Coronavirus package under scrutiny for provisions that have little to do with crisis
As the House of Representatives is expected to vote on the $2.2 trillion coronavirus stimulus package on Friday, the bill is being scrutinized for containing items that have nothing to do with helping Americans. Among the many provisions in the relief package that appear to have little to do with the immediate crisis at home is a nearly $11 billion pot of money for three international development groups.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) includes funding for the African Development Fund (ADF), the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the International Development Association (IDA).
While most lawmakers appear to favor the bill, Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., was poised to potentially hold up proceedings — and he faced scorching criticism from his colleagues and the White House.
As for the economy, after three straight days of gains, U.S. equity markets stumbled Friday morning before the House’s expected vote on the relief package. The Dow Jones Industrial Average tumbled 792 points, or 3.52 percent, in the opening minutes of trading, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite dropped 3.1 percent and 2.8 percent respectively.
The Trump administration has continued to strike an optimistic but proceed-with-caution tone in the nation’s battle against the crisis, even as the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the U.S. surpassed those in China and Italy. In an interview with the "Fox News Rundown," Health and Human Services Sec. Alex Azar offered words of comfort, saying, “There is light at the end of this tunnel.” He also said the private sector has been ramping up manufacturing efforts and praised their willingness to partner with the government to fight the pandemic.
Meanwhile, more than 300 people died and a further 1,000 fell ill in Iran after consuming methanol, in the belief that it would protect them against the coronavirus, local media reported Friday.
And get ready for “FOX Presents the iHeart Living Room Concert for America,” which will air this Sunday at 9 p.m. EST on all FOX platforms and iHeartMedia radio stations nationwide. The special concert event, hosted by the legendary Elton John, will pay tribute to front-line medical professionals working to treat coronavirus patients, first responders and local heroes, while soliciting donations from viewers and listeners.
Tell others how they can get the latest news on coronavirus and more delivered daily to their inbox. Sign up here.
Any questions? Check out Fox News Digital's coronavirus live blog: Infectious disease expert Dr. Melissa Nolan answers your questions.
And there were several other developments:
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) includes funding for the African Development Fund (ADF), the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the International Development Association (IDA).
While most lawmakers appear to favor the bill, Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., was poised to potentially hold up proceedings — and he faced scorching criticism from his colleagues and the White House.
As for the economy, after three straight days of gains, U.S. equity markets stumbled Friday morning before the House’s expected vote on the relief package. The Dow Jones Industrial Average tumbled 792 points, or 3.52 percent, in the opening minutes of trading, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite dropped 3.1 percent and 2.8 percent respectively.
The Trump administration has continued to strike an optimistic but proceed-with-caution tone in the nation’s battle against the crisis, even as the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the U.S. surpassed those in China and Italy. In an interview with the "Fox News Rundown," Health and Human Services Sec. Alex Azar offered words of comfort, saying, “There is light at the end of this tunnel.” He also said the private sector has been ramping up manufacturing efforts and praised their willingness to partner with the government to fight the pandemic.
Meanwhile, more than 300 people died and a further 1,000 fell ill in Iran after consuming methanol, in the belief that it would protect them against the coronavirus, local media reported Friday.
And get ready for “FOX Presents the iHeart Living Room Concert for America,” which will air this Sunday at 9 p.m. EST on all FOX platforms and iHeartMedia radio stations nationwide. The special concert event, hosted by the legendary Elton John, will pay tribute to front-line medical professionals working to treat coronavirus patients, first responders and local heroes, while soliciting donations from viewers and listeners.
Tell others how they can get the latest news on coronavirus and more delivered daily to their inbox. Sign up here.
Any questions? Check out Fox News Digital's coronavirus live blog: Infectious disease expert Dr. Melissa Nolan answers your questions.
And there were several other developments:
