White House Press Conference Summary: March 22, 2020
1. $2t relief and stimulus package just failed in the senate. There are 2 sticking points for the left: State Stabilization Fund and the structuring funds for businesses.
This bill was to help support workers, SMB’s and industries. This was expected to happen before Monday AM to give some nice momentum to the week. Senate can reconvene later tonight and drive another vote, which I suspect from a public relations standpoint , they will.
The stock market futures are declining sharply again.
This needs to happen, ASAP.
2. 254k Americans have been tested and have received results. Only 10% of the ones tested that had symptoms, were positive. This means that 9 out of 10 that had symptoms tested negative. Encouraging.
3. CA, WA, NY: “Major Disaster Relief Declaration” since 70% + of all cases are in these 3 states. The government waived the 25% cost to these states, so it is cost-free for them to receive the supplies and equipment that are now on the way. Also, the National Guard has been activated for all 3 states with more to come. No Marshall Law.
They will be building out alternative care centers + medical stations with beds and equipment
4. There will be 2 floating hospitals assigned: USNS Comfort (NY) within 3 weeks and USNS Mercy (LA), within 1 week.
5. Americans abroad: There have been many issues with this. They are working on groups stranded in Peru and Honduras. They rescued an American girl out of an unidentified location that was the victim of very bad crime. It was a very aggressive operation that was successful.
For those that are abroad or have family or friends that are abroad, contact: (888) 407-4747 or visit the website @ step.state.gov
6. Continue to follow the federal government guidelines: social distancing, no non-essential travel, constant hand washing.
7. Hoarders and companies caught price gouging will be targeted after we are stabilized. GREAT to hear!
8. 8 states representing 100m people given “Stay at Home” orders
9. Defense Production Act (Update #3): Although Trump signed it, the government is still depending on the companies that have volunteered:
Honeywell- to manufacture millions of N95 masks in Smithfield, RI and will add 500 new jobs.
IBM, Google, Amazon, Microsoft- assisting in a super computer program to help fight the virus.
Liquor companies have now stepped up to develop hand sanitizer.
I believe there are close to 100 other companies that have volunteered.
10. New test is in production, which is less invasive and only takes 45 minutes to get results and should be released before the end of March.
11. Considering freeing elderly non-violent inmates.
12. Considering allowing Senate and House votes outside of floor, in case of sickness or travel.
13. Japan now considering postponing Olympics based on multi-nation backlash.
14. Undocumented individuals can be tested and protected.
15. Listed many ways that the federal government will protect its veterans during this time. Medical + GI Bill to fully cover distance learning. All bureaucracy removed.
16. Directed commercial labs to prioritize testing, and it’s free.
17. We are on day 7 of 15-day plan to stop the virus. That seems very aggressive.