President Trump Signs Historic CARES Act

[High_Plains_Drifter]

BUT... it's already starting to filter out how PACKED this bill is with PORK that has NOTHING to do with the pandemic. I tell ya... Washington just can NOT CONTROL THEMSELVES when it comes to SPENDING MONEY. By God... all they had to do was pass a bill to HELP THE AMERICAN PEOPLE, but do you think they could do that? No... FUCK NO... they just HAD TO USE THIS OPPORTUNITY to SPEND LIKE DRUNKEN SAILORS... IDK... once again I'm disgusted with the ENTIRE DAMN LOT... ALL OF THEM... REPUBLICANS AND DEMOCRATS ALIKE.

-------------------------

President Trump Signs Historic CARES Act

President Trump signed the $2 trillion economic stimulus package on Friday after it cleared both the House and Senate this week.

“I just signed the CARES Act, the single biggest economic relief package in American History,” stated the president. “At $2.2 trillion, this bill will deliver urgently-needed relief for our nation’s families, workers, and businesses.”

https://www.oann.com/senate-unanimously-passes-historic-cares-act/?fbclid=IwAR0PbXPTHmsosNLVPuhL_3cpuHtUXlosx7QI0G8P T8VfVHF__Cn0Oa4DWug

[jimnyc]

I was so thrilled when I saw they all got together and agreed on this. Then I started reading about the pork in it, and I'm sure they both have a shitload in there then that means. I ain't gonna blame just the left because that's what I read most about. But I ain't hitting CNN and MSNBC as much for the "facts" or the "truth". But I'm confident that if the right signed off on this with all that pork, they have just as much in it.

This should have been 100% about the American people IMO. Of course that means certain businesses and other things to help things afloat in order to help all Americans. But the crap I was reading once again leaves me shaking my head.

Trying their energy green new deal crap into it, but failed luckily. But so many other things I read about that I wonder if it was truly truly necessary and an "emergency" and the amounts necessary.

[Kathianne]

I was so thrilled when I saw they all got together and agreed on this. Then I started reading about the pork in it, and I'm sure they both have a shitload in there then that means. I ain't gonna blame just the left because that's what I read most about. But I ain't hitting CNN and MSNBC as much for the "facts" or the "truth". But I'm confident that if the right signed off on this with all that pork, they have just as much in it.

This should have been 100% about the American people IMO. Of course that means certain businesses and other things to help things afloat in order to help all Americans. But the crap I was reading once again leaves me shaking my head.

Trying their energy green new deal crap into it, but failed luckily. But so many other things I read about that I wonder if it was truly truly necessary and an "emergency" and the amounts necessary.

It always has been a 'rush' bill of unheard of amounts of money. There's lots of pork and nonsense, it's a freaking bill they wanted passed yesterday-unanimously if possible. Everyone gets something.

[High_Plains_Drifter]

I was so thrilled when I saw they all got together and agreed on this. Then I started reading about the pork in it, and I'm sure they both have a shitload in there then that means. I ain't gonna blame just the left because that's what I read most about. But I ain't hitting CNN and MSNBC as much for the "facts" or the "truth". But I'm confident that if the right signed off on this with all that pork, they have just as much in it.

This should have been 100% about the American people IMO. Of course that means certain businesses and other things to help things afloat in order to help all Americans. But the crap I was reading once again leaves me shaking my head.

Trying their energy green new deal crap into it, but failed luckily. But so many other things I read about that I wonder if it was truly truly necessary and an "emergency" and the amounts necessary.
Yep... they're ALL a bunch of SPEND CRAZED SHYSTERS. They just could NOT do the RIGHT THING and JUST write a bill EXCLUSIVELY to cover this pandemic... nope... they had to HIGHJACK this opportunity to SPEND like MADMEN. It's just so disheartening, and I agree Jim, ya know damn well the republicans spent just as much money on unrelated CRAP as the dems did. They're BOTH fucked.

Once again I lose faith in ANY of them do EVER do the right thing. Washington is just a freakin' TOILET.

[jimnyc]

I am probably not one to be making economical input admittedly. I'd have to condemn both sides for many things I see. But perhaps some of it is more important than it seems. But I don't think so. A shame these fuckers can't just get together in times like this, put something together solely for the American people, leave out ALL pork, and get the true emergency done. But then starts the "well if you want this, I want that" or "I'll vote yes on that IF this is in there"

Perfect opportunity I guess. And emergency, talk of free money for the people, quickly in and out, no time to read the entire thing bullshit. Unbelieveable.
--

Who got special deals in the stimulus and why they got them

In the race to save the economy and pass the largest economic rescue package in American history, Congress still found a way to do some old-fashioned home state favors and reward key special interests.

Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) managed to successfully push a minimum assistance figure for every state — $1.5 billion — to make sure small states like his weren’t left out in the legislation.

A provision for the FDA to approve “innovative” sunscreens—which would benefit L’Oreal, which has operations in Kentucky—appeared in the bill, which was steered in the Senate by Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky. Aides to McConnell said, however, that he did not push for the provision and that it was the result of a bipartisan working group led by other senators working to reform over-the-counter medications.

The gaming industry wasn’t left out either: Casinos will be able to tap government loans for disaster assistance, a payback after casinos were blocked from receiving tax breaks extended to other businesses after Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

As the colossal $2 trillion rescue package heads toward President Donald Trump’s desk as soon as this weekend, it’s clear that special interests and members of Congress aren’t letting the pandemic crisis go to waste.

