October | 2020 | dovdiv

As activists and civil rights groups nationwide protested Tuesday’s point-blank shooting by police of a black man in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, police on Wednesday shot and killed another black man in Falcon Heights, Minnesota, a suburb of the Twin Cities.

Philando Castile had been stopped by police for a broken taillight, according to his girlfriend, who broadcast the aftermath of the shooting in a graphic video that streamed live from her Facebook page.

“He’s licensed to carry. He was trying to get his ID and his wallet out of his pocket and he let the officer know that he had a firearm and he was reaching for his wallet, and the officer just shot him in his arm,” the woman says in the video, which shows Castile covered in blood, holding his right arm, and slowly losing consciousness in the driver’s seat.

Castile was confirmed dead on Wednesday evening.

In the video, a officer stands beside the car pointing a handgun at Castile, who appears to be unconscious, and at one point the officer shouts at the woman, “I told him not to reach for it! I told him to get his hands up.”

“You shot four bullets into him, sir,” the woman responds. “He was just getting his license and registration, sir.”

“Oh my god, please don’t tell me he’s dead, please don’t tell me my boyfriend just went like that,” the woman continues, her voice sounding more and more distressed. “Please don’t tell me that he’s gone!”

The couple’s young daughter appears to be sitting in the back seat of the car during the entire incident.

Towards the end of the eight-minute video, the woman is handcuffed and put in the back of the police car with her daughter. She says the police “have machine guns pointed,” and says, “my daughter just witnessed this.”

As she begins sobbing, her daughter tries to comfort her, saying, “It’s okay, I’m here with you.”

The woman has been identified variously as Diamond Reynolds and Diamond Taylor, while her Facebook page uses the name Lavish Reynolds. According to social media accounts, as of Thursday morning the woman was still in police custody.

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The House passed a bipartisan resolution condemning the sprawling QAnon conspiracy theory, though 17 Republican lawmakers voted against the measure in the 371-18 vote.

The GOP lawmakers voting “no” were Reps. Jodey ArringtonJodey Cook ArringtonHillicon Valley: House votes to condemn QAnon | Americans worried about foreign election interference | DHS confirms request to tap protester phones House approves measure condemning QAnon, but 17 Republicans vote against it Republicans boot Francis Rooney from GOP Steering Committee MORE (Texas), Brian Babin (Texas), Rob BishopRobert (Rob) William BishopHillicon Valley: House votes to condemn QAnon | Americans worried about foreign election interference | DHS confirms request to tap protester phones House approves measure condemning QAnon, but 17 Republicans vote against it OVERNIGHT ENERGY: House passes sweeping clean energy bill | Pebble Mine CEO resigns over secretly recorded comments about government officials | Corporations roll out climate goals amid growing pressure to deliver MORE (Utah), Mo BrooksMorris (Mo) Jackson BrooksHillicon Valley: House votes to condemn QAnon | Americans worried about foreign election interference | DHS confirms request to tap protester phones House approves measure condemning QAnon, but 17 Republicans vote against it Overnight Defense: Trump hosts Israel, UAE, Bahrain for historic signing l Air Force reveals it secretly built and flew new fighter jet l Coronavirus creates delay in Pentagon research for alternative to ‘forever chemicals’ MORE (Ala.), Michael BurgessMichael Clifton BurgessHillicon Valley: House votes to condemn QAnon | Americans worried about foreign election interference | DHS confirms request to tap protester phones House approves measure condemning QAnon, but 17 Republicans vote against it Ignore the misinformation: The FDA will ensure the safety of any COVID-19 vaccine MORE (Texas), Buddy CarterEarl (Buddy) Leroy CarterHillicon Valley: House votes to condemn QAnon | Americans worried about foreign election interference | DHS confirms request to tap protester phones House approves measure condemning QAnon, but 17 Republicans vote against it Overnight Health Care: Trump says White House will pressure governors to open schools | Administration formally moves to withdraw US from WHO | Fauci warns against ‘false complacency’ on COVID-19 MORE (Ga.), Warren DavidsonWarren Earl DavidsonHillicon Valley: House votes to condemn QAnon | Americans worried about foreign election interference | DHS confirms request to tap protester phones House approves measure condemning QAnon, but 17 Republicans vote against it Hillicon Valley: Subpoenas for Facebook, Google and Twitter on the cards | Wray rebuffs mail-in voting conspiracies | Reps. raise mass surveillance concerns MORE (Ohio), Jeff DuncanJeffrey (Jeff) Darren DuncanHillicon Valley: House votes to condemn QAnon | Americans worried about foreign election interference | DHS confirms request to tap protester phones House approves measure condemning QAnon, but 17 Republicans vote against it Biden’s Iran policy is deeply flawed MORE (S.C.), Drew FergusonAnderson (Drew) Drew FergusonHillicon Valley: House votes to condemn QAnon | Americans worried about foreign election interference | DHS confirms request to tap protester phones House approves measure condemning QAnon, but 17 Republicans vote against it The Hill’s Coronavirus Report: Fauci says focus should be on pausing reopenings rather than reverting to shutdowns; WHO director pleads for international unity in pandemic response MORE (Ga.), Bill FloresWilliam (Bill) Hose FloresHillicon Valley: House votes to condemn QAnon | Americans worried about foreign election interference | DHS confirms request to tap protester phones House approves measure condemning QAnon, but 17 Republicans vote against it Patient Protection Pledge offers price transparency MORE (Texas), Paul GosarPaul Anthony GosarHillicon Valley: House votes to condemn QAnon | Americans worried about foreign election interference | DHS confirms request to tap protester phones House approves measure condemning QAnon, but 17 Republicans vote against it Pelosi must go — the House is in dire need of new leadership MORE (Ariz.), Steve KingSteven (Steve) Arnold KingHillicon Valley: House votes to condemn QAnon | Americans worried about foreign election interference | DHS confirms request to tap protester phones House approves measure condemning QAnon, but 17 Republicans vote against it Steve King defends past comments on white supremacy, blasts NYT and GOP leaders in fiery floor speech MORE (Iowa), Mike KellyGeorge (Mike) Joseph KellyHillicon Valley: House votes to condemn QAnon | Americans worried about foreign election interference | DHS confirms request to tap protester phones House approves measure condemning QAnon, but 17 Republicans vote against it Federal judge rules Pennsylvania’s coronavirus orders are unconstitutional MORE (Pa.), Ralph NormanRalph Warren NormanHillicon Valley: House votes to condemn QAnon | Americans worried about foreign election interference | DHS confirms request to tap protester phones House approves measure condemning QAnon, but 17 Republicans vote against it House rebuffs GOP lawmaker’s effort to remove references to Democrats in Capitol MORE (S.C.), Scott PerryScott Gordon PerryHillicon Valley: House votes to condemn QAnon | Americans worried about foreign election interference | DHS confirms request to tap protester phones House approves measure condemning QAnon, but 17 Republicans vote against it On The Trail: How Nancy Pelosi could improbably become president MORE (Pa.), Thomas Tiffany (Wis.) and Daniel WebsterDaniel Alan WebsterHillicon Valley: House votes to condemn QAnon | Americans worried about foreign election interference | DHS confirms request to tap protester phones House approves measure condemning QAnon, but 17 Republicans vote against it What happened to Congress? And how can it regain its standing? MORE (Fla.).

