 'Water Down Bill for a Party Not Actually Interested in Bipartisanship' | The country can't afford to "wait for Republicans to have some awakening on climate change," said Rep. Pramila Jayapal.
https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/04/02/progressive-leader-biden-dont-water-down-bill-party-not-actually-interested

Alabama to keep ban on yoga as conservatives say they fear rise in Hinduism
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/alabama-yoga-ban-school-hinduism-b1825334.html
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https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/04/02/readout-of-president-joseph-r-biden-jr-call-with-president-volodymyr-zelenskyy-of-ukraine/

Readout of President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Call with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine
April 02, 2021    • Statements and Releases

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. spoke today to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine. President Biden affirmed the United States' unwavering support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of Russia's ongoing aggression in the Donbas and Crimea. He emphasized his administration's commitment to revitalize our strategic partnership in support of President Zelenskyy's plan to tackle corruption and implement a reform agenda based on our shared democratic values that delivers justice, security, and prosperity to the people of Ukraine. The leaders agreed these reforms are central to Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic aspirations. They also discussed the importance of close United States-Ukraine cooperation to contain the COVID-19 pandemic and strengthen democracy in the region.

###
_____________________________________________

Today Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland announced the formation of a new Missing & Murdered Unit (MMU) within the Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services (BIA-OJS) to provide leadership and direction for cross-departmental and interagency work involving missing and murdered American Indians and Alaska Natives. The MMU will help put the full weight of the federal government into investigating these cases and marshal law enforcement resources across federal agencies and throughout Indian country.
https://www.doi.gov/news/secretary-haaland-creates-new-missing-murdered-unit-pursue-justice-missing-or-murdered-american

Totally unnecessary" - Minn. Police Lt Zimmerman on Chauvin's use of force against George Floyd. "Uncalled for. I saw no reason the officers thought they were in danger, if that's what they thought."

CDC this week:
"impending doom"
"Vaccinated people do not carry the virus"
"safe to travel"
"should still not travel"
I understand there are a lot of nuances but there's gotta be a better way to communicate this stuff

CDC Director Rochelle Walensky says that despite new travel guidance for vaccinated individuals, people should still not travel.

- Vaccinations will help bring the pandemic to an end.
- The jabs are highly effective.
- Most Americans aren't yet vaccinated.
- The USA has rising Covid-19 cases.
- Travel is ~lower risk~ for vaccinated people.
- Don't travel if you don't need to.

Gaetz was part of a group of young male lawmakers in the Florida House who created a "game" to score female sexual conquests, which granted "points" for various targets such as interns, staffers or other female colleagues in the state House. Before Congress, Gaetz was a member of the Florida House when his dad was a member of the Florida Senate. The two were often called "Daddy Gaetz and Baby Gaetz." Sources said some women referred to him as "Creepy Gaetz" because he made them uncomfortable.
https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/feds-alleged-payments-rep-matt-gaetz-made-women/story?id=76827846

Sunday, Sharyn Alfonsi investigates allegations that Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis made decisions about COVID vaccine distribution favoring wealthy or connected individuals, including a supermarket chain that recently donated to the governor's PAC.
https://twitter.com/60Minutes/status/1378018900324052999?s=20

Last year's election rules should be the new normal | As the coronavirus pandemic raged across the country last year, several states worked diligently to make it easier for voters to cast mail ballots and to provide more access for in-person voters. And after the dust of the general election settled, we began to see major success stories — including the highest voter turnout rate for a general election in a century, with turnout increases in every state. Now is not the time to pump the brakes on democracy. Despite the success of last year's election — a monumental feat coordinated by election officials across the country — politicians in 30 states are pushing more than 150 bills to undo, slow down or reverse some of the very policies that secured a larger and more engaged voter base in 2020 and brought us closer to the American promise of a more inclusive democracy. This is especially concerning because hidden in the administrative success of last year's general election is this fact: Despite the historic turnout nationwide, our progress as a democracy is based primarily on state-level policies, which still vary widely and have the biggest impact on how people actually vote.
https://thefulcrum.us/voting/voter-turnout-2020-election
https://www.nonprofitvote.org/documents/2021/03/america-goes-polls-2020.pdf/

A foreign billionaire once dubbed a Nigerian dictator's "kingpin... in corruption" agreed to pay $1.8M to resolve allegations he conspired to violate federal election laws in a "straw donor" scheme routing illegal foreign money to political campaigns
https://www.opensecrets.org/news/2021/04/straw-donor-scheme-foreign-billionaire/

