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Loon was one of Google’s most prominent “moonshot” projects, which have fallen out of favor as the company tightens its belt. It may seem like an about-face from the agency run by Mark Calabria, a libertarian economist appointed by a president who dismissed climate science. Mr. Calabria has long been building up a research and data team, soon to include an environmental economist, they said. The Treasury secretary nominee Janet Yellen said that she would appoint “someone at a very senior level” to create a hub in the Treasury focused on climate change and financial system risks. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission and the Fed recently addressed climate risks in high-profile reports.

Persons: Biden’s, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, spokespeople, Mark Calabria, Freddie, Harvey, Janet Yellen, “, ”, Mark Zandi, Tim Mohin, Persefoni, Arthur Levitt Jr, Levitt, DealBook, Sheryl Sandberg Organizations: Google, Federal Housing Finance Agency, Mr, Treasury, Futures Trading Commission, Fed, Apple, Intel, Nasdaq, Facebook, The, Capital Markets Competitiveness, U.S . Chamber of Commerce Locations: Texas, Calabria, Clinton

☆ Biden to revamp nation's fight against COVID-19 on his first day as president
▼ + stars: | 2021-01-20 | by ( Susan Heavey | Patricia Zengerle | ) www.reuters.com + 0.00 time to read: +4 min

U.S. President Joe Biden speaks during the 59th Presidential Inauguration in Washington, U.S., January 20, 2021. Kevin Dietsch/Pool via REUTERSAs part of a first sweep of executive actions, Biden will order that all federal employees wear masks and make face coverings mandatory on federal property. He will establish a new White House office to coordinate the coronavirus response and halt the withdrawal of the United States from the World Health Organization, a process initiated by former President Donald Trump. The United States has reported nearly 200,000 new COVID-19 cases and 3,000 deaths per day on a seven-day rolling average, according to Reuters data. Trump, who contracted COVID-19 last autumn, had eschewed their use at all but a few events and held crowded, largely maskless campaign rallies.

Persons: Joe Biden, Kevin Dietsch, Biden, Donald Trump, Antony Blinken, “, ” Biden, Trump, Jerome Adams, Suzanne Clark, COVID, ” Organizations: WASHINGTON, Wednesday, REUTERS, White, World Health Organization, U.S, Trump, MSNBC, United, U.S . Chamber of Commerce, Washington, Joint Base Andrews Locations: Washington , U.S, United States, COVID, U.S, Maryland

☆ Biden looks to galvanize COVID-19 fight, vaccinations as he takes office
▼ + stars: | 2021-01-20 | by ( Susan Heavey | Patricia Zengerle | ) www.reuters.com + 0.00 time to read: +4 min

Kevin Dietsch/Pool via REUTERSBiden takes office a day after the United States marked a total of 400,000 deaths from COVID-19 since the pandemic began spreading widely last March. The United States has reported nearly 200,000 new COVID-19 infections and 3,000 deaths per day on a seven-day rolling average, according to Reuters data. The Biden administration also intends to join the COVAX alliance, an initiative led by the World Health Organization and two other groups that seeks to secure greater access to COVID-19 vaccines for poor countries. After taking the oath of office at a scaled-back inauguration ceremony, Biden conducted a silent prayer for the Americans who have perished in the pandemic. Trump, who contracted COVID-19 last autumn, rejected calls for a national mask mandate and held largely maskless campaign rallies.

Persons: Joe Biden, Kevin Dietsch, “, ” Biden, Biden, Antonio Guterres, Stephane Dujarric, ” Dujarric, Trump, Jerome Adams, Suzanne Clark, COVID, ” Organizations: WASHINGTON, REUTERS Biden, United, Centers for Disease Control, Wednesday, White House, World Health Organization, WHO, COVID, Trump, MSNBC, U.S . Chamber of Commerce, Washington, Base Andrews Locations: U.S, Washington , U.S, United States, COVID, Maryland

FILE PHOTO: U.S. President-elect Joe Biden and his wife Jill Biden attend a coronavirus disease (COVID-19) memorial event at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, U.S. January 19, 2021. Biden will also lift barriers to legal immigration put in place by his Republican predecessor over the past four years, the memo said. The new president is also expected on Jan. 29 to end a Trump program called the Migrant Protection Protocols, according to a person familiar with the plan. Taken together, the actions show Biden is beginning his presidency with a sharp focus on immigration, just as Trump kept the issue at the center of his policy agenda until the last days of his administration. One case challenging DACA, which was put in place in 2012 when Biden was vice president under former President Barack Obama, is still pending in Texas.

Persons: Joe Biden, Donald Trump, Jill Biden, Tom Brenner Biden, Biden, Trump, Myron Brilliant, BILL, farmworkers, Barack Obama, Ronald Reagan, Kamala Harris, Marco Rubio, Jake Sullivan, ” Organizations: WASHINGTON, Lincoln Memorial, REUTERS, Democratic president’s, Department of Homeland Security, Reuters, Republican, Trump, U.S . Chamber of Commerce, White, TPS, U.S . House, U.S . Centers for Disease, U.S . Customs, Incoming Locations: United States, Washington , U.S, U.S, Mexico, Texas, Marco Rubio of Florida, Central America

U.S. President Joe Biden signs executive orders in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, after his inauguration as the 46th President of the United States, U.S., January 20, 2021. REUTERS/Tom BrennerIn a sharp departure from his Republican predecessor, Biden, a Democrat, also sent an immigration bill to lawmakers that proposes opening a path to citizenship for millions of immigrants living in the United States unlawfully. In one of his rare post-election public appearances, Trump visited a section of the U.S.-Mexico border wall earlier this month. Biden’s decision to immediately roll back Trump’s travel ban won praise from business groups and migrant advocates. “The situation at the border is one we intend to change, but it is going to take considerable time,” he said.

Persons: Joe Biden, Donald Trump, Tom Brenner, Biden, Trump, Myron Brilliant, “, Kamala Harris, Marco Rubio, ”, Jake Sullivan Organizations: WASHINGTON, White, REUTERS, Republican, Democrat, White House, Department of Homeland Security, U.S . Chamber of Commerce, U.S, Supreme, State Department, Reuters, Trump, U.S . House, U.S . Centers for Disease, U.S . Customs, Incoming Locations: Washington, United States, U.S, Mexico, Marco Rubio of Florida, Central America

☆ Bracing for Biden climate rules, U.S. Chamber asks Congress to make laws
▼ + stars: | 2021-01-19 | by ( Reuters Staff | ) www.reuters.com sentiment -0.87 time to read: +2 min

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the country’s biggest and most influential business lobby group, shifted its position on climate change on Tuesday, saying Congress should pass laws pushing companies to limit greenhouse gas emissions. REUTERS/Tom Brenner“The Chamber supports a market-based approach to accelerate GHG (greenhouse gas} emissions reductions across the U.S. economy,” the trade group said in a statement. The Chamber had long been an opponent of policies to put a price on carbon or mandate emission reduction cuts. “Greater collaboration between governments and businesses is essential to build the best models to tackle climate challenges, which is why the Chamber supports U.S. participation in the Paris Agreement,” it said. French energy firm Total pulled out of the American Petroleum here on Friday over disagreements about the group's climate policy, including carbon pricing.

Persons: Joe Biden, Joseph R, Beau, Biden, Tom Brenner, Barack, Obama, Donald Trump Organizations: WASHINGTON, U.S . Chamber of Commerce, Biden III National Guard / Reserve, New, REUTERS, Congress, Democratic, federal, Chamber, ” Republican, American Petroleum Locations: New Castle, New Castle , Delaware, U.S, Paris, United States, American

☆ Progressive group urges corporations to halt donations to conservative Federalist Society after riot
▼ + stars: | 2021-01-15 | by ( Brian Schwartz | ) www.cnbc.com + 0.00 time to read: +4 min

A progressive group is urging corporations to stop contributing to the Federalist Society after one of the conservative legal organization's leaders was featured at last week's rally that preceded the deadly riot on Capitol Hill. The Federalist Society's 2019 annual report shows that the five companies combined to give up to $400,000 to the group. That report is the most recent available on the Federalist Society's website. The Federalist Society did not return CNBC's requests for comment. The Federalist Society lists Eastman as chairman of its Federalism & Separation of Powers practice group.

Persons: John Eastman, Brian Fallon, Eastman, Tiffany Muller, we'll, Muller, Leonard Leo, Donald Trump, Trump, William Barr, Rudy Giuliani, Liz Harrington, Joe Biden, Trump's, Pence, they've, Justice's, Mike Pence Organizations: Federalist Society, Capitol, Demand Justice, CNBC, Chapman University, Facebook, Google, Mobile, Verizon, U.S . Chamber of Commerce, Federalist, Demand, Citizens, U.S . Capitol, Eastman, U.S, Republican National Committee, House Democrats Locations: Federal

☆ Biden Outlines $1.9 Trillion Spending Package to Combat Virus and Downturn
▼ + stars: | 2021-01-14 | by ( Jim Tankersley | Michael Crowley | ) www.nytimes.com + 0.98 time to read: +2 min

“Out of all the peril of this moment, I want you to know I see the promise,” Mr. Biden said. Congress was able to agree on a $900 billion package in December only after such aid was excluded. But Mr. Biden outlined his rationale for including such funding, saying it was vital to avoiding cutbacks and layoffs that would set back the fight against the virus and further damage the economy. “Millions of people putting their lives at risk are the very people now at risk of losing their jobs: police officers, firefighters, all first responders, nurses, educators,” Mr. Biden said. “That will go a long way toward promoting recovery.

Persons: ” Mr, Biden, “ I’m, Obama, Biden’s, ”, Aaron Sojourner, Mr, Trump Organizations: U.S . Chamber of Commerce, University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management, White House Council, Economic Advisers, Obama, Trump Locations: U.S, White

ET Capitol Riot Live Updates: Trump Urges No Violence or Vandalism at Planned Demonstrations The fallout from last week’s attack on the Capitol continued as the Army secretary announced that the inauguration would be secured by armed National Guard members. “In lights of reports of more demonstrations, I urge that there must be NO violence, NO lawbreaking and NO vandalism of any kind,” Mr. Trump said. For President Trump, the past week has included a flurry of rebukes from businesses and once-loyal politicians. A majority of House members vote to impeach. Mayor Bill de Blasio said New York City is ending its contracts with the Trump Organization after the deadly riot incited by President Trump at the U.S. Capitol.