Here’s a look at a handful of special deals, and how they got into the stimulus:

Travel agents' relief

Special deal: The ability to apply for $25 billion in loans and loan guarantees reserved for the airlines.

How they got it: The airlines used their clout to get tens of billions of dollars in grants and loans included in the bill, but carriers aren’t the only ones who will benefit. The $25 billion allocated in loans and loan guarantees for the airlines will also benefit eligible businesses "approved to perform inspection, repair, replace, or overhaul services, and ticket agents.” The last two words — “ticket agents” — mean that travel agents who book flights will also be able to apply for a piece of the $25 billion.

Better, faster sunscreen
Special deal: Tucked in the final bill is language ensuring that the FDA reviews newer and more novel ingredients for over-the-counter sunscreen products in a timely fashion.

How they got it: The shout-out for sunscreen is part of a long-awaited effort to reform the over-the-counter drug industry, added to the rescue bill amid backing from that industry and various health groups. Besides expanding FDA oversight of over-the-counter products, the provision would streamline the process to change safety labels. Legislation has passed the House and Senate in various forms over the past two years. Last year the Senate easily passed a bill in a 91-2 vote.

In addition to the over-the-counter reforms, the final relief package makes some updates to the Sunscreen Innovation Act, a 2014 bill co-sponsored by McConnell and signed into law by former President Barack Obama. In a statement at the time, McConnell lamented the slow review of applications for sunscreen ingredients that could potentially be more effective at protecting skin, adding that the bill will benefit Kentucky workers that manufacture “innovative sunscreen ingredients at facilities” in the state.

Equity for small states

Special deal: The agreement would provide $150 billion for state and local governments, with no state getting less than $1.5 billion. States are clamoring for help as tax revenue evaporates and unemployment claims climb by the tens of thousands every day.

How they got it: Leahy, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, represents Vermont. He told reporters on Thursday that he pushed for language to ensure that small states don’t lose out on emergency funds.

Job security for military brass

Special deal: The rescue package permits Trump to extend the terms of up to seven senior military leaders: the Air Force chief of staff; the chief of space operations; the chief of the National Guard Bureau; the directors of the Army and Air National Guard; and the chief of the Army and Navy Reserves. Many of those top officers' terms are set to expire later this year. The provision would permit Trump to keep these current leaders in the job until successors are confirmed.

How they got it: The provision was included in an initial Senate Republican version of the stimulus and has the backing of the Senate Armed Services Committee. The aim is to give Trump options to fill top leadership posts amid the coronavirus crisis. “At this unprecedented time, the committee and the administration wanted to ensure we have every possible option available to keep critical military positions filled,” Marta Hernandez, a committee spokesperson, said.

A win for the credit reporting industry

Special deal: Consumers wouldn't get a negative credit report if they have an agreement with a lender to delay payments or make partial payments. That was a way to stave off a total ban on negative credit reports during the crisis. The credit reporting industry contended a total ban would have been highly damaging to its products.

How they got it: Democrats like Sens. Sherrod Brown of Ohio and Brian Schatz of Hawaii unsuccessfully pushed for the ban, in addition to access to free credit reports and scores. It’s not the first win for credit reporting companies. During Congress' last major revamp of financial regulations in 2018, the industry overcame backlash from the massive Equifax data breach when it won language providing a shield from consumer lawsuits related to a free credit monitoring requirement in the bill.

Student loan tax boon

Special deal: The final package creates a new tax benefit for student loan borrowers whose employers help them pay off their debt. Under the bill, a company could pay up to $5,250 of an employee’s student loan payments each year on a tax-free basis.

How they got it: The provision stems from a bipartisan proposal circulating on Capitol Hill for the last few years, most recently pushed by Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Mark Warner (D-Va.), large employers and college groups. Reps. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) and Scott Peters (D-Calif.) have also introduced a companion bill in the House. Some critics, however, have said it will provide new tax benefits to financially secure, well-off borrowers who don’t need the help.

Casinos roll the dice and win

Special deal: Casinos pushed for provisions to make sure they wouldn’t be blocked from federal aid. They're allowed to apply for portions of the $350 billion in Small Business Administration loans if they’re a small business and need less than $10 million. Larger casinos can apply for $454 billion in loans backed by Treasury.

How they got it: Casinos were afraid of being excluded. The industry sought to make sure the bill didn’t include any provisions that would block MGM Resorts International, Wynn Resorts, Las Vegas Sands or its other members from getting the same help as other industries.

Free video visitation in prison

Special deal: The legislation will mean free video conference and phone calls for inmates during the pandemic, if Attorney General Bill Barr agrees.

How they got it: As the pandemic spread throughout the U.S., prisons canceled normal visiting hours and closed facilities to outside visitors. And inmates typically face higher-than-usual charges for calling those outside the prison grounds, an issue that the Federal Communications Commission and some lawmakers have tried to address in the past. Last week, Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) pressed the Bureau of Prisons to allow inmate phone calls and videoconferencing for free during the pandemic and touted a victory following the Senate’s passage of the relief measure.

Harbor dredging help
Special deal: The deal includes language making it easier for Congress to dole out money for harbor dredging by exempting from discretionary spending caps the Army Corps of Engineers funding provided through the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund. The provision is a boon for ports that need dredging work, like the one in Mobile, Ala., in Senate Appropriations Chairman Richard Shelby's (R-Ala.) home state.