Rep. Justin AmashJustin AmashHillicon Valley: House votes to condemn QAnon | Americans worried about foreign election interference | DHS confirms request to tap protester phones House votes to condemn alleged hysterectomies on migrant women House approves measure condemning QAnon, but 17 Republicans vote against it MORE (L-Mich.), who used to be a Republican, also voted against the resolution.

Another GOP lawmaker, Rep. Andy HarrisAndrew (Andy) Peter HarrisHillicon Valley: House votes to condemn QAnon | Americans worried about foreign election interference | DHS confirms request to tap protester phones House approves measure condemning QAnon, but 17 Republicans vote against it House rebuffs GOP lawmaker’s effort to remove references to Democrats in Capitol MORE (Md.), voted present.

President TrumpDonald John TrumpTrump campaign manager tests positive for COVID-19 Trump given Remdesivir as treatment for COVID-19 infection ICE launching billboard campaign highlighting ‘at-large immigration violators’ MORE has not condemned the QAnon conspiracy, which revolves around the baseless theory that Trump and his allies are working to expose a cabal of Democrats, media figures and celebrities who are running an international child trafficking ring.

As unhinged as the conspiracy is, it has gained steam in conservative circles and several Republicans running for the House this year have backed the theory, including Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, who is expected to win her general election race this November.

Greene has been praised effusively by Trump and backed by Republican leadership despite her supportive comments about QAnon and a history of racist and anti-Semitic comments.

The measure condemning QAnon was sponsored by Reps. Denver RigglemanDenver RigglemanHillicon Valley: House votes to condemn QAnon | Americans worried about foreign election interference | DHS confirms request to tap protester phones House approves measure condemning QAnon, but 17 Republicans vote against it Virginians wait up to four hours to cast early voting ballots MORE (R-Va.) and Tom MalinowskiThomas (Tom) MalinowskiHillicon Valley: House votes to condemn QAnon | Americans worried about foreign election interference | DHS confirms request to tap protester phones Congress can’t stop QAnon but combatting abuse and trauma can House approves measure condemning QAnon, but 17 Republicans vote against it MORE (D-N.J.).

“QAnon and other conspiracy theories and movements that dehumanize people or political groups, incite violence or violent threats and destroy faith and trust in our democratic institutions must be identified, condemned and exposed through facts,” Riggleman told The Hill.

“The First Amendment is a powerful weapon. Turning that weapon on those who use fantasies as a menacing grift is the responsibility of reasonable citizens, legislators and executives.”

The QAnon theory is considered a serious threat, and has been tied to multiple instances of criminal activity.

Besides Greene, several other House GOP candidates have also expressed openness to the QAnon theory, including Lauren Boebert in Colorado, Burgess Owens in Utah, Mike Cargile and Erin Cruz in California, and Illinois’s Theresa Raborn.

The Freedom Caucus-affiliated House Freedom Fund, for example, has endorsed and directed funding toward Greene, Boebert and Owens.