Persons: Trump, Oliver Contreras, Joseph R, Biden, Mr, ”, ’ Jeffrey A, Rosen, Yuri Gripas, Jeffrey A, Christopher A, Wray, Michael R, Sherwin, Steven D’Antuono, Gabrielle Lurie, President Trump —, Muriel Bowser, Airbnb, Bowser, ” Airbnb, Jan, President Trump, Erin Schaff, ’, Ryan McCarthy, Robert J, Contee, Michael Sherwin, Mitch McConnell of, Will Wright, Helene Cooper, Auschwitz ’ sweatshirt, Camp, Auschwitz ”, Robert Keith Packer, Packer, Packer’s sweatshirt, “ Arbeit macht frei, Nicholas Bogel, Burroughs, Adam Goldman, Anna Moneymaker, Mitch McConnell, Bill de Blasio, We’re, it’s, Christina Horsten, de, de Blasio, “ We’re, Axios, Doug Mills, Donald J, —, Reddit, Twitch, Ron Johnson, Johnson “, Ben Wikler, Biden’s, Johnson, ” “ Ron Johnson shouldn’t, Wikler, “ Wisconsinites, Ron Johnson’s, Thomas Nelson, Sarah Godlewski, Alex Lasry, Pepe, White supremacists, MAGA, Rambo, revel, “ It’s, Joan Donovan, Matthew Rosenberg Organizations: Capitol, National Guard, Trump, White, ., The New York Times, Fox News, Capitol ., Department, Washington, San Francisco . Credit, Reuters, District of, Video National Guard, U.S . Capitol, Credit, Defense, Army, Metropolitan Police Department, Guard, Defense Department, District of Columbia, Pentagon, U.S . Chamber of Commerce, Auschwitz, ITV, Prosecutors, Democrats, IF ARTICLE, Republican, Democratic, Senate, New, Trump Organization, United States Capitol, U.S . Capitol . Credit, Associated Press New, U.S, MSNBC, ”, Google, YouTube, Facebook, New York Times YouTube, Trump’s, Twitter, Trump . Wisconsin Democrats, Democratic Party of Wisconsin, Capitol Police, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Senate’s, D.C, Wisconsin Democratic, New York Times, Wisconsin Democrats, Milwaukee Bucks, Video Credit, Trust, Shorenstein Center, Media, Harvard Kennedy School Locations: Washington, ’, San Francisco ., District of Columbia , Virginia, Maryland, Virginia, Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, Camp Auschwitz, ”, Newport News, Va, New York City, United States, New York, Bronx, Associated Press New York City, City, Trump, Wisconsin, Outagamie, Mogadishu, Kandahar

ET Capitol Riot Live Updates: Federal Authorities Sound a Warning; Trump Urges No Violence The deadly breach at the Capitol will be a “significant driver of violence” for armed extremists who are targeting the presidential inauguration, according to a bulletin issued by federal authorities. “In lights of reports of more demonstrations, I urge that there must be NO violence, NO lawbreaking and NO vandalism of any kind,” Mr. Trump said. Shortly before Mr. Trump’s statement was released, Representative Kevin McCarthy of California, the Republican leader, spoke on the House floor, pinning blame on Mr. Trump for the attack. Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, who stood by the president during lesser controversies, told his associates that he believed Mr. Trump had committed impeachable offenses. The House is expected to impeach Mr. Trump, for the second time, on Wednesday.

Persons: Trump, Jason Andrew, ”, Ashli Babbitt, “, President Trump, ” Trump, Oliver Contreras, Trump’s, Joseph R, Biden, Mr, Jim Jordan, Kevin McCarthy of, McCarthy, ” Ronna McDaniel, Ms, McDaniel, Anna Moneymaker, Jason Crow, Crow, ” Mr, Mikie Sherrill, ” Ms, Sherrill, they’re, Tim Ryan, Mo Brooks, Paul Gosar, Andy Biggs, Christopher Wray, Kenneth Cuccinelli, Wray, Jorge Colina, “ Christopher Wray, Jeffrey A, Rosen, We’ve, Yuri Gripas, Christopher A, Michael R, Sherwin, Steven D’Antuono, Gabrielle Lurie, President Trump —, Muriel Bowser, Airbnb, Bowser, ” Airbnb, Jan, Erin Schaff, ’, Ryan McCarthy, Robert J, Contee, Michael Sherwin, Mitch McConnell of, Will Wright, Helene Cooper, Pelosi, Nancy Pelosi, Muriel E, Bowser of, Cleveland Grover Meredith Jr, Meredith, Bill de Blasio, We’re, it’s, Christina Horsten, de, de Blasio, “ We’re, Axios, Sundar Pichai, Pichai, —, Helena Duke, Duke’s, Duke, Tom Hanks, Justin Timberlake, Amr Alfiky, Biden’s, Jon Bon Jovi, Lina Mann Organizations: Federal Authorities, Capitol, The New York Times, National Counterterrorism Center, Justice and Homeland Security, Washington , D.C, White, ., United, Fox News, Republican, Mr, Republican National Committee, The New York Times Democratic, Capitol Police, force’s, Office, Democrat, Navy, Facebook, United States Citizenship, Immigration Services, Miami Police Department, U.S, Federal, U.S . Constitution, of Justice, Credit, Department, Washington, San Francisco . Credit, Reuters, Capitol ., National Guard, District of, Video National Guard, U.S . Capitol, Defense, Army, Metropolitan Police Department, Guard, Trump, Defense Department, District of Columbia, Pentagon, U.S . Chamber of Commerce, Glock, Atlanta, Trump Organization, United States Capitol, U.S . Capitol . Credit, Associated Press New, MSNBC, ”, New, Google, YouTube, D.C, New York Times, Democratic National Convention, Historical Association Locations: United States, Washington ,, Ohio, Kevin McCarthy of California, Washington, Colorado, “, New Jersey, Mo Brooks of Alabama, Arizona, U.S ., ’, San Francisco ., District of Columbia , Virginia, Maryland, Virginia, Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, Bowser of Washington, York City, New York City, New York, Bronx, Associated Press New York City, City, Massachusetts