How they got it: Prominent backers of the push include Shelby and House Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.). Shelby has fought repeatedly with his own party over the issue. One Republican aide called the decision “an easy give to Shelby, since he’s been wanting it for years and now why not give it to him?”

Relief for farmers
Special deal: The stimulus provides $9.5 billion in emergency aid for the agriculture industry and replenishes $14 billion in spending authority to the Agriculture Department’s Commodity Credit Corp., a Depression-era financial institution set up to stabilize the farm economy — the same USDA agency sending trade bailout payments to farmers. Producers ranging from dairy farmers and cattle ranchers to fresh fruit and vegetable growers are eligible.

How they got it: Livestock groups have been leaning on lawmakers for weeks to pony up funds for producers who have seen commodity prices plummet since January. Western senators including John Hoeven (R-N.D.), who chairs the Appropriations panel that oversees agricultural spending, made sure those provisions were part of the stimulus plan from the get-go. Then, top Democrats like Michigan Sen. Debbie Stabenow, ranking member on the Agriculture Committee, pushed to include language making specialty crop farmers — like Michigan’s tart cherry growers — eligible for the emergency aid.

https://www.politico.com/news/2020/03/26/stimulus-coronavirus-special-deals-151108

[Kathianne]

I am probably not one to be making economical input admittedly. I'd have to condemn both sides for many things I see. But perhaps some of it is more important than it seems. But I don't think so. A shame these fuckers can't just get together in times like this, put something together solely for the American people, leave out ALL pork, and get the true emergency done. But then starts the "well if you want this, I want that" or "I'll vote yes on that IF this is in there"

Perfect opportunity I guess. And emergency, talk of free money for the people, quickly in and out, no time to read the entire thing bullshit. Unbelieveable.
--

Who got special deals in the stimulus and why they got them

In the race to save the economy and pass the largest economic rescue package in American history, Congress still found a way to do some old-fashioned home state favors and reward key special interests.

Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) managed to successfully push a minimum assistance figure for every state — $1.5 billion — to make sure small states like his weren’t left out in the legislation.

A provision for the FDA to approve “innovative” sunscreens—which would benefit L’Oreal, which has operations in Kentucky—appeared in the bill, which was steered in the Senate by Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky. Aides to McConnell said, however, that he did not push for the provision and that it was the result of a bipartisan working group led by other senators working to reform over-the-counter medications.

The gaming industry wasn’t left out either: Casinos will be able to tap government loans for disaster assistance, a payback after casinos were blocked from receiving tax breaks extended to other businesses after Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

As the colossal $2 trillion rescue package heads toward President Donald Trump’s desk as soon as this weekend, it’s clear that special interests and members of Congress aren’t letting the pandemic crisis go to waste.

Here’s a look at a handful of special deals, and how they got into the stimulus:

Travel agents' relief

Special deal: The ability to apply for $25 billion in loans and loan guarantees reserved for the airlines.

How they got it: The airlines used their clout to get tens of billions of dollars in grants and loans included in the bill, but carriers aren’t the only ones who will benefit. The $25 billion allocated in loans and loan guarantees for the airlines will also benefit eligible businesses "approved to perform inspection, repair, replace, or overhaul services, and ticket agents.” The last two words — “ticket agents” — mean that travel agents who book flights will also be able to apply for a piece of the $25 billion.

Better, faster sunscreen
Special deal: Tucked in the final bill is language ensuring that the FDA reviews newer and more novel ingredients for over-the-counter sunscreen products in a timely fashion.

How they got it: The shout-out for sunscreen is part of a long-awaited effort to reform the over-the-counter drug industry, added to the rescue bill amid backing from that industry and various health groups. Besides expanding FDA oversight of over-the-counter products, the provision would streamline the process to change safety labels. Legislation has passed the House and Senate in various forms over the past two years. Last year the Senate easily passed a bill in a 91-2 vote.

In addition to the over-the-counter reforms, the final relief package makes some updates to the Sunscreen Innovation Act, a 2014 bill co-sponsored by McConnell and signed into law by former President Barack Obama. In a statement at the time, McConnell lamented the slow review of applications for sunscreen ingredients that could potentially be more effective at protecting skin, adding that the bill will benefit Kentucky workers that manufacture “innovative sunscreen ingredients at facilities” in the state.

Equity for small states

Special deal: The agreement would provide $150 billion for state and local governments, with no state getting less than $1.5 billion. States are clamoring for help as tax revenue evaporates and unemployment claims climb by the tens of thousands every day.

How they got it: Leahy, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, represents Vermont. He told reporters on Thursday that he pushed for language to ensure that small states don’t lose out on emergency funds.

Job security for military brass

Special deal: The rescue package permits Trump to extend the terms of up to seven senior military leaders: the Air Force chief of staff; the chief of space operations; the chief of the National Guard Bureau; the directors of the Army and Air National Guard; and the chief of the Army and Navy Reserves. Many of those top officers' terms are set to expire later this year. The provision would permit Trump to keep these current leaders in the job until successors are confirmed.

How they got it: The provision was included in an initial Senate Republican version of the stimulus and has the backing of the Senate Armed Services Committee. The aim is to give Trump options to fill top leadership posts amid the coronavirus crisis. “At this unprecedented time, the committee and the administration wanted to ensure we have every possible option available to keep critical military positions filled,” Marta Hernandez, a committee spokesperson, said.

A win for the credit reporting industry

Special deal: Consumers wouldn't get a negative credit report if they have an agreement with a lender to delay payments or make partial payments. That was a way to stave off a total ban on negative credit reports during the crisis. The credit reporting industry contended a total ban would have been highly damaging to its products.