Greene and Boebert have both attempted to distance themselves from the theory since winning their primaries. Experts studying QAnon have said while those walk-backs are expected, they’ll do little to convince the theory’s adherents that the candidates aren’t on their side.

While most Republicans have clearly condemned the theory, they have also sought to distract from it by pointing to allegations of violence by left-wing activists.

An amendment offered by Rep. Debbie Lesko (R-Ariz.) to include language in the measure condemning violence committed by antifa was voted down in the House Rules Committee.

Antifa, short for anti-fascist, refers to a loose collection of primarily leftist activists. The movement has been a preferred target of Trump as the source of violence and property destruction at anti-police brutality protests despite no evidence linking the two.

FBI Director Christopher Wray in a hearing earlier this month pointed out that the term refers to an ideology, not an organization. QAnon, on the other hand, has been directly linked to violence.

The resolution adopted Thursday cites numerous examples of violence and criminal activity seen from QAnon supporters and calls for federal law enforcement and the FBI to allocate more resources toward countering conspiracy-driven extremism.

The FBI has labeled the conspiracy theory a potential domestic terrorism threat, and it has been linked to kidnapping, terrorism and murder.

An earlier version of this story misstated the number of GOP lawmakers who voted no. It was 17 Republicans, and one Libertarian member.

Happy Friday and welcome back to On The Money. I’m Sylvan Lane, and here’s your nightly guide to everything affecting your bills, bank account and bottom line.

See something I missed? Let me know at slane@thehill.com or tweet me @SylvanLane. And if you like your newsletter, you can subscribe to it here: http://bit.ly/1NxxW2N.

Write us with tips, suggestions and news: slane@thehill.com, njagoda@thehill.com and nelis@thehill.com. Follow us on Twitter: @SylvanLane, @NJagoda and @NivElis.

THE BIG DEAL—Half of states run out of funds for Trump’s $300 unemployment expansion: Half of all states have depleted their funding for the extra $300 in weekly unemployment benefits that President TrumpDonald John TrumpFederal prosecutor speaks out, says Barr ‘has brought shame’ on Justice Dept. Former Pence aide: White House staffers discussed Trump refusing to leave office Progressive group buys domain name of Trump’s No. 1 Supreme Court pick MORE ordered after failing to strike a deal with Congress.

A congressionally approved expansion of benefits this spring provided unemployed Americans with $600 more in weekly unemployment payments, but that expansion expired in July.
Democrats pushed to renew the benefits, but Republicans argued they were too high and discouraged people from returning to work.
After the unemployment boost expired, Trump signed an executive order to retool Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funds for an additional $300 in weekly benefits.

Unemploymentpua.com, a website that follows the minutia of state-level COVID-19 unemployment relief programs, found that 25 states had reached their funding limit, though only seven had already sent out their final payments. The Hill’s Niv Elis has more here.

LEADING THE DAY

EU appealing ruling in Apple tax case: The European Union announced on Friday that it will appeal a July court ruling that annulled its 2016 finding that Apple owes Ireland up to 13 billion euros in unpaid taxes.

The European Commission, the EU’s executive arm, said it is appealing the EU general court’s opinion to the European Court of Justice, the EU’s highest court.

The commission “respectfully considers that in its judgment the General Court has made a number of errors of law,” Margrethe Vestager, executive vice president of the commission, said in a statement.

The Hill’s Naomi Jagoda walks us through the case here.

House Democratic coronavirus relief package to provide more aid for airlines: The House Democratic emergency coronavirus relief package, which has not yet been unveiled, includes additional funding for airlines, two sources told The Hill.

Speaker Nancy PelosiNancy PelosiDemocratic senator to party: ‘A little message discipline wouldn’t kill us’ Overnight Health Care: New wave of COVID-19 cases builds in US | Florida to lift all coronavirus restrictions on restaurants, bars | Trump stirs questions with 0 drug coupon plan Overnight Defense: Appeals court revives House lawsuit against military funding for border wall | Dems push for limits on transferring military gear to police | Lawmakers ask for IG probe into Pentagon’s use of COVID-19 funds MORE (D-Calif.) had tasked committee heads with drafting a package this week and Ways and Means Chairman Richard NealRichard Edmund NealOn The Money: Half of states deplete funds for Trump’s 0 unemployment expansion | EU appealing ruling in Apple tax case | House Democrats include more aid for airlines in coronavirus package House Democrats to include more aid for airlines in coronavirus package The Hill’s Morning Report – Sponsored by Facebook – Republicans lawmakers rebuke Trump on election MORE (D-Mass.), who is leading the charge, said the package could receive a vote by Oct. 2.

Under the terms of the CARES Act relief funding that passed this spring, airlines are prohibited from firing or laying off any employees until Oct. 1. Once that deadline passes, workers in the industry are expected to take a hit, barring new assistance from the government.
On Oct. 1, American Airlines expects to ax 19,000 jobs, and United Airlines said it plans to cut 16,370. Delta Air Lines will delay the effective date for a potential 220 pilot furloughs to Nov. 1 but will not furlough any flight attendants and front-line workers in 2020 due to the many employees who opted for early retirement.