☆ Republican AGs group sent robocalls urging march to the Capitol
▼ + stars: | 2021-01-09 | by ( Laura Strickler | Laura Strickler Is An Investigative Producer In The Nbc News Investigative Unit Based In Washington. | Lisa Cavazuti | ) www.nbcnews.com + 0.00 time to read: +6 min

Adam Piper, the executive director of the Republican Attorneys General Association, and Peter Bisbee, the executive director of the fundraising arm, did not return requests for comment about the robocalls, which were first reported by the watchdog group Documented. Many companies that donated to the Republican Attorneys General Association also gave to the Democratic Party equivalent. The Cherokee Nation Businesses LLC, which donated $150,000 in 2020, said it has requested an immediate refund of its sponsorship to the Republican Attorneys General Association, and the organization obliged. A spokesperson for the Republican Attorneys General Association did not address questions about the robocall but sought to distance the organization from the event. “The Republican Attorneys General Association and Rule of Law Defense Fund had no involvement in the planning, sponsoring, or the organization of Wednesday’s event,” the spokesperson said.

Persons: “, ”, Steve Marshall, Marshall, Victor J, Adam Piper, Peter Bisbee, Chris Carr, General Carr, Katie Byrd, General Carr’s, Harold Kim, Brandon Scott, Ken Paxton Organizations: Republican, General Association, U.S, Capitol, Trump, NBC News, Law Defense Fund, Alabama, RLDF, Bloomberg, Getty, U.S . Capitol, Association, Pepsi, Microsoft, JPMorgan Chase, Comcast, NRA, U.S . Chamber of Commerce, General, Democratic Party, Commerce, U.S . Chamber, Legal, Capital, JPMorgan, Democratic, Cherokee Nation Businesses LLC, Cherokee Nation, of Law Defense, ” Pepsi, Republican AG Locations: Washington ,, Georgia, Texas

"Holding free and safe elections and resolving our differences peacefully are foundational to the functioning of democracy. The lawlessness and violence occurring on Capitol Hill today is the antithesis of democracy and we strongly condemn it." "Business Roundtable calls on the President and all relevant officials to put an end to the chaos and to facilitate the peaceful transition of power," it said. The peaceful transition of power is a cornerstone of American democracy, and regardless of politics the violence at the U.S. Capitol does not reflect who we are as a nation. It’s imperative that we come together as a country and reinforce the values and ideals that unite us.

Persons: Nancy Pelosi, Sundar Pichai, Stephen Schwarzman, Donald Trump’s, ”, “, Jamie Dimon, JPMorgan Chase, Larry Fink, ” Thomas J, Donohue, — Mary Barra, Mary Barra Organizations: U.S, Capitol, Washington , D.C, Google, Blackstone, JPMorgan, ” BlackRock, U.S . Chamber of Commerce, Business, Walmart, Home, General, D.C Locations: Washington, Washington ,

ET Live Updates: Joe Biden Is Certified as the 46th President of the United States Congress ratified Mr. Biden’s election victory after a day in which a mob of Trump supporters stormed the Capitol. President Trump issued a statement saying there would be an “orderly transition” on Jan. 20. The whole number of electors appointed to vote for vice president of the United States is 538. By day’s end, some Republicans discussed removing Mr. Trump under the 25th Amendment rather than wait two weeks for the inauguration of President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr. Trump supporters gathered outside the Texas State Capitol in Austin on Wednesday.