How they got it: Democrats like Sens. Sherrod Brown of Ohio and Brian Schatz of Hawaii unsuccessfully pushed for the ban, in addition to access to free credit reports and scores. It’s not the first win for credit reporting companies. During Congress' last major revamp of financial regulations in 2018, the industry overcame backlash from the massive Equifax data breach when it won language providing a shield from consumer lawsuits related to a free credit monitoring requirement in the bill.

Student loan tax boon

Special deal: The final package creates a new tax benefit for student loan borrowers whose employers help them pay off their debt. Under the bill, a company could pay up to $5,250 of an employee’s student loan payments each year on a tax-free basis.

How they got it: The provision stems from a bipartisan proposal circulating on Capitol Hill for the last few years, most recently pushed by Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Mark Warner (D-Va.), large employers and college groups. Reps. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) and Scott Peters (D-Calif.) have also introduced a companion bill in the House. Some critics, however, have said it will provide new tax benefits to financially secure, well-off borrowers who don’t need the help.

Casinos roll the dice and win

Special deal: Casinos pushed for provisions to make sure they wouldn’t be blocked from federal aid. They're allowed to apply for portions of the $350 billion in Small Business Administration loans if they’re a small business and need less than $10 million. Larger casinos can apply for $454 billion in loans backed by Treasury.

How they got it: Casinos were afraid of being excluded. The industry sought to make sure the bill didn’t include any provisions that would block MGM Resorts International, Wynn Resorts, Las Vegas Sands or its other members from getting the same help as other industries.

Free video visitation in prison

Special deal: The legislation will mean free video conference and phone calls for inmates during the pandemic, if Attorney General Bill Barr agrees.

How they got it: As the pandemic spread throughout the U.S., prisons canceled normal visiting hours and closed facilities to outside visitors. And inmates typically face higher-than-usual charges for calling those outside the prison grounds, an issue that the Federal Communications Commission and some lawmakers have tried to address in the past. Last week, Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) pressed the Bureau of Prisons to allow inmate phone calls and videoconferencing for free during the pandemic and touted a victory following the Senate’s passage of the relief measure.

Harbor dredging help
Special deal: The deal includes language making it easier for Congress to dole out money for harbor dredging by exempting from discretionary spending caps the Army Corps of Engineers funding provided through the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund. The provision is a boon for ports that need dredging work, like the one in Mobile, Ala., in Senate Appropriations Chairman Richard Shelby's (R-Ala.) home state.

How they got it: Prominent backers of the push include Shelby and House Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.). Shelby has fought repeatedly with his own party over the issue. One Republican aide called the decision “an easy give to Shelby, since he’s been wanting it for years and now why not give it to him?”

Relief for farmers
Special deal: The stimulus provides $9.5 billion in emergency aid for the agriculture industry and replenishes $14 billion in spending authority to the Agriculture Department’s Commodity Credit Corp., a Depression-era financial institution set up to stabilize the farm economy — the same USDA agency sending trade bailout payments to farmers. Producers ranging from dairy farmers and cattle ranchers to fresh fruit and vegetable growers are eligible.

How they got it: Livestock groups have been leaning on lawmakers for weeks to pony up funds for producers who have seen commodity prices plummet since January. Western senators including John Hoeven (R-N.D.), who chairs the Appropriations panel that oversees agricultural spending, made sure those provisions were part of the stimulus plan from the get-go. Then, top Democrats like Michigan Sen. Debbie Stabenow, ranking member on the Agriculture Committee, pushed to include language making specialty crop farmers — like Michigan’s tart cherry growers — eligible for the emergency aid.

https://www.politico.com/news/2020/03/26/stimulus-coronavirus-special-deals-151108

No doubt this is one of the weakness in our complicated system. IF something has to be done quickly, compromises are quickly made, thus porking is easy.

[Tyr-Ziu Saxnot]

I am probably not one to be making economical input admittedly. I'd have to condemn both sides for many things I see. But perhaps some of it is more important than it seems. But I don't think so. A shame these fuckers can't just get together in times like this, put something together solely for the American people, leave out ALL pork, and get the true emergency done. But then starts the "well if you want this, I want that" or "I'll vote yes on that IF this is in there"

Perfect opportunity I guess. And emergency, talk of free money for the people, quickly in and out, no time to read the entire thing bullshit. Unbelieveable.
--

Who got special deals in the stimulus and why they got them

In the race to save the economy and pass the largest economic rescue package in American history, Congress still found a way to do some old-fashioned home state favors and reward key special interests.

Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) managed to successfully push a minimum assistance figure for every state — $1.5 billion — to make sure small states like his weren’t left out in the legislation.

A provision for the FDA to approve “innovative” sunscreens—which would benefit L’Oreal, which has operations in Kentucky—appeared in the bill, which was steered in the Senate by Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky. Aides to McConnell said, however, that he did not push for the provision and that it was the result of a bipartisan working group led by other senators working to reform over-the-counter medications.

The gaming industry wasn’t left out either: Casinos will be able to tap government loans for disaster assistance, a payback after casinos were blocked from receiving tax breaks extended to other businesses after Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

As the colossal $2 trillion rescue package heads toward President Donald Trump’s desk as soon as this weekend, it’s clear that special interests and members of Congress aren’t letting the pandemic crisis go to waste.

Here’s a look at a handful of special deals, and how they got into the stimulus:

Travel agents' relief

Special deal: The ability to apply for $25 billion in loans and loan guarantees reserved for the airlines.