“We have been told that airline worker relief is in the package and are grateful for the strong, bipartisan support. We are hopeful that this is the start of a negotiation that will help our industry and others in distress,” Nicholas Calio, head of the industry group Airlines for America, told The Hill in a statement. The Hill’s Alex Gangitano has more here.

ON TAP NEXT WEEK

Tuesday:

Federal Reserve Board Vice Chair Richard Clarida delivers remarks at the 2020 U.S. Treasury Market Conference, 11:40 a.m.
The House Financial Services Committee’s task force on financial technology holds a hearing on the legal framework for digital lending and payments processing, 12 p.m.
Fed Vice Chair of Supervision Randal Quarles discusses financial regulation at the Harvard Law School and Program on International Financial Systems, 1 p.m.
The Wilson Center hosts a panel discussion on Mexico’s perspective on labor provisions included in the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, 1 p.m.
Quarles will also discuss financial stability during an event held by the Center for Financial Policy at the University of Maryland, 3 p.m.

Wednesday:

The Washington International Trade Association hosts a webinar entitled “Reengaging the Asia-Pacific on Trade: A TPP Roadmap for the Next Administration,” 9 a.m.
The House Small Business Committee holds a hearing on COVID-19’s impact on small businesses within the food system, 10 a.m.
Federal Reserve Board Governor Michelle Bowman speaks at a conference on community banking, 1:40 p.m.

Thursday:

The House Small Business Committee holds a hearing on preventing abuse of the Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loan program, 10 a.m.
The House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis holds a hearing on the financial system and economic opportunity, 2 p.m.
Fed Governor Bowman speaks about the role of community banks in providing equitable mortgage access, 3 p.m.

GOOD TO KNOW

A group of bipartisan House and Senate lawmakers on Friday introduced legislation to increase resources to help local government, small businesses and nonprofit groups defend themselves against cyberattacks.

Sen. Elizabeth WarrenElizabeth WarrenOvernight Defense: Appeals court revives House lawsuit against military funding for border wall | Dems push for limits on transferring military gear to police | Lawmakers ask for IG probe into Pentagon’s use of COVID-19 funds On The Money: Half of states deplete funds for Trump’s 0 unemployment expansion | EU appealing ruling in Apple tax case | House Democrats include more aid for airlines in coronavirus package Warren, Khanna request IG investigation into Pentagon’s use of coronavirus funds MORE (D-Mass.) and Rep. Ro KhannaRohit (Ro) KhannaOvernight Defense: Appeals court revives House lawsuit against military funding for border wall | Dems push for limits on transferring military gear to police | Lawmakers ask for IG probe into Pentagon’s use of COVID-19 funds On The Money: Half of states deplete funds for Trump’s 0 unemployment expansion | EU appealing ruling in Apple tax case | House Democrats include more aid for airlines in coronavirus package The movement to reform animal agriculture has reached a tipping point MORE (D-Calif.) are asking the Pentagon’s internal watchdog to investigate how the department used $1 billion in coronavirus relief funds.

Politico: “Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the government-run companies that stand behind about half of the $11 trillion U.S. mortgage market, pose a potential danger to the stability of the broader financial system, a Treasury-led panel said today.”

ODDS AND ENDS

Six months after states began issuing stay-at-home orders, many employees have settled into working-from-home routines that are likely to persist in some form beyond the pandemic. But with that seismic shift comes concerns about productivity, fatigue and cybersecurity.

Florida is lifting all coronavirus restrictions on restaurants and bars effective immediately, with Gov. Ron DeSantisRon DeSantisOvernight Health Care: New wave of COVID-19 cases builds in US | Florida to lift all coronavirus restrictions on restaurants, bars | Trump stirs questions with 0 drug coupon plan On The Money: Half of states deplete funds for Trump’s 0 unemployment expansion | EU appealing ruling in Apple tax case | House Democrats include more aid for airlines in coronavirus package Florida to lift all COVID-19 restrictions on restaurants, bars MORE (R) saying he is also prohibiting local governments from closing businesses or imposing any restrictions without justification.

Recap the week with On The Money:

Monday: Shutdown clash looms after Democrats unveil spending bill | CBO: $900B a year needed to stabilize post-crisis debt | Airline CEOs plead with Washington as layoffs loom
Tuesday: Powell, Mnuchin stress limits of emergency loans | House seeks to salvage vote on spending bill | Economists tell lawmakers: Kill the virus to heal the economy
Wednesday: House panel pulls Powell into partisan battles | New York considers hiking taxes on the rich | Treasury: Trump’s payroll tax deferral won’t hurt Social Security
Thursday: Anxious Democrats push for vote on COVID-19 aid | Pelosi, Mnuchin ready to restart talks | Weekly jobless claims increase | Senate treads close to shutdown deadline

Congressional Democrats are warning Turkey against getting involved in the contested southern caucus territory of Nagorno-Karabakh, where renewed fighting between Azerbaijan and Armenia threatens a wider regional conflict.