Gaetz Recorded On Surveillance Vidoe With Sex Trafficker Sifting Through IDs
https://talkingpointsmemo.com/news/reports-gaetz-caught-on-surveillance-vid-with-alleged-sex-trafficker

For tonight's game at New Orleans: John Collins (left ankle sprain) is out. Danilo Gallinari (left Achilles soreness) is out. De'Andre Hunter (right knee soreness) is out. Cam Reddish (right Achilles soreness) is out. Trae Young (left knee soreness) is out. Dunn is out.
https://twitter.com/chriskirschner/status/1378044700104531968

Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball and Josh Hart have all been ruled out for tonight's game vs Atlanta, per the Pelicans.
https://twitter.com/WillGuillory/status/1378043564509265922

Free agent guard Isaiah Thomas plans to sign a 10-day deal with New Orleans.
https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1378044475172388866

Capitol Police Acting Chief Pittman says one of the two officers who responded to the incident has died. Suspect rammed police at barricade. Suspect who killed a USCP officer today wasn't known to Capitol Police, authorities say. It doesn't appear to be terrorism. When suspect exited his car, knife was clearly in his hand, and he ran at officers, chief says. Suspect was shot and killed.
https://washingtonpost.com/local/public-safety/capitol-lockdown-police-officers-injured-barricade-rammed/2021/04/02/1e1820aa-93d8-11eb-a74e-1f4cf89fd948_story.html

In the Capitol's history, just four Capitol Hill police officers have died while defending it:
Officers Jacob Chesnut and John Gibson in 1998.
Officer Brian Sicknick in January 2021.
An unidentified officer in the past three hours.

The White House has called a lid for the day, meaning we don't expect any on-camera movements or statements from President Biden at this time. He remains at Camp David, where he was expected to spend Easter weekend. No paper statement issued yet either on the Capitol incident.

A grave reminder that Capitol Police officers are putting their lives at risk to protect the Capitol and American Democracy every single day. Speaker Pelosi has ordered the flags at the U.S. Capitol to be flown at half-staff due to the death of a U.S. Capitol Police Officer in the of duty today. The process of lowering the flags may take longer than usual because of the Capitol's current lockdown status.

MLB announces it'll move the All-Star Game and Draft out of Atlanta due to the state passing a new elections law last week.
https://twitter.com/JeffPassan/status/1378059762017910784/photo/1

On Good Friday, a day that's significant in the Holy Week, we aren't talking about matters of faith or stories of inspiration... instead we have breaking news about another attack at our US Capitol that has killed a police officer three months after the insurrection.

Hey @MLB here in Baltimore we strongly support voting rights as do our beloved @orioles. We'd love to host the All Star game at Oriole Park at Camden Yards the ballpark that inspired them all. Remember how great it was the last time? https://t.co/yYD8sbodyV https://t.co/nSkXRGRN
https://twitter.com/MayorBMScott/status/1378068394344394758

Republicans screaming about MLB moving the All-Star game: "Politics has worked its way into sports the past few years and it is looking like it is here to stay." Uh Huh......Jesse Owens, Jackie Robinson, Billie Jean King, Tommie Smith, John Carlos, Vera Caslavska, Muhammad Ali, Arthur Ashe, Kathrine Switzer, Bill Walton, Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf, the 1964 NBA All-Star Game, the 1965 AFL All-Star Game, the Bates Seven, 1972 MLB strike, 1980/84 Olympic boycott....

Gaetz's arrest is said to be imminent after the alleged victim, who has not been named, testified before a Florida grand jury this week saying she had sex with the conservative Republican before she turned 18
https://dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9430921/Matt-Gaetzs-arrest-imminent-sources-say-Joel-Greenberg-singing-feds.html

This is the Capitol Police officer who was killed today in the line of duty.
https://twitter.com/CapitolPolice/status/1378066966691340288

"It is with profound sadness that I share the news of the passing of Officer William 'Billy' Evans this afternoon from injuries he sustained following an attack at the North Barricade by a lone assailant. Officer Evans had been a member of the United States Capitol Police for 18 years. He began his USCP service on March 7, 2003, and was a member of the Capitol Division's First Responder's Unit. Please keep Officer Evans and his family in your thoughts and prayers."
–Acting U.S. Capitol Police Chief Yogananda Pittman
https://www.uscp.gov/media-center/press-releases/loss-uscp-colleague-officer-william-f-evans

So this happened, not long ago. I wonder, how far do the MLB's values extend?
https://money.cnn.com/2018/04/03/technology/business/mlb-china-tencent-deal/index.html
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https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/04/02/statement-by-president-joe-biden-on-todays-attack-outside-the-capitol/

Statement by President Joe Biden on Today's Attack Outside the Capitol
April 02, 2021    • Statements and Releases

Jill and I were heartbroken to learn of the violent attack at a security checkpoint on the U.S. Capitol grounds, which killed Officer William Evans of the U.S. Capitol Police, and left a fellow officer fighting for his life. We send our heartfelt condolences to Officer Evans' family, and everyone grieving his loss. We know what a difficult time this has been for the Capitol, everyone who works there, and those who protect it.