How they got it: The airlines used their clout to get tens of billions of dollars in grants and loans included in the bill, but carriers aren’t the only ones who will benefit. The $25 billion allocated in loans and loan guarantees for the airlines will also benefit eligible businesses "approved to perform inspection, repair, replace, or overhaul services, and ticket agents.” The last two words — “ticket agents” — mean that travel agents who book flights will also be able to apply for a piece of the $25 billion.

Better, faster sunscreen
Special deal: Tucked in the final bill is language ensuring that the FDA reviews newer and more novel ingredients for over-the-counter sunscreen products in a timely fashion.

How they got it: The shout-out for sunscreen is part of a long-awaited effort to reform the over-the-counter drug industry, added to the rescue bill amid backing from that industry and various health groups. Besides expanding FDA oversight of over-the-counter products, the provision would streamline the process to change safety labels. Legislation has passed the House and Senate in various forms over the past two years. Last year the Senate easily passed a bill in a 91-2 vote.

In addition to the over-the-counter reforms, the final relief package makes some updates to the Sunscreen Innovation Act, a 2014 bill co-sponsored by McConnell and signed into law by former President Barack Obama. In a statement at the time, McConnell lamented the slow review of applications for sunscreen ingredients that could potentially be more effective at protecting skin, adding that the bill will benefit Kentucky workers that manufacture “innovative sunscreen ingredients at facilities” in the state.

Equity for small states

Special deal: The agreement would provide $150 billion for state and local governments, with no state getting less than $1.5 billion. States are clamoring for help as tax revenue evaporates and unemployment claims climb by the tens of thousands every day.

How they got it: Leahy, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, represents Vermont. He told reporters on Thursday that he pushed for language to ensure that small states don’t lose out on emergency funds.

Job security for military brass

Special deal: The rescue package permits Trump to extend the terms of up to seven senior military leaders: the Air Force chief of staff; the chief of space operations; the chief of the National Guard Bureau; the directors of the Army and Air National Guard; and the chief of the Army and Navy Reserves. Many of those top officers' terms are set to expire later this year. The provision would permit Trump to keep these current leaders in the job until successors are confirmed.

How they got it: The provision was included in an initial Senate Republican version of the stimulus and has the backing of the Senate Armed Services Committee. The aim is to give Trump options to fill top leadership posts amid the coronavirus crisis. “At this unprecedented time, the committee and the administration wanted to ensure we have every possible option available to keep critical military positions filled,” Marta Hernandez, a committee spokesperson, said.

A win for the credit reporting industry

Special deal: Consumers wouldn't get a negative credit report if they have an agreement with a lender to delay payments or make partial payments. That was a way to stave off a total ban on negative credit reports during the crisis. The credit reporting industry contended a total ban would have been highly damaging to its products.

How they got it: Democrats like Sens. Sherrod Brown of Ohio and Brian Schatz of Hawaii unsuccessfully pushed for the ban, in addition to access to free credit reports and scores. It’s not the first win for credit reporting companies. During Congress' last major revamp of financial regulations in 2018, the industry overcame backlash from the massive Equifax data breach when it won language providing a shield from consumer lawsuits related to a free credit monitoring requirement in the bill.

Student loan tax boon

Special deal: The final package creates a new tax benefit for student loan borrowers whose employers help them pay off their debt. Under the bill, a company could pay up to $5,250 of an employee’s student loan payments each year on a tax-free basis.

How they got it: The provision stems from a bipartisan proposal circulating on Capitol Hill for the last few years, most recently pushed by Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Mark Warner (D-Va.), large employers and college groups. Reps. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) and Scott Peters (D-Calif.) have also introduced a companion bill in the House. Some critics, however, have said it will provide new tax benefits to financially secure, well-off borrowers who don’t need the help.

Casinos roll the dice and win

Special deal: Casinos pushed for provisions to make sure they wouldn’t be blocked from federal aid. They're allowed to apply for portions of the $350 billion in Small Business Administration loans if they’re a small business and need less than $10 million. Larger casinos can apply for $454 billion in loans backed by Treasury.

How they got it: Casinos were afraid of being excluded. The industry sought to make sure the bill didn’t include any provisions that would block MGM Resorts International, Wynn Resorts, Las Vegas Sands or its other members from getting the same help as other industries.

Free video visitation in prison

Special deal: The legislation will mean free video conference and phone calls for inmates during the pandemic, if Attorney General Bill Barr agrees.

How they got it: As the pandemic spread throughout the U.S., prisons canceled normal visiting hours and closed facilities to outside visitors. And inmates typically face higher-than-usual charges for calling those outside the prison grounds, an issue that the Federal Communications Commission and some lawmakers have tried to address in the past. Last week, Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) pressed the Bureau of Prisons to allow inmate phone calls and videoconferencing for free during the pandemic and touted a victory following the Senate’s passage of the relief measure.

Harbor dredging help
Special deal: The deal includes language making it easier for Congress to dole out money for harbor dredging by exempting from discretionary spending caps the Army Corps of Engineers funding provided through the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund. The provision is a boon for ports that need dredging work, like the one in Mobile, Ala., in Senate Appropriations Chairman Richard Shelby's (R-Ala.) home state.

How they got it: Prominent backers of the push include Shelby and House Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.). Shelby has fought repeatedly with his own party over the issue. One Republican aide called the decision “an easy give to Shelby, since he’s been wanting it for years and now why not give it to him?”

