The House is not implementing President TrumpDonald John TrumpSenate panel seeks documents in probe of DHS whistleblower complaint Susan Collins: Trump ‘should have been straightforward’ on COVID-19 Longtime House parliamentarian to step down MORE‘s payroll-tax deferral for its employees, joining many private-sector employers in declining to participate.

“The Office of the Chief Administrative Officer, with the concurrence of the Committee on House Administration, has determined that implementing the deferral would not be in the best interests of the House or our employees,” House Chief Administrative Officer Philip Kiko said Friday in an email to House employees. “As a result, we will not implement the payroll tax deferral.”

Trump signed a memo in August that directed the Treasury Department to allow employers to defer employee-side Social Security taxes, in an effort to provide relief to workers amid the coronavirus pandemic. Treasury and the IRS subsequently issued guidance under which employers can choose to defer Social Security taxes through the end of the year for workers making less than $4,000 biweekly. Employers would then need to collect the deferred taxes by increasing the amount withheld from workers’ paychecks in the first several months of next year.

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Military members and civilian executive branch employees will have their payroll taxes deferred, with Trump’s Office of Management and Budget saying this is being done to provide quick relief to employees. But business groups have said they expect few of their members to participate because there are administrative challenges in implementing the deferral and because they don’t want to be in a position where their workers will see less in take-home pay next year.

Trump said he plans to forgive the deferred taxes if reelected, but such a move would require congressional action and there’s no guarantee that Congress would pass legislation on forgiveness.

Kiko said his office decided not to implement the deferral for House employees “after reviewing the guidance and considering the unique structure of the House.”

The Senate Disbursing Office said in an email to Senate staff on Friday that it is working to determine its course of action on the deferral. The office said it will not adjust Senate employees’ paychecks without prior notice.

The Senate is controlled by Republicans, while the House has a Democratic majority. 

Senate Minority Leader Charles SchumerChuck SchumerOvernight Health Care: Schumer calls for Azar to resign over ‘chaos’ in coronavirus response CNBC’s Cramer calls Pelosi ‘crazy Nancy’ in live interview Schumer calls for Azar to resign over ‘chaos’ in coronavirus response MORE (D-N.Y.) and Sen. Bernie SandersBernie SandersNo new taxes for the ultra rich — fix bad tax policy instead Democrats back away from quick reversal of Trump tax cuts The Memo: 2020 is all about winning Florida MORE (I-Vt.) on Wednesday called for the establishment of a bipartisan Senate committee to examine election security and integrity ahead of the November election.

In a letter to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnellAddison (Mitch) Mitchell McConnellGOP ramps up attacks on Democrats over talk of nixing filibuster MLB owner: It’s ‘very necessary’ to vote for Trump Delta: Early departures saved flight attendants’ jobs MORE (R-Ky.), Schumer and Sanders advocated for such a committee to be composed of “equal representation from both parties” to examine issues including the safety and security of mail-in voting and post-election scenarios.

“As you know, there is a great deal of concern about possible confusion and chaos in the upcoming November 3rd election,” the senators wrote. “Sadly, there are some who are systematically undermining public confidence in the voting process, and irresponsibly fanning suspicions and conspiracy theories about the legitimacy of election results.”

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“At this historic moment we believe Democrats and Republicans in the Senate must come together to guarantee the integrity of our election process,” Schumer and Sanders added.

They advocated for a bipartisan panel to hold hearings to examine processes in place to ensure the November election would take place securely and safely, with the hearings including testimony from state and local election officials such as secretaries of state. 

Topics for the committee to consider include ensuring U.S. voters are aware that vote tallies may take longer this year due to a surge in mail-in ballots in order to avoid disinformation around the election process and to prepare for post-election scenarios that could involve violence.

“We believe this issue is above partisan politics,” the senators wrote. “It is about the very essence of American democracy. Let us come together, Republicans and Democrats, to ensure the security of our elections and assure Americans’ confidence in the result.”