Persons: Joe Biden, Biden’s, Trump, Joseph R, Biden, “, ”, Mr, ” “, Kamala D, Harris, Donald J, Michael R, Pence, Erin Schaff, President Trump, Mike Pence, Nancy Pelosi’s, ” Mr, Mitch McConnell, Barry C, Mitt Romney, Trump’s, ” Nicholas Fandos, Josh Hawley, Conor Lamb, Lamb, Ted Cruz, Tommy Tuberville, Cindy Hyde, Smith, Roger Marshall of Kansas, Cynthia Lummis of, Rick Scott of, Mike Lee, Kelly Loeffler, Hawley, Cruz, Tuberville, Hyde, Marshall, John Kennedy of, Loeffler, Sen, Loeffler’s, Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Steve Daines, James Lankford, Daines, Ms, McMorris Rodgers’s, “ Thugs, McMorris Rodgers, Donald Trump, Luke Broadwater, Emily Cochrane, ‘, ’, Olivier Douliery, Jason Crow, Eric Martin, Zolan Kanno, Sabrina Tavernise, Shannon Stapleton, Donald John Trump, alarmists, Biden Jr, Mitch McConnell of, Spencer Platt, Sarah Palin, George Floyd, Matt Gaetz, “ I’m, Jon Ossoff, Raphael Warnock, Doug Mills, Ossoff, Warnock, Warnock’s, Martin Luther King Jr, Stacey Abrams, ’ “, ” Jamie Dimon, JPMorgan Chase, Jeenah, Thomas J, Donohue, Matthew Shay, Emily Flitter, Gillian Friedman, Kellen Browning, Robert Contee, Maxine Waters, ” Shaila Dewan, Neil MacFarquhar, Ilana Panich, Jay Inslee, Inslee, Brad Raffensperger, Chris Hill, Hill, Michael B, Hancock, Austin “, ” Trump, Kate Brown of, Rick Warzywak, we’re, Gavin Newsom, Mike Baker, Sean Keenan, Kathleen Gray, Roberto Schmidt, Robert J, Contee, crouched, “ Where’s, —, ” Nicholas Bogel, Burroughs, Richard Barnett, Matthew Rosenberg, Barnett, “ I’ll, Charles Kushner, ’ Charles Kushner, Jared, Patrick McMullan, Jared Kushner, Bob Sommer, Kushner, jared, Sommer, Jared Kushner’s, Ivanka Trump Organizations: United States, Capitol, Trump, Freedom, Commonwealth, Representatives, United, Pennsylvania, Credit, The New York Times, Republicans, Republican, Democrats, Senate, “, Democrat, Electoral, ABC, Capitol Police, Capitol ., Agence France, Army, of Columbia, Republican National Committee, Department of Homeland Security, National Guard, ., Reuters, Police, Lawmakers, Twitter, Mr, Washington, D.C, Democratic, Republican Party, Democratic Party, New York Times, United States Capitol, Georgia, Ebenezer Baptist Church, Herndon, Business, JPMorgan, National Association of Manufacturers, U.S . Chamber of Commerce, National Retail Federation, city’s Metropolitan Police Department, U.S . Capitol, Democratic National Committees, California Democrat, Chief, ”, Texas State Capitol, Washington State, State Capitol, statehouse, State Police, counterprotesters, Gov, California State Capitol, Sacramento police, Metropolitan Police Department, Getty, Kushner Companies, Observer, Federal, Commission Locations: Washington, Pennsylvania, United States, Commonwealth, Delaware, Florida, California, Indiana, Kentucky, Georgia, Utah, Missouri, Josh Hawley of Missouri, Ted Cruz of Texas, Alabama, Mississippi, Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming, Rick Scott of Florida, Arizona, John Kennedy of Louisiana, Montana, Oklahoma, “, Colorado, Iraq, British, Charleston, S.C, America, Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, Ebenezer, ” Georgia, Atlanta, Savannah, city’s, Austin, Oregon, New Mexico, Denver, Texas, Kate Brown of Oregon, Salem, In Arizona, Lansing, Mich, Michigan, Sacramento, Portland ,, Gravette, American

☆ After Riot, Business Leaders Reckon With Their Support for Trump
▼ + stars: | 2021-01-07 | by ( David Gelles | ) www.nytimes.com + 0.97 time to read: +1 min

In the aftermath, business leaders tried to explain how they had gotten themselves into the mess. Just months later, the Trump administration passed a tax overhaul that delivered a windfall to corporations and wealthy individuals. By lowering corporate taxes, Mr. Trump delivered the business community one of its most coveted prizes, and business leaders lined up to support the effort. At a White House appearance with Mr. Trump in October 2017, Tom Donohue, the chief executive of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, delighted at the prospect of the tax cuts. Yet by basking in their new riches, companies were drawn that much closer to a White House that was separating children from their families at the border and cozying up with dictatorial regimes.

Persons: Trump’s, “, ” Ken Frazier, Trump, Tom Donohue, ” Mr, Donohue Organizations: Merck, U.S . Chamber of Commerce Locations: Charlottesville, Va, America

☆ Corporate group urges officials consider Trump's removal 'to preserve democracy'
▼ + stars: | 2021-01-06 | by ( David Shepardson | Diane Bartz | ) www.reuters.com + 0.00 time to read: +3 min

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The head of a major U.S. business group that represents 14,000 companies including Exxon Mobil Corp, Pfizer Inc and Toyota Motor Corp urged senior U.S. officials to consider removing President Donald Trump from office after supporters of the outgoing president stormed the U.S. Capitol. FILE PHOTO: Jay Timmons, president and CEO of the National Association of Manufacturers, speaks at 2017 SelectUSA Investment Summit in Oxon Hill, Maryland, U.S., June 19, 2017. Other business groups issued strong statements but did not go as far as the manufacturers’ group. Now is the time to come together to strengthen our exceptional union.”Blackstone Group chief executive Steve Schwarzman, a Trump ally, said in a statement “the insurrection that followed the President’s remarks today is appalling and an affront to the democratic values we hold dear as Americans. I am shocked and horrified by this mob’s attempt to undermine our constitution.”General Motors chief executive Mary Barra said on Twitter “the violence at the U.S. Capitol does not reflect who we are as a nation.

Persons: Donald Trump, Jay Timmons, Joshua Roberts, Trump, Mike, Pence, ” Trump, Joe Biden, “, ”, Jamie Dimon, Steve Schwarzman, Mary Barra, ” Thomas Donohue Organizations: WASHINGTON, Exxon Mobil Corp, Pfizer Inc, Toyota Motor Corp, U.S . Capitol, National Association of Manufacturers, Investment, REUTERS, Trump “, JPMorgan Chase, ” Blackstone Group, ” General Motors, Twitter, U.S, Capitol, U.S . Chamber of Commerce, Electoral College Locations: U.S, Oxon Hill , Maryland, Jan, United States

ET New York Exchange Halts Plan to Delist Chinese Firms: Live Business UpdatesThe New York Stock Exchange reverses its plan to delist Chinese telecom firms. Credit... Alex Plavevski/EPA, via Shutterstock The New York Stock Exchange said late on Monday that it had reversed a decision to delist China’s three major state-run telecommunications companies. The statement did not give a reason for the decision, though it appeared that the executive order may not require the exchange to delist the companies. The exchange said that its regulatory department would continue to evaluate the applicability of the order to the telecommunications companies. Still, the disappearance from the American exchange had hefty symbolic value for worsening economic ties between China and the United States.