Relief for farmers
Special deal: The stimulus provides $9.5 billion in emergency aid for the agriculture industry and replenishes $14 billion in spending authority to the Agriculture Department’s Commodity Credit Corp., a Depression-era financial institution set up to stabilize the farm economy — the same USDA agency sending trade bailout payments to farmers. Producers ranging from dairy farmers and cattle ranchers to fresh fruit and vegetable growers are eligible.

How they got it: Livestock groups have been leaning on lawmakers for weeks to pony up funds for producers who have seen commodity prices plummet since January. Western senators including John Hoeven (R-N.D.), who chairs the Appropriations panel that oversees agricultural spending, made sure those provisions were part of the stimulus plan from the get-go. Then, top Democrats like Michigan Sen. Debbie Stabenow, ranking member on the Agriculture Committee, pushed to include language making specialty crop farmers — like Michigan’s tart cherry growers — eligible for the emergency aid.

https://www.politico.com/news/2020/03/26/stimulus-coronavirus-special-deals-151108

2.2 trillion dollars, one eighth goes out in stimulus checks to we the tax paying citizens-- seven eights goes to big corporations and special interests pork projects.
Seems that is almost reverse of what should have occurred. And yet we are told we the people should be grateful- delighted even that we got something since when obama was in and they did the stimulus- the whole damn thing went to corporations.
Our government is racing into socialism as fast as it can manage to delude the people. They could have given every adult citizen 5/6 K. and still had
A TRILLION PLUS LEFT OVER TO STIR BUSINESS WITH.
But that would have served-- we the people--- and not they the greedy , corrupted and grafting politicians/special interests. -Tyr

[pete311]

Not one of you better cash any gov checks or your socialism cries are moot. Pick yourself up by your bootstraps and make your own damn money.

[jimnyc]

Not one of you better cash any gov checks or your socialism cries are moot. Pick yourself up by your bootstraps and make your own damn money.

Fuck off

[High_Plains_Drifter]

Not one of you better cash any gov checks or your socialism cries are moot. Pick yourself up by your bootstraps and make your own damn money.
- - - - - - - - - - - - :lol:

[pete311]

Fuck off

So you're going to cash the socialist money? You didn't earn that. Free hand outs.

[icansayit]

Not one of you better cash any gov checks or your socialism cries are moot. Pick yourself up by your bootstraps and make your own damn money.


For your Joe Biden mind. IT IS OUR OWN DAMN MONEY. Bet you won't return yours..if you even qualify since you brag about making more than $75K. The stopping point for Hypocrites such as you.

[se7en]

just grab the pork that you can ,, it's going to be collected off your ass one way or the other anyway , nothing is free

12471

[High_Plains_Drifter]

So you're going to cash the socialist money? You didn't earn that. Free hand outs.
Pete... my God man... you don't even have a point.

The government has NO, MONEY, period. They're not GIVING us ANYTHING. People are just seeing a little of their OWN MONEY come back to them in a time of DIRE WORLD CRISIS, ONE TIME. There's nothing SOCIALIST about it.

I can't believe I even need to explain that...

[pete311]

Pete... my God man... you don't even have a point.

The government has NO, MONEY, period. They're not GIVING us ANYTHING. People are just seeing a little of their OWN MONEY come back to them in a time of DIRE WORLD CRISIS, ONE TIME. There's nothing SOCIALIST about it.

I can't believe I even need to explain that...

The mental gymnastics you have to perform to justify something that you rail against day and night is truly Olympian status. It's welfare not matter how you delude yourself. It will spike the national debt.

[KitchenKitten99]

The mental gymnastics you have to perform to justify something that you rail against day and night is truly Olympian status. It's welfare not matter how you delude yourself. It will spike the national debt.


It isn't mental gymnastics. It's actually required by the 5th Amendment with regards to the last line: "... nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation."

Look at it this way: if a government worker (politician, police officer, etc) drove their car into your business, who pays for the damages and likely loss of income for you and any of your employees? Clue to your answer: It isn't you or even your insurance company.

[High_Plains_Drifter]

The mental gymnastics you have to perform to justify something that you rail against day and night is truly Olympian status. It's welfare not matter how you delude yourself. It will spike the national debt.
"Welfare?" ... :laugh: I'm baffled at whatever mental convulsions you're going through to come up with such buffoonery.

Please link us all to your posts crying about when your hero obama DOUBLED THE NATIONAL DEBT.

[pete311]

It isn't mental gymnastics. It's actually required by the 5th Amendment with regards to the last line: "... nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation."

Look at it this way: if a government worker (politician, police officer, etc) drove their car into your business, who pays for the damages and likely loss of income for you and any of your employees? Clue to your answer: It isn't you or even your insurance company.

uh what? I wasn't claiming anything was illegal or unconstitutional. I'm saying it's welfare and you all are lapping up at the gov teet. Cashing those checks just like people in the hood.

[pete311]

"Welfare?" ... :laugh:

Please link us all to your posts crying about when your hero obama DOUBLED THE NATIONAL DEBT.

I am pointing out your hypocrisy dummy

[High_Plains_Drifter]

I am pointing out your hypocrisy dummy
You need to show an example of it before you can accuse someone of hypocrisy.

So far you're just shooting blanks.

[pete311]

You need to show an example of it before you can accuse someone of hypocrisy.

So far you're just shooting blanks.

I got two jobs, I don't have time. I can't count on gov checks, I gotta work.