I have been receiving ongoing briefings from my Homeland Security Advisor, and will be getting further updates as the investigation proceeds.

I want to express the nation's gratitude to the Capitol Police, the National Guard Immediate Response Force, and others who quickly responded to this attack. As we mourn the loss of yet another courageous Capitol Police officer, I have ordered that the White House flags be lowered to half-mast.

###
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https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/04/02/a-proclamation-on-honoring-united-states-capitol-police-officers/

A Proclamation on Honoring United States Capitol Police Officers
April 02, 2021    • Presidential Actions

As a sign of respect for the service and sacrifice of the victims of the attack at the United States Capitol on Friday, April 2, by the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, April 6, 2021. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this second day of April, in the year of our L-rd two thousand twenty-one, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-fifth.


JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.
_________________________________

NBA is fining Kevin Durant $50,000 for social exchange with actor
https://twitter.com/wojespn/status/1378081862258724868

Stephen Curry (tailbone) listed out Friday.
https://twitter.com/fantasylabsnba/status/1378037193827090434

Biden orders the flags to half mast again, in honor of the Capitol police officer killed, for what will be the third time in two weeks (the others were after the Atlanta and Boulder shootings). We're a nation in constant grief. And this doesn't even account for the about 1,000 Americans who are still dying of COVID each day. Every week continues to be a loss of life equivalent to two 9/11s.

YEP: Shaq weighs in on Russ-SAS feud: "A lot of people say certain things, and that's just an unfortunate part of this business," O'Neal said of Westbrook after Stephen A Smith argued the Wizards' guard's triple-double meant nothing. "When you're a great player and you're putting up great numbers, people are always gonna say, 'Wait until you have a championship.' If you don't get a championship, that's not a knock." "You can't tell me Allen Iverson is not one of the greatest point guards, you can't tell me that John Stockton is not one of the greatest point guards," O'Neal said. "You can't tell me Karl Malone or Charles Barkley are not some of the greatest power forwards. That's just the unfortunate thing [about the NBA]. "Everybody had to go through it," O'Neal said. "It's not like we're just picking on [Westbrook], all the greats, and we look at him as a great player, everybody had to go through this."
https://www.nbcsports.com/washington/wizards/shaquille-oneal-weighs-russell-westbrooks-feud-stephen-smith

Feels like half-staff is the new normal
https://twitter.com/Phil_Mattingly/status/1378094257228165121/photo/1

Question: do US Capitol Police officers who live in DC deserve the right to elect representatives to Congress to address security threats to the Capitol?

Four senior law enforcement officials briefed on the investigation identified the suspect as a 25-year-old man from Indiana, Noah Green. | Law-enforcement sources said Green recently lived in Virginia. In postings on social media, he let his friends and family know that the past few years have been "tough" and the past few months "tougher." "I am currently now unemployed after I left my job partly due to afflictions, but ultimately, in search of a spiritual journey," he wrote on his now-deleted Facebook page. Green's page featured several recent postings that reference the teachings of the Nation of Islam, a Black separatist movement that does not follow the traditional teachings of Islam, and its leader Louis Farrakhan. Nation of Islam has been classified as a "designated hate group" by the Southern Poverty Law Center due to what the SPLC calls "the deeply racist, antisemitic and anti-LGBT rhetoric of its leaders." The postings do not indicate why Green, who is Black, would target the Capitol. He posted about the "end times" in one post, and in another on March 17, warned about the "last days of our world as we know it." Green's final post on Facebook, from March 21, was a YouTube video called "the crucifixion of Michael Jackson," a 150-minute sermon in which Farrakhan defends Michael Jackson.
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/suspect-custody-after-car-rams-two-officers-u-s-capitol-n1262917

Seven people have died from unusual blood clots after getting the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine in the UK, the medicines regulator has confirmed to the BBC.
https://www.bbc.com/news/health-56620646