A spokesperson for McConnell did not immediately respond to The Hill’s request for comment on the letter. 

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McConnell pushed back against concerns over mail-in voting during a speech in Kentucky last month, noting that “the election is going to be fine” and that states including Oregon, Washington and Colorado have previously voted successfully by mail for years prior to 2020.

Sanders and Schumer applauded McConnell for his recent comments, describing his stance as “precisely the kind of reassurance that American voters need going into this election.”

Concerns over election security have ramped up in recent months as President TrumpDonald John TrumpTrump says he doesn’t think he could’ve done more to stop virus spread Conservative activist Lauren Witzke wins GOP Senate primary in Delaware Trump defends claim coronavirus will disappear, citing ‘herd mentality’ MORE and other officials have made unsubstantiated claims about the mail-in voting process.  

In addition, a senior official released an assessment in August that Russia, China and Iran are actively interfering in the 2020 U.S. presidential election, while Microsoft announced last week that it has seen efforts by hackers in the same three countries to interfere in elections.

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Amazon is seeking to boost its delivery network by installing 1,000 small delivery hubs in cities and suburbs around the U.S. in an effort to provide same-day delivery services, Bloomberg reported Wednesday.

People familiar with the plans told Bloomberg that the facilities will make online shopping almost as quick as a trip to the store. The move will also help Amazon compete with companies like Walmart and Target, which have already started offering same-day delivery of online orders. 

The proposed expansion, which will eventually see a total of about 1,500 Amazon facilities, comes after Amazon faced challenges fulfilling its two-day delivery pledge earlier this year when customers flooded the company with orders amid COVID-19 lockdowns.

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Bloomberg reported that while Amazon had previously avoided competing with Walmart and other suburban chain companies, CEO Jeff BezosJeffrey (Jeff) Preston BezosVoting: The great equalizer in a polarized society Senate Democrats urge Amazon to recall, stop sales of explosive products Trump’s net worth fell 0 million in last year: Forbes MORE is investing billions of dollars in rapid delivery services as the busy holiday season approaches.

Amazon declined to respond to Bloomberg’s questions on the expansion plans but mentioned that the e-commerce company has said its last-mile delivery efforts are meant to supplement, not replace, its long-time partners. 

“Our dedicated last-mile delivery network just delivered its 10 billionth package since launching over five years ago, and we’re proud to provide a great service for our customers,” an Amazon spokeswoman told The Hill. 

The world’s largest online retailer announced Monday that it would be hiring an additional 100,000 workers. It also announced 33,000 job openings earlier this month, primarily in its corporate and technology divisions. 

With a spike in online orders during the coronavirus pandemic, Amazon saw its revenue shoot up by 40 percent in the last quarter and recorded high profits, according to Reuters. 

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A Yelp report released Wednesday determined that about 60 percent of business closures across the country since March are permanent, a staggering statistic that shows the widespread economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Yelp’s September Local Economic Impact report concluded that 97,966 businesses on Yelp have permanently closed between March 1, shortly before most U.S. shutdowns, and Aug. 31. In total, 163,735 businesses on Yelp have experienced closures in that time period.

The total number of business closures, both temporary and permanent, on Yelp has risen by 23 percent since July 10 when the company released its Q2 Yelp Economic Average report.

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The restaurant industry has taken a particularly hard hit during the pandemic, with 32,109 restaurants on Yelp closing and 19,590 of those — 61 percent — being permanent. The bars and nightlife industry has seen 6,451 closures; 54 percent of those are permanent.

Other industries impacted during the pandemic include retail and shopping, which has seen 30,374 business closures, 58 percent of which are permanent, and beauty, which has seen 16,585 closures, 42 percent of which are permanent. 

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Professional services, like lawyers, real estate agents, architects, accountants and health-related businesses experienced some of the smallest rates of closures since the beginning of March. 

Hawaii, California and Nevada, the states with the three highest unemployment rates, saw the most total closures and permanent closures.

The report comes about six months after the coronavirus pandemic began affecting the economy, as the virus caused massive shutdowns in the U.S. in mid-March. 