[High_Plains_Drifter]

I got two jobs, I don't have time. I can't count on gov checks, I gotta work.
Not working, bro... in other words... YOU CAN'T.

K... thanks for playing.

[Drummond]

Pete... my God man... you don't even have a point.

The government has NO, MONEY, period. They're not GIVING us ANYTHING. People are just seeing a little of their OWN MONEY come back to them in a time of DIRE WORLD CRISIS, ONE TIME. There's nothing SOCIALIST about it.

I can't believe I even need to explain that...

What we're actually seeing, here, is a classic example of the difference between Socialism and Conservatism.

Socialists are mired in their dogma. They see everything in terms of it. The dogma 'has to be right'. The dogma 'is sacrosanct'. The dogma must 'rule us all'.

Conservatives don't buy into any of that. They deal, Pete, in REALISM.

The REAL situation, in the world today, is very far from 'business as usual' ... the reality is one of highly abnormal conditions, requiring abnormal AND A TEMPORARY solution.

Pete, if what's being handed out, now, is the way things should NORMALLY be - as must be true, if your Socialism is at all valid as a blueprint for society - then, it follows that a following of your dogma would permit it to be a perpetual state of affairs. It would be fully sustainable.

But the truth is different. Indefinite handing-out of funds, as we're seeing, IS NOT SUSTAINABLE BY ANY SOCIAL ORDER, ANY ECONOMY, ANYWHERE.

Ruination would be the ultimate outcome for any society locking itself into your dogma for any significant period.

Abnormal conditions, Pete, require ABnormal responses, REALISTICALLY speaking. That's what is happening. But at the earliest REALISTIC opportunity, your economy and mine will revert back to a REALISTIC model for operation.

Capitalism can be flexible in times of extreme need. But it must return to its roots eventually. As indeed it will.

[Drummond]

What we're actually seeing, here, is a classic example of the difference between Socialism and Conservatism.

Socialists are mired in their dogma. They see everything in terms of it. The dogma 'has to be right'. The dogma 'is sacrosanct'. The dogma must 'rule us all'.

Conservatives don't buy into any of that. They deal, Pete, in REALISM.

The REAL situation, in the world today, is very far from 'business as usual' ... the reality is one of highly abnormal conditions, requiring abnormal AND A TEMPORARY solution.

Pete, if what's being handed out, now, is the way things should NORMALLY be - as must be true, if your Socialism is at all valid as a blueprint for society - then, it follows that a following of your dogma would permit it to be a perpetual state of affairs. It would be fully sustainable.

But the truth is different. Indefinite handing-out of funds, as we're seeing, IS NOT SUSTAINABLE BY ANY SOCIAL ORDER, ANY ECONOMY, ANYWHERE.

Ruination would be the ultimate outcome for any society locking itself into your dogma for any significant period.

Abnormal conditions, Pete, require ABnormal responses, REALISTICALLY speaking. That's what is happening. But at the earliest REALISTIC opportunity, your economy and mine will revert back to a REALISTIC model for operation.

Capitalism can be flexible in times of extreme need. But it must return to its roots eventually. As indeed it will.

By the way ... what Pete has done is copy the UK's socialist leader, Jeremy Corbyn. Corbyn made a very similar argument, days ago.

Pete may like to know that Corbyn was largely ignored. Some who did react, just saw it as political opportunism at work. Some saw it as Corbyn playing politics on the back of others' suffering and worry, and it earned outright disgust. Some are happy enough with Boris's approach that they disregard Corbyn as trying to gain a 'high ground' in his final days as a 'has-been' irrelevance.

[High_Plains_Drifter]

What we're actually seeing, here, is a classic example of the difference between Socialism and Conservatism.

Socialists are mired in their dogma. They see everything in terms of it. The dogma 'has to be right'. The dogma 'is sacrosanct'. The dogma must 'rule us all'.

Conservatives don't buy into any of that. They deal, Pete, in REALISM.

The REAL situation, in the world today, is very far from 'business as usual' ... the reality is one of highly abnormal conditions, requiring abnormal AND A TEMPORARY solution.

Pete, if what's being handed out, now, is the way things should NORMALLY be - as must be true, if your Socialism is at all valid as a blueprint for society - then, it follows that a following of your dogma would permit it to be a perpetual state of affairs. It would be fully sustainable.

But the truth is different. Indefinite handing-out of funds, as we're seeing, IS NOT SUSTAINABLE BY ANY SOCIAL ORDER, ANY ECONOMY, ANYWHERE.

Ruination would be the ultimate outcome for any society locking itself into your dogma for any significant period.

Abnormal conditions, Pete, require ABnormal responses, REALISTICALLY speaking. That's what is happening. But at the earliest REALISTIC opportunity, your economy and mine will revert back to a REALISTIC model for operation.

Capitalism can be flexible in times of extreme need. But it must return to its roots eventually. As indeed it will.
You notice he say's... "I can't count on gov checks, I gotta work," but he fails to say whether or not he's WORKING FROM HOME, or if he along with HUNDREDS of MILLIONS are losing money NOT being able to work through no fault of their own, and he also doesn't acknowledge the fact that the entire WORLD is going BROKE because of this pandemic. He's trying to pass off a ONE TIME RETURN of TAX MONEY FROM citizens, BACK to citizens to STIMULATE the economy so we don't go full BELLY UP as socialism. It's a ploy, a game to him. He thinks he has a GOT'CHA when it's really nothing more than leftist buffoonery.