Persons: Alex Plavevski, Trump, Stocks, Boris Johnson, Joseph R, Biden, ”, Julian Emanuel, “ It’s, Doug Mills, ’, Laurence D . Fink, BlackRock, Logan Green, John Zimmer of Lyft, Brad Smith, Albert Bourla, James Zelter, Trump’s, Mitch McConnell, Thomas J, Donohue, Mr, “ Organizations: York Exchange, York Stock Exchange, China Telecom, The New York Stock Exchange, Big Board, U.S . Treasury Department, China Mobile, Wall, Analysts, U.S . Senate, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Wynn Resorts, Marriott International, Federal Reserve, Biden, Republican, Republicans, Biden’s, ., New York Times, Monday, Microsoft, Pfizer, Apollo Global Management, Georgia’s, Electoral College, Business, Partnership, New, U.S . Chamber of Commerce Locations: Shanghai, China Unicom, Hong Kong, China, United States, Georgia, Stocks, Europe, Britain, Wilmington, Del, New York City, America

☆ Koch network encourages Congress to certify election for Biden as some of the group's allies challenge results
▼ + stars: | 2021-01-05 | by ( Brian Schwartz | ) www.cnbc.com + 0.00 time to read: +3 min

The political advocacy organization backed by the billionaire Charles Koch is encouraging Congress to certify President-elect Joe Biden's Electoral College victory. In 2018, AFP spent over $2 million on an ad blitz against then Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo. AFP Action spent an additional $700,000 against the veteran lawmaker. AFP Action spent over $3 million backing Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., nearly two years ago. There are also some Republicans in the House that saw support from AFP Action and are moving ahead with trying to derail the results of the presidential election.

Persons: Charles Koch, Joe, Joe Biden, Lo Isidro, Koch, Biden, Donald Trump's, Republican David Perdue, Steve Daines, Roger Marshall, Perdue, Sen, Kelly Loeffler, Claire McCaskill, Josh Hawley, Marsha Blackburn, Scott Franklin, Byron Donalds, Ted Budd Organizations: Koch Industries, Management, Electoral, Prosperity, —, U.S . Chamber of Commerce, Business, Responsive Politics, AFP, group's, Republicans, Republican, Tuesday's, McCaskill, Biden's Electoral College Locations: Republican David Perdue of Georgia, Sens, Tuesday's Georgia, Mo

☆ Yale's Sonnenfeld says CEOs may stop supporting Republicans who back Trump election challenge
▼ + stars: | 2021-01-05 | by ( Kevin Stankiewicz | ) www.cnbc.com + 0.00 time to read: +3 min

Yale School of Management's Jeffrey Sonnenfeld told CNBC on Tuesday that more than two dozen CEOs are considering pulling financial support for congressional Republicans who are backing President Donald Trump's election challenge. It comes about two months after Sonnenfeld convened a similar gathering focused on Trump's response to the Nov. 3 presidential election. By doing so, Sonnenfeld said the business leaders hoped to spread the message that "it's time to move on and respect the Constitution." Trump has refused to concede, repeatedly and falsely claiming he would have won the election if not for widespread voter fraud. Sonnenfeld said the CEOs have been alarmed by Trump's handling of his defeat and want to send an even firmer message than in November.

Persons: Management's Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Donald Trump's, Sonnenfeld, Joe, Mitch McConnell, Sen, Ted Cruz, Josh Hawley, Trump, Biden, contentiousness, they're Organizations: Yale, CNBC, Democratic, Electoral, Biden's, GOP, U.S . Chamber of Commerce Locations: China

☆ Attempts to delegitimize election are bigger global risk than Covid-19, risk assessment group says
▼ + stars: | 2021-01-04 | by ( Martha C. White | Martha C. White Is An Nbc News Contributor Who Writes About Business | Finance | ) www.nbcnews.com + 0.00 time to read: +6 min

According to a new report from a prominent risk consulting firm, it’s the biggest political risk the world faces in 2021 — bigger than oil supply brinkmanship, China trade tensions and even the Covid-19 pandemic. “There is no global leadership on political models, trade standards, and international architecture to follow,” it warned. “His millions of voters will pay less attention to his crazy tweets as the world moves on,” said Peter Petri, a professor of international finance at the Brandeis International Business School. “I think the number one risk has got to be the pandemic,” said Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody’s Analytics. “The biggest risk is the rollout of the vaccine — that’s one that can be competently managed within the Executive Branch,” he said.

Persons: Joe Biden’s, Donald Trump, Ian Bremmer, Cliff Kupchan —, —, Trump, ”, Peter Petri, Mark Zandi, stymie, ” Zandi, Angela Merkel, …, David Dollar, I’m, delegitimizing Joe Biden …, Jacob Kirkegaard, Kirkegaard, “, Petri Organizations: Trump, Eurasia Group, Brandeis International Business School, Moody’s, Biden, Washington , D.C, Brookings Institution, Peterson Institute for International Economics, U.S . Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Manufacturers, Business, “ Locations: China, Eurasia, United States, Washington ,, U.S

☆ Major business leaders tell Congress: Certify Biden won Electoral College, Trump lost
▼ + stars: | 2021-01-04 | by ( Dan Mangan | ) www.cnbc.com sentiment -1.00 time to read: +2 min

Major U.S. business leaders on Monday urged Congress to certify this week President-elect Joe Biden's Electoral College victory over President Donald Trump, who has refused to recognize his loss in the 2020 election. President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris have won the Electoral College and the courts have rejected challenges to the electoral process," the Partnership for New York City said in its statement. "Congress should certify the electoral vote on Wednesday, January 6. Congress is due to meet on Wednesday to certify the Electoral College results. Trump has claimed, without evidence, that he was swindled out of both a popular vote victory and a Electoral College win by widespread ballot fraud.