The shutdowns left millions of people unemployed, with the pandemic taking out almost all the jobs gained since the Great Recession of 2008. In April, the unemployment rate rocketed to 14.7 percent before falling to 8.4 percent in August.

Los Angeles Mayor Eric GarcettiEric GarcettiSunday shows preview: With less than two months to go, race for the White House heats up TikTok stars Bryce Hall, Blake Gray charged for throwing house parties during pandemic Latino Victory to boost Alex Padilla to fill Harris’s potential Senate seat MORE (D) slammed President TrumpDonald John TrumpTrump slams Nevada governor at rally, takes aim at mail-in voting Former NFL coach Mike Holmgren slams Trump pandemic response, throws support to Biden Watch Live: Trump rallies supporters in Nevada MORE on Sunday over his response to the wildfires blazing across California and his dismissal of climate change as their cause. 

Garcetti during an appearance on CNN’s “State of the Union” praised cooperation from federal officials, but said the leadership “at the very top” needs to be stronger, and that Trump needs to focus on helping Americans in need, regardless of party, instead of basing decisions “on an electoral map.” 

He also hit Trump for blaming “blue states over red states,” noting that the “million Republicans in the city of Los Angeles” don’t change the mayor’s response to the blazing fires. 

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“We need leadership that is equal across this country,” Garcetti said. 

“We need actual help, not based on our party affiliation or how we voted,” he added. 

Trump is scheduled to visit California on Monday. He approved a major disaster declaration for California in August, but the president has also claimed the fires are due to years of poor forest management in the state. 

Asked on Sunday about Trump’s claims on forest management, Garcetti said he listens to fire professionals, not the president or politicians, “[w]hen it comes to what causes fires.”

“Anybody who lives in California is insulted by that, quite frankly, and he keeps perpetuating the lie,” Garcetti added.

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Former Trump White House strategist Stephen Bannon is predicting that the 2020 presidential race could become a three-way contest.

Bannon said on “Real Time with Bill Maher” on Friday night that the race could involve a three-way battle between President TrumpDonald John TrumpSenate advances public lands bill in late-night vote Warren, Democrats urge Trump to back down from veto threat over changing Confederate-named bases Esper orders ‘After Action Review’ of National Guard’s role in protests MORE, a left-leaning senator such as Kamala HarrisKamala Devi HarrisRand Paul introduces bill to end no-knock warrants The Hill’s Campaign Report: Biden campaign goes on offensive against Facebook McEnany says Juneteenth is a very ‘meaningful’ day to Trump MORE (D-Calif.) and a centrist candidate such as former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg or Utah Senate candidate Mitt RomneyWillard (Mitt) Mitt RomneyMilley discussed resigning from post after Trump photo-op: report Trump on collision course with Congress over bases with Confederate names Attorney says 75-year-old man shoved by Buffalo police suffered brain injury MORE (R).

“You’re gonna have Trump on the right, a politician — maybe a Kamala Harris or somebody on the left — and I think you’ll have a Bloomberg or a Romney or somebody in the center,” Bannon said on the HBO show.

“I think it will be a three-way race,” the Trump ally added.

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Bannon also argued during his appearance that Sen. Bernie SandersBernie SandersThe Hill’s 12:30 Report: Milley apologizes for church photo-op Harris grapples with defund the police movement amid veep talk Biden courts younger voters — who have been a weakness MORE (I-Vt.) could have forced such a contest in 2016, but said he lacked the “fearlessness” of a more nontraditional candidate like Michael Avenatti.

Avenatti, the lawyer representing adult-film actress Stormy Daniels in her lawsuits against the president, has in recent weeks openly mulled launching a Democratic presidential campaign to take on Trump in 2020.

The lawyer has staked out positions to the left of Hillary ClintonHillary Diane Rodham ClintonWhite House accuses Biden of pushing ‘conspiracy theories’ with Trump election claim Biden courts younger voters — who have been a weakness Trayvon Martin’s mother Sybrina Fulton qualifies to run for county commissioner in Florida MORE in 2016 and has called for restrictions on money in politics, an endorsement of “Medicare for all” single-payer health care and support for unions.