Rep. Eliot EngelEliot Lance EngelOvernight Defense: Congress recommends nuclear arms treaty be extended | Dems warn Turkey | Military’s eighth COVID death identified Democrats warn Turkey over involvement in Azerbaijan-Armenia conflict House panel halts contempt proceedings against Pompeo after documents turned over MORE (D-N.Y.), chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said in a statement Tuesday that “the influence of external actors such as Turkey recklessly meddling in the conflict is troubling” and called for all sides to end hostilities and resume negotiations.

Long-simmering tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan escalated into open conflict on Sunday in the contested area of Nagorno-Karabakh, with some of the fiercest fighting the region has seen in years and reports of dozens killed and hundreds wounded, including civilians.

The contested status of the territory, claimed by Azerbaijan but administered and occupied by ethnic Armenians, had been under a decades-long mediation process by the Minsk Group, part of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and co-chaired by the United States, France and Russia.

The co-chairs issued a statement Sunday to cease fighting and return to negotiations.

But the violence has already drawn a response from Turkey, with Ankara throwing its support behind Azerbaijan and deploying Syrian fighters to help its regional ally, Reuters reported on Monday.

Turkey’s actions were followed by pledges of support from Russia and Greece for Armenia — increasing the risk of armed conflict between Ankara and Moscow in addition to increased tensions and possible fighting among NATO allies.

Armenia and Azerbaijan are NATO partners, while Turkey is a NATO member.

Engel said the international community must remain committed to the peace process.

“As a co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, the United States should not tolerate Turkey disrupting the peace process and exacerbating a conflict already careening toward drastic escalation,” Engel added.

Two days earlier, Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), the ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, called for a cease-fire.

“I strongly condemn Azerbaijan’s attack on Nagorno Karabakh, yet another act of aggression supported by Turkey,” Menendez tweeted on Sunday. “The Trump Administration should suspend security assistance to Azerbaijan and engage through the OSCE Minsk Group to bring about a ceasefire.”

Other Democrats in Congress who have called for a de-escalation of tensions include Rep. Brad ShermanBradley (Brad) James ShermanOvernight Defense: Congress recommends nuclear arms treaty be extended | Dems warn Turkey | Military’s eighth COVID death identified Democrats warn Turkey over involvement in Azerbaijan-Armenia conflict Sherman joins race for House Foreign Affairs gavel MORE (D-Calif.), the second most senior Democrat of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, who blamed Azerbaijan for instigating the attacks and Turkey for inflaming the fighting.

“At this sacred time for my family and co-religionists, I’m troubled by the recent Azeri attacks on [Nagorno-Karabakh],” Sherman wrote on Twitter over the weekend.

“We must condemn this aggression and urge Baku to cease offensive military action and return to the peace table. We should halt military aid to Azerbaijan and urge Turkey to abstain from sending arms or fighters.”

Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. (D-N.J.), co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues, blamed Azerbaijan and Turkey for the outbreak of violence.

“For months, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, have increased their use of combative rhetoric and provocative actions toward Artsakh and Armenia,” Pallone said in a statement while calling on the State Department to hold Azerbaijan and Turkey accountable.

President TrumpDonald John TrumpFive takeaways from Trump-Biden debate clash The Memo: Debate or debacle? Democrats rip Trump for not condemning white supremacists, Proud Boys at debate MORE said on Sunday that his administration was looking at the situation “very strongly” given that the U.S. has relations with both Baku and Yerevan.

“We have a lot of good relationships in that area. We’ll see if we can stop it,” he said.

State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said the same day that Deputy Secretary of State Steve Biegun had spoken with the foreign ministers of both Azerbaijan and Armenia in an effort to de-escalate tensions.

“The United States believes participation in the escalating violence by external parties would be deeply unhelpful and only exacerbate regional tensions,” Ortagus said.

“We urge the sides to work with the Minsk Group Co-Chairs to return to substantive negotiations as soon as possible. As a Co-Chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, the United States remains committed to helping the sides achieve a peaceful and sustainable settlement to the conflict.”

House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Peter DeFazioPeter Anthony DeFazioOn The Money: Economy adds 661K jobs in final report before Election Day | House approves .2T COVID-19 relief bill as White House talks stall | Stand-alone bill to provide relief for airlines blocked on House floor Stand-alone bill to provide relief for airlines blocked on House floor Pelosi calls on airlines to hold off on furloughs, says agreement on relief is imminent MORE (D-Ore.) attempted to pass a stand-alone bill that would give relief to airlines on the House floor Friday.

The attempt was unsuccessful after the Oregon congressman was denied a request for unanimous consent, which would preclude the need for members to participate in a recorded vote. His bill would extend the airline Payroll Support Program (PSP) by six months.

“The Republican minority killed this legislation, plain and simple. If they had just agreed, tens of thousands of workers for the airlines — flight attendants, they don’t get paid a heck of a lot of money, pilots, yeah they do well, mechanics, gate agents — tens of thousands of those people have been furlough as of yesterday,” DeFazio said on the House floor.

PSP, which allocated $25 billion in aid for airlines, was part of the massive $2.2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act passed in March. As a condition for accepting the relief, it prohibited airlines from laying off employees until Oct. 1.