Persons: Joe, Donald Trump, Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, Thomas Donohue, Jay Timmons, Timmons, Biden, decertify, Trump Organizations: U.S, Monday, Electoral, U.S . Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Manufacturers, New York, Biden's, Electoral College, of Commerce, Democrats Locations: New York City

ET Live Updates: Georgia Official Blasts Trump for Repeating Falsehoods on Eve of Two Critical Senate Runoffs It was like “Groundhog Day,” a top election official said of once again having to debunk President Trump’s baseless claims of election fraud. Gabriel Sterling, a top election official in Georgia, delivered a scathing refutation on Monday of President Trump’s false claims of voter fraud. “I wanted to scream,” he said of his reaction to the call between Mr. Trump and Mr. Raffensperger. There are also concerns about the potential for Mr. Trump to use Monday’s appearance to mostly talk about himself, particularly after the release of a recording of a call between Mr. Trump and the state’s top elections official. Mr. Nunes received the honor in a ceremony on Monday, and Mr. Trump is likely to bestow it upon Mr. Jordan next week.

Persons: ”, Joe Biden’s, Kelly Loeffler, ‘, ’, Gabriel Sterling, Trump’s, —, Erik S Lesser, Mr, Sterling, “, Don’t, Brad Raffensperger, Trump, Raffensperger, Joseph R, Biden, weren’t, “ I’ve, Ron, Maggie Astor, Michael Holahan, Biden Jr, Loeffler, Ms, David Perdue, Perdue, Johnny Isakson, Enrique Tarrio, Victor J, The New York Times WASHINGTON —, Tarrio, Donald J, counterprotesters, Elise Stefanik, Cindy Schultz, Mike Gallagher of, Kelly Armstrong of, Ken Buck, Ken Buck of Colorado, Thomas Massie of, Tom McClintock of, Chip Roy, Texas, Nancy Mace, Stefanik, William P, Barr, Liz Cheney, Shelley Moore Capito, Doug Mills, Laurence D . Fink, BlackRock, Logan Green, John Zimmer of Lyft, Brad Smith, Albert Bourla, James Zelter, Mitch McConnell, Thomas J, Donohue, Pence, Mike Pence, Elijah Nouvelage, ” Mr, Jon Ossoff, Raphael Warnock, Eileen Sullivan, Astead, Herndon, ’ Jon Ossoff, who’s, David Purdue, Chang W, Lee, New York Times Jon Ossoff, runoffs, Ossoff, Georgia’s, “ Let’s, Hillary Drummond Simpson, ” “ I’m, Verdailia Turner, Turner, haven’t, John F, Banzhaf, George Stephanopoulos, Fani Willis, Jeff DiSantis, Willis, DiSantis, Christopher M, Carr, Richard Fausset, Devin Nunes, Stefani Reynolds, Jim Jordan of, Nunes, Jordan, Nicholas Fandos, Brynn Anderson, Leigh Ann Webster, impartially, Matthew T, Sanderson, Rand Paul of Kentucky, Rick Perry, Ryan Germany, JID, Nicole Craine, November’s, Bryson Henriott, Leslie Vinjamuri, Patrick Chevallereau, Laurence Nardon, James N, Mattis, Mark, Dick Cheney, Barack Obama, George W, Bush, Bill Clinton, George Bush, Gerald R, Ford —, Michael T, Flynn, ” Nancy Pelosi, Nancy Pelosi, Anna Moneymaker, Pelosi, gunning, Kevin McCarthy of, Jake Sullivan, Vladimir V, Putin, Sullivan, Sullivan’s Organizations: Georgia Official, Trump, ’ Top, Democrat, State Senate, Credit, Mr, Georgia, Augusta Regional Airport, ., Augusta, Associated Press, Electoral, Electoral College, Georgia Republicans, “, Georgia Senate, 116th, The New York Times WASHINGTON, Metropolitan Police, Metropolitan Police Department, Justice Department, District of Columbia, Washington , D.C, Washington Post, Asbury United Methodist Church, Pro, Republicans, Biden’s, The New York Times Republicans, Tom McClintock of California, Congress, Republican, Twitter, New York Times, Monday, Microsoft, Pfizer, Apollo Global Management, Business, Partnership, New, U.S . Chamber of Commerce, Getty, Democratic, Fox News, Senate, Georgia Federation of Teachers, George Washington University, The Times, Russell Senate, Capitol, The New York Times, White, Democrats, House Intelligence, Associated, The Washington Post, The New York Times ATLANTA, . College Republicans, GeorgiaVotes.com, University of Georgia, College Republicans, Chatham House, Republican Party, House Republicans, Biden’s Electoral College, Wednesday, North America, French Institute of International Relations, Defense Department, The Washington, Governors, ”, “ Civilian, Pentagon, The New York Times WASHINGTON — Democrats, Washington, Kremlin, CNN, United Nations Locations: Georgia, ’ Georgia, ’ Top Georgia, United States, Tuesday’s, Augusta , Ga, Washington, U.S, Washington ,, ” Washington, Queensbury, Glens Falls , NY, Mike Gallagher of Wisconsin, Kelly Armstrong of North Dakota, Ken Buck of, Thomas Massie of Kentucky, South Carolina, New York, West Virginia, Wilmington, Del, New York City, Columbus , Ga, Milner, Democratic Atlanta, Dalton, Georgia’s, Eatonton, Conyers, Atlanta, ” Georgia, Shutterstock Georgia, Fulton County, . Credit, Devin Nunes of California, Jim Jordan of Ohio, Ukraine, Russia, Texas, Stonecrest, The New York Times BRUSSELS, British, French, RUSI, London, Paris, California, Kevin McCarthy of California, Iran, Tehran