“If Bernie Sanders had an ounce of Avenatti’s fearlessness, he would have been the Democratic nominee and we would have had a much tougher time beating him,” Bannon said Friday.

“Bernie doesn’t have fearlessness?” host Bill Maher responded.

“Not like Avenatti,” Bannon replied. “He’s got a fearlessness and he’s a fighter. I think he’ll go through a lot of this field if he decides to stick with it.”

The firebrand attorney told CNN earlier this month that his 2020 plans get more “serious” every week, and he has recently called for a full FBI investigation of Trump’s Supreme Court nominee, Brett Kavanaugh, with the possibility of impeachment as a “litmus test” for 2020 Democratic candidates.

“I’m very serious,” Avenatti told CNN. “And I’m getting more serious by the week because I’m traveling around the country and people are encouraging me to do it.”

“In light of the [Merrick] Garland seat that was stolen, together with the events of today and the hiding of docs, etc., the court must be expanded to 11 seats after 2020,” he wrote in a tweet earlier this month. “The Dem nominee must commit to this or not receive the nomination IMO. There is far too much at stake.” 

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One of the most intense midterm election campaigns in recent memory is growing even more vicious in the aftermath of a partisan brawl over Supreme Court Justice Brett KavanaughBrett Michael KavanaughGOP senators urge Trump to back off Murkowski threat Judd Gregg: A government in free fall The 7 most anticipated Supreme Court decisions MORE that deeply angered conservatives and liberals alike.

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Both parties are seizing on the issue, with Republicans in close Senate races going on the attack in red states against Sens. Claire McCaskillClaire Conner McCaskillMissouri county issues travel advisory for Lake of the Ozarks after Memorial Day parties Senate faces protracted floor fight over judges amid pandemic safety concerns Amash on eyeing presidential bid: ‘Millions of Americans’ want someone other than Trump, Biden MORE (D-Mo.), Heidi HeitkampMary (Heidi) Kathryn Heitkamp70 former senators propose bipartisan caucus for incumbents Susan Collins set to play pivotal role in impeachment drama Pro-trade group launches media buy as Trump and Democrats near deal on new NAFTA MORE (D-N.D.), Joe DonnellyJoseph (Joe) Simon DonnellyEx-Sen. Joe Donnelly endorses Biden Lobbying world 70 former senators propose bipartisan caucus for incumbents MORE (D-Ind.) and Jon TesterJonathan (Jon) TesterSenate confirms Trump’s watchdog for coronavirus funds Montana barrels toward blockbuster Senate fight The 10 Senate seats most likely to flip MORE (D-Mont.), four of the 10 Democrats defending seats in states that President TrumpDonald John TrumpSenate advances public lands bill in late-night vote Warren, Democrats urge Trump to back down from veto threat over changing Confederate-named bases Esper orders ‘After Action Review’ of National Guard’s role in protests MORE won in 2016.

Liberals are furious that Kavanaugh, a potentially pivotal vote on abortion rights and other issues, was confirmed despite what they view as credible accusations of sexual assault against him, which he has denied. Democratic candidates for the House believe the issue will help attract the votes of suburban women already moving in their direction.

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The trend toward a more polarized political landscape has been a long time coming, said Michael Steel, a former adviser to former Speaker John BoehnerJohn Andrew BoehnerLott says lobbying firm cut ties to prevent him from taking clients Lobbying firm cuts ties to Trent Lott amid national anti-racism protests Bush, Romney won’t support Trump reelection: NYT MORE (R-Ohio), noting that the divisions have been driven by demographic shifts, social changes and rapidly developing technology.

But he noted that Trump has exacerbated that increasingly partisan dynamic since the 2016 election. Trump stunned the political world by winning the White House despite a number of controversial incidents, including the leak of the “Access Hollywood” tape that led many in his own party to denounce him at the time.