“They’ve lost their jobs, they’ve lost their health care, some of them are going to lose their homes. They don’t know how they’re going to make ends meet, feed their kids or do anything else, all because the Republicans in the House of Representatives would not agree and the Republicans in the Senate will not agree to a larger package, which contains these provisions. These are vital provisions, they’re time sensitive,” DeFazio said.

The House passed another $2.2 trillion coronavirus aid package on Thursday that has been rejected by Republicans in the Senate and White House. It included $25 billion to extend the PSP.

“I’m tired of bureaucracy around here. It’s time to do real things for the American people and this is real, these peoples’ lives are at stake,” DeFazio said, in a heated response to his time being up on the floor.

Rep. Kendra HornKendra Suzanne HornStand-alone bill to provide relief for airlines blocked on House floor Women of color flex political might Kate Schroder in Ohio among Democratic challengers squelching GOP hopes for the House MORE (D-Okla.), who was presiding over the House, said DeFazio’s request could not be entertained because it was not cleared by leadership from both sides of the aisle.

Earlier on Friday, Speaker Nancy PelosiNancy PelosiOn The Money: Economy adds 661K jobs in final report before Election Day | House approves .2T COVID-19 relief bill as White House talks stall | Stand-alone bill to provide relief for airlines blocked on House floor Overnight Healthcare: President Trump has coronavirus Pelosi tests negative for COVID-19 MORE (D-Calif.) told airlines to hold off on the furloughs because Congress would either pass DeFazio’s stand-alone legislation or relief would come in the form of a negotiated bill.

Following the blockage of DeFazio’s bill on the floor, Pelosi called Republicans’ objection to his legislation disappointing.

“Again and again, Democrats offer legislation to save lives and livelihoods, only to be met by more Republican obstruction. Either Republicans are not serious about meeting the staggering health and economic challenge facing our nation, or they do not care,” she said in a statement.

“Democrats will continue our efforts to provide direly-needed relief for airline workers.”

A House GOP aide said the Republicans are still waiting for details on the DeFazio bill and pointed to a bill they support that was introduced by Del. Stacey PlaskettStacey PlaskettStand-alone bill to provide relief for airlines blocked on House floor DOJ rejects statehood for Puerto Rico — so do Puerto Ricans Bottom line MORE (D-V.I.) and Rep. David JoyceDavid Patrick JoyceStand-alone bill to provide relief for airlines blocked on House floor Republicans shrug off Kasich’s Democratic convention speech The Hill’s Morning Report – Presented by The American Investment Council – Trump takes his ‘ready to reopen’ mantra on the road MORE (R-Ohio), which would also provide support for air carrier workers.

“This is incompetent and sloppy process,” the aide said. “Once again Democrats are using partisan gimmicks rather than bipartisan solutions.”

On Wednesday, American Airlines CEO Doug Parker told employees that the process of furloughing 19,000 employees has started, and United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby told employees they are moving forward with furloughing about 13,000.

Both CEOs, though, left the door open to reversing the furlough process if a deal is reached in the coming days.

Industry group Airlines for America (A4A) thanked DeFazio for his continuing efforts to save these airline jobs in a statement on Friday.

“We understand that negotiations are continuing. We therefore implore members of Congress and the Administration to work swiftly to reach agreement and extend PSP. Time already ran out, but several U.S. airlines have said that they may be able to turn back the clock and reinstate employees IF they receive direct payroll assistance from the federal government within a matter of days,” A4A CEO Nicholas Calio said in a statement.

More than 1 million people have registered to vote this year through the Snapchat app, the company said Thursday.

The number of voters who registered through Snapchat’s in-app tool, in partnership with TurboVote, is already more than double the approximately 450,000 voters that registered through the app during the 2018 midterm elections.

More than half of the 1 million people who registered to vote on Snapchat did so in less than a month. The company said 400,000 had registered to vote as of mid-September.

Fifty-six percent of people who registered to vote through Snapchat this year are first-time voters, and about 65 percent are voters ages 18 to 24, a Snapchat spokesperson estimated according to data from TurboVote.

The company also had more signups to register in Texas than it did in any other state, according to the spokesperson. Republican presidential candidates have won Texas for four decades, but recent polls have shown a competitive race between President TrumpDonald John TrumpTrump signs bill averting shutdown after brief funding lapse Privacy, civil rights groups demand transparency from Amazon on election data breaches Facebook takes down Trump campaign ads tying refugees to coronavirus MORE and Democratic presidential nominee Joe BidenJoe BidenPrivacy, civil rights groups demand transparency from Amazon on election data breaches Facebook takes down Trump campaign ads tying refugees to coronavirus Trump crowd chants ‘lock her up’ about Omar as president warns of refugees in Minnesota MORE, though Trump has seen a slim lead.

Snapchat said in the weeks leading up to the election it will continue sending reminders to users about early voting deadlines in their states and ensure information and news in the app is accurate.

In addition to tools allowing users to register to vote, Snapchat also launched a series of PSAs as part of a larger nonpartisan effort to promote users to register to vote. The PSAs featured are lawmakers from both parties, including former President Obama and former Ohio Gov. John Kasich (R), as well as celebrities and social media influencers.