Biden lifts Trump sanctions on international court officials
https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-donald-trump-courts-genocides-war-crimes-85e208128086b0cfaff7e216cf7eb778

'First step:' US, Iran to begin indirect nuclear-limit talks
https://apnews.com/article/us-iran-indirect-talks-nuclear-program-a6558ac21b600cb7a3c8542f18a7aece

The other USCP officer who was struck by the car is in stable and non-threatening condition.
https://twitter.com/CapitolPolice/status/1378105541755539456

Letter to the Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate on the Termination of Emergency With Respect to the International Criminal Court
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/04/02/letter-to-the-speaker-of-the-house-and-the-president-of-the-senate-on-the-termination-of-emergency-with-respect-to-the-international-criminal-court/
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https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/04/02/united-states-japan-republic-of-korea-trilateral-national-security-advisors-press-statement/

United States-Japan-Republic of Korea Trilateral National Security Advisors' Press Statement
April 02, 2021 • Statements and Releases

National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan of the United States, National Security Secretariat Secretary General Shigeru Kitamura of Japan, and National Security Office Director Suh Hoon of the Republic of Korea (ROK) met for talks on April 2, 2021 at the United States Naval Academy to consult on the United States' review of its North Korea policy and to discuss issues of common concern including Indo Pacific security. The national security advisors reaffirmed their steadfast commitment to working together to protect and advance their shared security goals.

The national security advisors shared their concerns about North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programs and reaffirmed their commitment to address and resolve these issues through concerted trilateral cooperation towards denuclearization. They agreed on the imperative for full implementation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions by the international community, including North Korea, preventing proliferation, and cooperating to strengthen deterrence and maintain peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. They discussed the importance of reuniting separated Korean families, and the swift resolution of the abductions issue. The United States reaffirmed its steadfast alliance commitments to both the ROK and Japan; Japan and the ROK underscored the importance of their bilateral ties and trilateral cooperation to the security of our citizens, the region, and the world.

The national security advisors discussed the value of working together to address other leading challenges, including COVID-19, working to prevent future pandemics, combatting climate change and promoting an immediate return to democracy in Myanmar. They agreed to strengthen their ties, and to advance a common vision grounded in our shared democratic values.
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https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/04/02/president-biden-announces-his-intent-to-nominate-key-members-for-the-department-of-defense/

President Biden Announces his Intent to Nominate Key Members for the Department of Defense
April 02, 2021 • Statements and Releases

WASHINGTON – Today, President Joe Biden announced his intent to nominate Ronald Moultrie for Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence & Security, Michael J. McCord for Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller), and Michael Brown for Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition & Sustainment.

Ronald Moultrie, Nominee for Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence & Security

Ronald S. Moultrie served on the Biden-Harris Presidential Transition Team focused on national security. He is the President and CEO of Oceanus Security Strategies (OSS), LLC. Moultrie retired as the National Security Agency's (NSA) Director of Operations. Moultrie also served in the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), was a member of Central Intelligence Agency's (CIA) Senior Intelligence Service (SIS), and in the U.S. Air Force. Moultrie was a key principal on the Secretary of the Navy's Cybersecurity Readiness Review and subsequently led the creation of the Department's digital roadmap focused on cybersecurity, data, and emerging technologies such as AI, 5G, and Quantum computing.

Moultrie's numerous awards include the Presidential Rank Award, two Department of the Navy Distinguished Civilian Service Awards, the National Intelligence Distinguished Service Medal, the National Intelligence Superior Service Medal, the CIA National Clandestine Service's Donovan Award, the National Reconnaissance Office's Gold Medal, and three NSA Exceptional Civilian Service Awards. Moultrie earned a Masters of Science degree from the National Intelligence University, and a Bachelors degree from the University of Maryland, magna cum laude.

Michael J. McCord, Nominee for Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller)

Mike McCord previously served as Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) and Chief Financial Officer in the Obama-Biden administration, where he led the Department's Recovery Act program and the resourcing of the Ebola response in 2014, and was awarded the Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service by four Secretaries of Defense. Prior to his service as Comptroller and Deputy Comptroller of the Department of Defense, he served for over two decades on the staff of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and with the House Budget Committee and the Congressional Budget Office.

McCord is currently Director of Civil-Military Programs at the Stennis Center for Public Service, an adjunct research staff member at the Institute for Defense Analyses, a Trustee of The Aerospace Corporation, and a Fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration. He also served on the Biden-Harris Defense Agency Review Team and as a member of the Commission on the National Defense Strategy for the United States. He earned a B.A. degree with honors from the Ohio State University and a M.A. from the University of Pennsylvania.