“The polarization is real. It’s a big historic trend, and President Trump is both a symptom and a cause,” Steel told The Hill, saying he believes the prospect of a Democratic-controlled Congress will drive Republicans to the polls in November.

The Kavanaugh fight has amplified those divisions in the midst of a campaign already characterized by sharp rhetoric and candidates looking to turn out their respective bases.

In the Senate, where Republicans are looking to defend and build on their 51-49 majority, the Supreme Court has become the centerpiece of Missouri Attorney General Josh Hawley’s Senate campaign as he looks to unseat McCaskill, who voted against Kavanaugh’s nomination.

Hawley expressed support for Kavanaugh as soon as the judge was nominated by Trump, and he recently doubled down on his messaging, blaming Democrats for what he described as a “circus” surrounding the confirmation process.

After Kavanaugh’s confirmation, the Republican is now warning voters about the ramifications of a Democratic Senate majority.

“The goal of a Democrat majority is to overturn the results of the 2016 election and roll back the results of the Trump Administration,” Hawley said in a statement following a Monday conference call with reporters.

Hawley has called on McCaskill to put “partisanship aside” on this issue and support actions like his request for a special counsel to investigate Democrats’ handling of the allegations. But McCaskill accused Hawley of being the one who’s elevating partisanship in politics.

“This is what a partisan does, and what causes the problem in the first place,” McCaskill said in a recent statement.

Kavanaugh’s confirmation has also become a major flashpoint in other red states. In Indiana’s Senate debate Monday night, the Supreme Court quickly grabbed the spotlight, exposing one of the biggest differences between Donnelly, who opposed Kavanaugh, and Republican Mike Braun.

And Montana state auditor Matt Rosendale, who’s challenging Tester, is running ads against Democratic senators for the “liberal smear” against Kavanaugh.

But the Supreme Court rift could perhaps have the largest ripple effect in North Dakota, where Heitkamp is defending a seat in a state Trump carried by 36 points.

Her Republican opponent, Rep. Kevin CramerKevin John CramerRepublicans prepare to punt on next COVID-19 relief bill GOP senators introduce resolution opposing calls to defund the police Trump tweets spark fresh headache for Republicans MORE, has gone on the attack over her decision to vote against Kavanaugh’s confirmation, positioning himself as a staunch defender of the judge.

In a weekend interview with The New York Times, Cramer called into question the “Me Too” movement, saying it was a “movement toward victimization” and lamenting that “you’re just supposed to believe” women and men who come forward with allegations of sexual misconduct.

Heitkamp responded to Cramer’s remarks, bristling at his suggestion that the movement turned otherwise strong women into victims. She said her own mother had been a victim of sexual assault as a teenager.

“I want you to put this in there, it did not make my mom less strong that she was a victim,” she said. “She got stronger and she made us strong. And to suggest that this movement doesn’t make women strong and stronger is really unfortunate.”

While Kavanaugh is upending deep-red Senate races, Democrats believe it’ll resonate differently in the battle for the House, where party candidates intend to channel the fury over the justice’s confirmation as they look to flip the 23 seats they need to take the chamber in November.

Demonstrators — many who are women — have held several protests that have seized on the growing anti-Kavanaugh furor, which they see as an extension of the Me Too movement.

For Democrats, the path to the House runs directly through suburban districts where moderate and female voters may be turned off by the allegations against Kavanaugh and how some Republicans have dismissed the Me Too movement.