More than 19,000 Amazon workers contracted COVID-19 during the pandemic, the company revealed in an update on testing released Thursday.

It is the first time Amazon has publicly shared case numbers among its more than 1.3 million Amazon and Whole Foods Market front-line employees across the U.S.

The company said in a press release that the 19,816 positive tests means the rate of infection among employees was 42 percent lower than expected, compared to the “general population rate” in the U.S.

Amazon also offered updates on its testing capacity, sharing a goal of 50,000 tests per day across 650 facilities by November.

The release of the data comes a day after an NBC News report detailed a lack of transparency in Amazon’s coronavirus response and after employees criticized the company’s handling of the virus.

Warehouse workers have gone on strike at multiple facilities to protest implementation of safety measures. The company has fired several of those employees, as well as ones on the technology side of the operation who have spoken up.

Demand for Amazon’s services have skyrocketed during the pandemic, which has kept many Americans home, leading the company to hire well over 100,000 additional workers.

Amazon pledged to provide workers with protective equipment, increase cleaning and enforce social distancing measures at warehouses in response to the health crisis.

However, workers have disputed the company’s follow-through on those processes, and the testing figures released Thursday are expected to put additional scrutiny on the company’s safety measures.

Amazon did not reveal the number of deaths among its employees from COVID-19. There have been at least 10 publicly reported.

Lebanon’s prime minister-designate Mustapha Adib resigned Saturday, abandoning efforts to form a new government amid popular demands for reform.

His resignation comes a month after he was appointed. Adib was previously Lebanon’s envoy to Germany since 2013.

French President Emmanuel MacronEmmanuel Jean-Michel MacronLebanon’s prime minister-designate resigns Navalny released from hospital after suspected poisoning US-China tensions shadow United Nations meeting MORE has been urging Lebanon’s political factions to form a new government quickly, offering to host an aid conference in mid-October to help them come out of an economic and financial crisis worsened by the Aug. 4 explosion at Beirut port.

The previous Lebanese prime minister Hassan Diab resigned amid widespread criticism over the blast, which killed nearly 200 people.

An official in Macron’s office described Adib’s resignation to the Associated Press as “a collective betrayal” by Lebanon’s political parties.

“It is indispensable to have a government capable of receiving international aid. France will not abandon Lebanon,” the official reportedly said.

Macron’s office will reportedly hold a press conference on the matter on Sunday.

“I apologize for pursuing the task of forming the government, wishing those who will be chosen for the arduous task after me, and for those who will choose him, to have full success in facing the imminent dangers facing our country, our people and our economy.,” Adib tweeted Saturday.

Democratic presidential nominee Joe BidenJoe BidenFive takeaways from Trump-Biden debate clash The Memo: Debate or debacle? Democrats rip Trump for not condemning white supremacists, Proud Boys at debate MORE’s campaign is calling for Facebook to remove posts from President TrumpDonald John TrumpFive takeaways from Trump-Biden debate clash The Memo: Debate or debacle? Democrats rip Trump for not condemning white supremacists, Proud Boys at debate MORE and his eldest son that the Biden campaign says violates the social network’s policies by spreading falsehoods about voting.

Biden’s campaign manager, Jen O’Malley Dillon, wrote a letter to Facebook on Monday urging for the removal of the posts and slamming the platform as being “the nation’s foremost propagator of disinformation about the voting process.”

“No company that considers itself a force for good in democracy, and that purports to take voter suppression seriously, would allow this dangerous claptrap to spread to millions of people,” Dillon wrote, according to a copy of the letter reported by Axios Tuesday.

“Removing this video should have been the easiest of easy calls under your policies, yet it remains up today,” she added, referring to a video posted by Donald Trump Jr. last week.

In the video, Trump Jr. claims those who oppose his father have a “plan to add millions of fraudulent ballots that can cancel your vote and can overturn the election.”

Facebook has placed a label on the video that states “voting by mail has a long history of trustworthiness in the US and the same is predicted this year,” with a link for users to “get voting information.”

The Biden campaign also told Facebook the president himself has “repeatedly taken to your platform” to encourage his followers who have voted by mail to show up to polling places and ask to vote again unless it’s demonstrated that their vote has been counted. The campaign said these posts “clearly violated” Facebook’s policies that prohibit “misrepresentations about voting logistics, methods, or requirements.”

The Biden campaign also cited a post from the president claiming “ballots being returned to States cannot be accurately counted.” Facebook also placed a label on the post with information about voting.

“If Facebook’s goal is to accomplish what it has publicly committed to do … the solution should have been simple: Remove Mr. Trump’s posts which violate your policies,” Dillon wrote.

The campaign said it would continue to call out the platform’s “failures” as they occur in the remaining weeks leading up to the election.

A Facebook spokesperson, Andy Stone, told The Hill the company will continue to apply its rules “impartially” to protect the integrity of the election and free expression, noting the company has faced criticism from both political parties over its rules.

“We’ve faced criticism from Republicans for being biased against conservatives and Democrats for not taking more steps to restrict the exact same content,” Stone told Axios.

“We have rules in place to protect the integrity of the election and free expression, and we will continue to apply them impartially.”