[Drummond]

I got two jobs, I don't have time. I can't count on gov checks, I gotta work.:laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh:

TWO jobs. How very Capitalist of you !

Trying to generate all the capital for yourself as you can, eh, Pete ? Why ... what WOULD the Comrades say ??

There will be those who'll consider themselves to be lucky if they have one job, much less two.

In a climate where industry and businesses stall, where some have to go into deep-freeze, for the duration of any lockdown, and where others stall through dependence on others not operating or operating minimally ... jobs may well be lost in significant numbers. Enter Pete on to the scene, with his TWO jobs, proclaiming proof of the justification of Socialism !!

You're lucky on two fronts. One is your TWO jobs. The other is that you live in the very country on this planet best situated to weather any global financial storm. Yours is a mighty economy (made that way, BECAUSE OF CAPITALISM). But jobs, if this all carries on for long enough, WILL be lost. People WILL need to look for work.

I've a proposition for you, Pete. Embrace Socialist sharing of capital, in a truly meaningful way. Jobs create capital, so ... why not give one of YOUR jobs, to someone else who'll need it more ?

Come on, Socialist Pete ... SHOW US YOUR SOCIALIST CREDENTIALS ... AND GIVE A JOB TO A NEEDY PERSON.

Or, will your 'need' for acquiring maximum capital, Pete, win the day for you ?

H'mm ..... ???

Enjoy this little dose of REALISM.

Your human nature will win out against your Socialist dogma, and DEFEAT ITS RELEVANCE IN THE REAL WORLD. Won't it, Pete, ol' son .. ?

[Drummond]

You notice he say's... "I can't count on gov checks, I gotta work," but he fails to say whether or not he's WORKING FROM HOME, or if he along with HUNDREDS of MILLIONS are losing money NOT be able to work through no fault of their own, and he also doesn't acknowledge the fact that entire WORLD is going BROKE because of this pandemic. He's trying to pass off a ONE TIME RETURN of TAX MONEY FROM citizens, BACK to citizens to STIMULATE the economy so we don't go full BELLY UP as socialism. It's a ploy, a game to him. He thinks he has a GOT'CHA when it's really nothing more than leftist buffoonery.

Good points.

I think my little challenge to him shows his stance to be morally bankrupt. We have, in Pete, someone who 'wants to have his cake and eat it'. Very easy indeed to pontificate the 'virtues' of Socialism, from a relatively comfortable position of being secure through NOT depending on the 'fruits' of Socialism !!

-- Hypocrisy, much ???

I have an even 'better' offer for Pete to take up. Why not just give up on Capitalism altogether, eh, Pete ? You don't like it. You think Socialism is superior. Fine. Then, do NOT generate capital, and so, give up both your jobs.

After all, the wonderful Socialist principles you want to live by, will carry you through in life, won't they ? Don't give anyone a chance to gain from your former Capitalist endeavours ... it's not Socialism. So, don't work. Don't produce. Rely on others' goodwill. For as long as it may last.

I have a word for someone like that.

PARASITE.

How am I wrong, Pete ?

[jimnyc]

So you're going to cash the socialist money? You didn't earn that. Free hand outs.

If I had to apply - I wouldn't even do so. I've qualified for all kinds of money right now and my doc would sign off to ensure he said. No thanks, my family does well and I refuse to seek freebies while my household does more than average.

I also will not get it anyway, as a married couple can qualify up to $2,400, but we are above the limit, so we get nothing.

I detest socialism. I detest people who live off of handouts when they don't need it or they can work. I stand behind what I say. If you don't believe me, I will loudly and proudly blur out a few things and post the communications and forms from the local SSI place or whatever it was. My doc sent the shit in without asking, and I refused it. That is the GOD's honest truth. I haven't been working and my various ailments would easily have qualified me for various benefits as of many years back. No thanks, I simply don't need it is the truth.

So to answer your question, no, no I won't be cashing any socialist money. You're correct that I didn't earn it. It is a free hand out. Many hard workers out there CANNOT work even though they want to do so badly - and THOSE folks deserve something to hold them over for now.

So fuck off again :)

[jimnyc]

I am pointing out your hypocrisy dummy

There is none. All of these folks WANT to work and do so HARDLY and EARN their money - the govt is refusing to let them. Then it should be their responsibility to make up any difference since they are the direct cause of non-working.

[KitchenKitten99]

I got two jobs, I don't have time. I can't count on gov checks, I gotta work.

Yet you have time to type replies to us here on the board.

[Black Diamond]

Not one of you better cash any gov checks or your socialism cries are moot. Pick yourself up by your bootstraps and make your own damn money.

In that case
12472

[jimnyc]

2 jobs and has to work. Getting folks sick by going to work? Or sitting at home? How nice of you to continue forward and get other sick. Either that, or you are doing the same and at home. And your work is probably a few sites you own. 2 sites doesn't equate to "working". Nor would checking stocks, if that's your next brag. And are you here sharing with us while at work, getting paid and getting others sick??? Hmmmmm. Do tell us more Pete!

And I note there has only been one person NOT complaining about all the pork from BOTH sides in this bill? Pete loves capitalism and don't let him fool you. He wants to profit in ALL the same ways. He just ALSO wants socialism and handouts to go with it. Best of both worlds I guess. :dunno:

[jimnyc]

Oh, he's their president regardless and they have no choice but to take it and like it. They DO have the opportunity to follow through on their idle threats, and leave our crazy capitalistic society, president they don't like, and leave the country. And until one of these schleps does so, just as Obama was my president, Trump is theirs.