After the confirmation, pro-abortion rights group NARAL launched a $1 million ad campaign hitting vulnerable House Republicans on the issue, including GOP Reps. David YoungDavid Edmund YoungFormer Rep. David Young wins GOP primary in bid for old House seat Trump lends support to swing district Republicans Former ‘Apprentice’ contestant ranks Trump next to Mother Teresa on women’s issues MORE (Iowa), Peter Roskam Peter James RoskamLobbying world House votes to temporarily repeal Trump SALT deduction cap Feehery: How Republicans can win back the suburbs MORE (Ill.), Kevin YoderKevin Wayne YoderSharice Davids to vote for Trump impeachment articles: ‘The facts are uncontested’ Feehery: How Republicans can win back the suburbs K Street giants scoop up coveted ex-lawmakers MORE (Kan.), Claudia Tenney (N.Y.), John CulbersonJohn Abney CulbersonBottom line Ex-Rep. Frelinghuysen joins law and lobby firm Bottom line MORE (Texas), Jason LewisJason Mark LewisTwo swing-district Democrats raise impeachment calls after whistleblower reports GOP Senate candidate said Republicans have ‘dual loyalties’ to Israel The Hill’s Campaign Report: Democratic field begins to shrink ahead of critical stretch MORE (Minn.) and Dave Brat (Va.) — all running in the types of suburban seats Democrats are focusing on.

The rhetoric over Kavanaugh landed in the midst of a midterm election cycle already defined by rampant partisanship. 

An August survey from Pew Research Center found that about 8 in 10 respondents believe that Democratic and Republican voters not only disagree on plans and policies but also on basic facts. And a Pew poll released late last month found that 72 percent of polled registered voters say the issue of which party controls Congress will factor into their vote in November.

During the primary season, both parties nominated a handful of populists from opposite ends of the political spectrum, suggesting an appetite for more ideologically aggressive candidates among the parties’ core voters.

In the gubernatorial races in Florida and Georgia, Democrats nominated two insurgent progressives, Andrew Gillum and Stacey Abrams, while Republicans tapped former Rep. Ron DeSantisRonald Dion DeSantisGOP tentatively decides on Jacksonville for site of convention DeSantis pushing to host Republican National Convention in Florida Florida bars and theaters to reopen starting Friday, DeSantis says MORE (R-Fla.) and Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp, two hard-line conservatives who have allied themselves closely with Trump.

That same dynamic played out in governor’s races in Kansas and Maryland.

This partisanship has played a role in general election messaging. Candidates are still tailoring their messages to rile up the base, which they believe will ultimately deliver them crucial victories in midterms where turnout is usually lower.

In Arizona’s Senate race, Rep. Martha McSallyMartha Elizabeth McSallyGOP senators introduce resolution opposing calls to defund the police No evidence of unauthorized data transfers by top Chinese drone manufacturer: study Senate Democratic campaign arm launches online hub ahead of November MORE (R) has sought to frame her campaign around issues such as crime and immigration, warning voters that both are likely to surge if Democrats win in November. The same goes for Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey (R), who is seeking a second term.

Sen. Ted CruzRafael (Ted) Edward CruzSenate advances public lands bill in late-night vote The Hill’s Morning Report – Trump’s public standing sags after Floyd protests GOP senators introduce resolution opposing calls to defund the police MORE (R-Texas), a standard-bearer in the conservative movement, has seized on issues such as shootings involving police and national anthem protests in the NFL as he seeks to beat back a tough challenge from Rep. Beto O’Rourke (D-Texas).

Meanwhile, Trump, who still elicits sharp divisions among voters, is hardly holding back.

The president planned a series of rallies in the final four weeks of the midterm campaign, where he is expected to double down on his message that voting for Democrats in November is not an option.

As he’s stumped for various GOP candidates this year, he’s made the pitch to elect more Republicans that will enact his agenda, arguing that red-state Democrats who frame themselves as bipartisan won’t actually work across the aisle.

Strategists from both parties say the attack line that Democrats have adopted a radical agenda dead set on obstructing Trump is likely to be touted by more Republicans heading into Election Day.

But Democrats are poised to take the opposite approach, casting Kavanaugh’s confirmation as an affront on female voters and women’s rights.

“The Republicans may have saved themselves the Senate; the Kavanaugh fight did activate the GOP base,” said Democratic strategist Brad Bannon. “The question in the next 28 days is, now that [the confirmation] settles in, is that going to give another jolt to the Democratic base in the same way the fight jolted the GOP base?”