Biden’s campaign has long criticized Trump and his allies for spreading falsehoods, including baseless claims about voter fraud. Trump has spent the last few months criticizing expanded mail-in voting efforts, claiming it will lead to widespread voter fraud despite election experts saying there is not evidence to back such claims about mail ballots leading to widespread fraud.

The Biden campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

TGIF! Welcome to Overnight Energy, The Hill’s roundup of the latest energy and environment news. Please send tips and comments to Rebecca Beitsch at rbeitsch@thehill.com. Follow her on Twitter: @rebeccabeitsch. Reach Rachel Frazin at rfrazin@thehill.com or follow her on Twitter: @RachelFrazin.

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CHECK OUT THIS VENUE! The Supreme Court says it will hear arguments over whether the city of Baltimore’s lawsuit against several oil companies can be moved to federal court.

The high court on Friday granted oil companies’ request to review the issue. The companies are currently being sued by the Baltimore city government, which alleges that their production and misleading marketing of fossil fuels has exacerbated climate change.

The city has pushed for the case to remain in state court, while the oil companies want it in federal court.

Ann Carlson, a professor at the University of California Los Angeles’s law school, said that oil companies may believe that they’re more likely to receive favorable treatment in federal court because of certain precedents, federal judges’ discomfort with these kinds of suits over issues such as separation of powers and an increase in conservatives appointed to the bench under the Trump administration.

“It probably improves the odds for oil companies prevailing, but it by no means guarantees it,” said Carlson, who has done some pro-bono consulting for the accusers in these types of cases.

She said that the issue of the case is not whether it belongs in federal or state court, but rather whether companies have to wait until the case ends in trial court to appeal it to federal court.

Carlson added in a follow-up email that appealing to federal court earlier in the process “will slow the cases down further and give the oil companies the chance to persuade federal appellate courts that the cases belong in federal court on grounds other than just federal removal.”

The companies have argued that the issues in the cases are federal ones, such as global emissions and that because they have done contracting work with the federal government, they are essentially federal officers.

Baltimore argued that its case doesn’t necessarily raise any federal law issues and that its claims stem from Maryland law.

A federal appeals court in March ruled in favor of the city, keeping the case in state court for the time being.

The Baltimore case is one of several filed in recent years seeking compensation from energy companies or lobbying groups for actions that contributed to climate change.

The decision made by the judges could have implications on these other cases as well, possibly determining whether they can try to bring their cases to federal court at an earlier stage in the process.

“Right now there’s a split in the Circuit Courts of Appeals about what you can appeal and when and this would resolve them,” said Carlson.

The story on the SCOTUS action is here.

WAVE HELLO? Five major environmental groups will be joining together to pour resources into more than 30 House races and four Senate races to elect “environmental champions” to Congress.

The Sierra Club, the League of Conservation Voters, Environmental Defense Fund Action, the Natural Resources Defense Council Action Fund and the National Wildlife Federation Action Fund are seeking to help Democrats, including many in competitive races, in what’s expected to be a multimillion-dollar effort.

They’re also looking to boost presidential candidate Joe BidenJoe BidenTrump campaign manager tests positive for COVID-19 Twitter to remove posts hoping for Trump’s death Obama sends well wishes to Trump, hopes he is ‘on path to speedy recovery’ MORE in several swing states through the project, called Green Wave 2020.

More than 70 professional organizers will work with the campaigns in 15 states.

“The organizers will work to mobilize environmental group members to volunteer on elections to help the environmental community build a Green Wave that is big and strong enough to turn the tide in Washington D.C.,” a press release announcing the initiative said.

The organizers will mobilize the groups’ members through remote phone and text banking and will promote early and mail-in voting when it’s emphasized by the campaigns.

The groups behind Green Wave 2020 said that the election initiative will not only help elect people who support environmentally friendly policies, but it will also help the groups build out their organizing infrastructure for future elections.

“The stakes for the environment, for our climate, and for communities suffering the worst consequences of toxic pollution across the nation have never been more stark than in 2020,” Sierra Club President Ramon Cruz said in a statement.

“This unprecedented mobilization of our collective membership, including millions of members nationwide, will also help build lasting infrastructure in key states and districts that environmental champions running for office can rely upon for future election cycles,” Cruz added.

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Monthly Archives: October 2020

"Don't Tell Me He's Dead": Aftermath of Yet Another Fatal Police Shooting of Black Man Streamed Live

House approves measure condemning QAnon, but 17 Republicans vote against it

On The Money: Half of states deplete funds for Trump's $300 unemployment expansion | EU appealing ruling in Apple tax case | House Democrats include more aid for airlines in coronavirus package

Democrats warn Turkey over involvement in Azerbaijan-Armenia conflict

Stand-alone bill to provide relief for airlines blocked on House floor

1 million people register to vote through Snapchat

Amazon says over 19,000 workers tested positive for COVID-19

Lebanon's prime minister-designate resigns

Biden campaign urges Facebook to remove Trump posts spreading 'falsehoods'

OVERNIGHT ENERGY: Supreme Court to decide whether climate suit can go to federal court | Green groups launch 'Green Wave 2020' initiative to boost competitive Democratic campaigns