☆ Trump extends Covid-related visa ban; health coverage policy advances
▼ + stars: | 2021-01-01 | by ( The Associated Press | ) www.nbcnews.com + 0.00 time to read: +4 min

The twin developments on the final day of 2020 encapsulated how Trump has made U.S. immigration policy more restrictive without support from Congress. In April, Trump imposed a ban on green cards issued abroad that largely targets family members of people already in the United States. In December, a federal judge in Oakland, California, prevented the green card ban from taking effect against families of 181 U.S. citizens and legal residents who sued. A federal judge blocked the rule from taking effect almost immediately after it was announced in October 2019. The ruling “makes clear that the Biden administration must move swiftly to rescind all of President Trump’s xenophobic presidential proclamations, including this health care ban,” she said.

Persons: Donald Trump, Trump, Joe Biden, Biden, doesn't, ”, Daniel P, Collins, Judge Jay Bybee, George W, Bush, Judge, Wallace Tashima, Bill Clinton, Esther Sung, Trump’s Organizations: DIEGO, United, Associated Press, U.S . Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Manufacturers, National Retail Federation, Intrax Inc, Trump, Justice Action Center, The Justice Locations: United States, Mexico, San Francisco, U.S, Oakland , California

☆ Trump Administration Extends Ban on H-1B and Other Work Visas, Green Cards
▼ + stars: | 2020-12-31 | by ( Michelle Hackman | ) www.wsj.com sentiment -1.00 time to read: +1 min

The White House extended a ban on immigrants coming to the U.S. on work-based visas and green cards through the end of March, setting up another immigration policy decision for the incoming Biden administration to grapple with. The ban, which had been set to expire on Thursday, applies to immigrants coming to the U.S. on H-1B and several other employment-based visas, along with people coming on green cards to work or reunite with family. The ban on work-based visas in particular was roundly criticized by Silicon Valley and other U.S. companies that said they depend on the visas to bring employees into industries ranging from tech and consulting to landscaping and seasonal jobs at resorts. In October, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which represents a broad cross-section of these industries, won a partial injunction on the visa ban in court, allowing its member companies to resume bringing over foreign employees. It isn’t known how the ban extension will affect the court’s order.

Persons: Biden, President Trump Organizations: U.S . Chamber of Commerce Locations: Silicon Valley, U.S

☆ Businesses Feared a Flood of Covid-19 Lawsuits. It Hasn’t Happened.
▼ + stars: | 2020-12-24 | by ( Jacob Gershman | ) www.wsj.com sentiment -1.00 time to read: +1 min

Nine months into the pandemic, an expected torrent of virus-related personal-injury lawsuits hasn’t materialized, as plaintiff attorneys find it more challenging than anticipated to hold a business responsible for spreading Covid-19. Negligence lawsuits brought against businesses by infected customers are nearly nonexistent in state and federal courts, apart from a cluster of lawsuits targeting cruise lines. Even more rare are cases against smaller retailers and businesses, which the U.S. Chamber of Commerce had said were particularly vulnerable to financially crippling claims. Commercial litigators had braced their clients for a wave of negligence litigation. “The facts might just not be there for the cases.”

Persons: don’t, ” “, ”, William Hubbard, Thompson Hine Organizations: U.S . Chamber of Commerce, Commerce Locations: U.S, Cleveland

☆ Congress passes a bipartisan bill that actually fights corruption. How did that happen?
▼ + stars: | 2020-12-18 | by ( Ian Gary | Ian Gary Is Executive Director Of The Financial Accountability | Corporate Transparency | ) www.nbcnews.com + 0.00 time to read: +6 min

The United States is on the verge of enacting bipartisan, landmark anti-corruption reform. Last week, with veto-proof majorities in both chambers, Congress passed the annual defense spending bill, known as the National Defense Authorization Act. Folded into the bill is the Corporate Transparency Act — a major bipartisan measure that, for the first time, would end the formation and use of anonymous shell companies in the United States. For decades, national security officials, law enforcement officers, human rights groups and anti-corruption advocates have seen the ability to form and misuse anonymous shell companies as arguably the biggest loophole in our anti-money-laundering framework. NBC News has documented how North Korea uses anonymous shell companies to finance their nuclear weapons program in violation of U.S. and international sanctions.

Persons: Viktor Bout, who’s, ”, Nicolas Cage, —, Trump, Biden, It’s Organizations: Washington, Dow Chemical, National Defense, Senate, NBC News, World Bank, United Nations, Corporate, U.S . Chamber of Commerce Locations: United States, Switzerland, Cayman Islands, Equatorial Guinea, West Africa, California, Malibu, U.S, Delaware , Florida, Texas, Korea, Ohio, Washington, Delaware, Panama

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