Michael Brown, Nominee for Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition & Sustainment

Michael Brown served as the Director of the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) at the U.S. Department of Defense since 2018. Since 2018, DIU doubled the number of projects underway, transitioned 26 new capabilities to warfighters, doubled company participation in projects and introduced 70 first-time vendors to the Defense Department. From 2016 to 2018, Brown served as a White House Presidential Innovation Fellow at the Defense Department. He is the co-author of a Pentagon study on China's participation in the U.S. venture ecosystem, a catalyst for the Foreign Risk Review Modernization Act (FIRRMA) providing expanded jurisdiction to the Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S. (CFIUS). Additionally, he led efforts at the Defense Department to create National Security Innovation Capital (NSIC) aimed at catalyzing private investment in dual-use hardware companies to diversify the supply chain with U.S. technology. Prior to Brown's government service, he was the CEO of two public Silicon Valley technology leaders—Symantec, the largest cybersecurity firm at that time and Quantum, the largest global supplier of tape drives and of disk drives for personal computers.

He is a Trustee of the Berklee College of Music and previously served on the President's Advisory Council at Berklee. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and last year co-authored a paper for the Brookings Institute on the technology competition with China, Preparing the United States for the Superpower Marathon. He received his BA degree in economics from Harvard University and his MBA degree from Stanford University.
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VP Harris: "Officer William Evans made the ultimate sacrifice protecting the Capitol and those who work there on behalf of the American people. Officer Evans, his family, and all those who knew him are in our hearts and prayers. We mourn with them during this difficult time."

Pelicans guard Josh Hart expected to miss significant time with a torn UCL in his right thumb. He played through the injury last night against Orlando but MRI results today showed the tear.
https://twitter.com/_Andrew_Lopez/status/1378131008617390088

The Portland Trail Blazers are planning to sign forward Rondae Hollis-Jefferson
https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1378125659839549443

US moving military forces, capabilities out of Saudi Arabia
https://www.wsj.com/articles/biden-trimming-forces-sent-to-mideast-to-help-saudi-arabia-11617279687

Capitol Officer Killed Weeks After Mitch McConnell Insisted Extra Capitol Security Was Unnecessary
https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2021/04/capitol-officer-killed-mitch-mcconnell

The congressman who is suspected of a whole range of sexual escapades and reported to have shown photos of naked women to colleagues on the House floor can respond to a reporter enough to say he's not resigning, then invokes Christianity to say he's not saying anything else
https://www.wsj.com/articles/matt-gaetz-says-he-wont-resign-as-pressure-mounts-11617408350

Gary Trent Jr extends the Raptors lead to 52, extending his +/- to +54 through 30 minutes of playing time
https://streamable.com/qkb77i

Giannis Antetokounmpo Tonight: 47/12/2 on 18/21 shooting, 0/3 from three and 11/13 from the line

Chris Paul tonight: 17/5/12/3 steals on 8-8 shooting and 1 Turnover in only 21 minutes of action

The short-handed Atlanta Hawks (25-24) defeat the also short-handed New Orleans Pelicans (21-27), 126-103

Choctaw, Seminole reservations recognized by Oklahoma appeals court
https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/2021/04/01/choctaw-seminole-reservations-oklahoma-appeals-court-recognizes/4835019001/

T. Bauer
(1-0) 6.1 IP, 4 ER, 10 K, 2 BB
https://www.espn.com/mlb/boxscore?gameId=401227070

Corey Kluber starting for the New York Yankees
https://www.espn.com/mlb/game?gameId=401227087

Jake Arrieta returns to the Chicago Cubs
https://www.espn.com/mlb/game?gameId=401227082

Charlie Morton now an Atlanta Brave
https://www.espn.com/mlb/game?gameId=401227074

Rich "Dick Mountain" Hill now a Tampa Bay Ray
https://www.espn.com/mlb/game?gameId=401227085

Jose Berrios wasting his life with the Minnesota Twins
https://www.espn.com/mlb/game?gameId=401227080

It is not the people of Atlanta who crafted this law, Atlanta voters are Democrats, they did not vote for the terrorists who are destroying Georgia

This cat was EXTREMELY STRESSED AND SCARED and was treated by the staff with criminal animal abuse
https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1378198648878739456

Disjecta Membra

Monday, March 29, 2021

Light News Mon/Tues/Wed/Thurs/Fri/Sat

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