Tag: U.S. economy damaged by Trump botched COVID-19 response

Prominent Minnesota Republicans in quarantine, seeking COVID-19 tests after Trump visit

Trump held an indoors fundraiser in the Twin Cities and an outdoors rally that attracted thousands to the Duluth airport on Wednesday. 

Some prominent Minnesota Republican lawmakers are in quarantine and seeking COVID-19 tests at a critical juncture in the 2020 campaign after President Donald Trump tested positive for the virus Thursday, one day after holding a fundraiser and rally in the state.

Republican Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka and House Minority Leader Kurt Daudt said they are both in quarantine after greeting Trump in the Twin Cities before his Duluth rally Wednesday night, which attracted 3,000 people.

“I am not currently experiencing any symptoms, but out of an abundance of caution I am being tested again on Friday for COVID-19 after testing negative on Tuesday ahead of the President’s visit,” Daudt, R-Crown, said in a statement. “I will remain in self-quarantine until results are received.” Continue reading.

Mnuchin, Pelosi reach informal deal to avoid government shutdown

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Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) have informally agreed to pursue a clean, short-term stopgap measure to avert a government shutdown at the end of the month, sources in both parties confirmed Thursday.

That means the continuing resolution (CR) needed to keep the government open past Sept. 30 would be free of controversial policy riders that have bogged down previous funding bills, significantly lowering the odds of a shutdown leading up to the crucial Nov. 3 elections.

The tentative deal also means the government funding bill and a new coronavirus relief package being negotiated between Pelosi and Mnuchin would not be part of the same talks. Continue reading.