Domestic Policy, Coronavirus, and Congress

Politico:

ON THE AIRWAVES — Democratic dark money group House Majority Forward is out with a TV spot touting House Democrats' work to pass a $2 trillion coronavirus relief package that "put American families first." The spot is, however, backed by a small buy: high five-figures, running in markets across the country.

Policy in General

• Policy windows (Davidson 400):  just before the shutdown, we considered the issue-attention cycle
• Professor Rose on the BIG federal-state program

Public Health and Coronavirus

• Disease surveillance
• There is some precedent at the CDC

Stimulus

• How to get stimulus money
• Alas, most college students won't get the $1200 check.
• How can they spend all that money?  The magic word is emergency

The articles indicate the policy reasons for the exclusion.  Here is the political reason:






Voting

Election processes

The Constitution very clearly gives Congress the power to set procedures for federal elections.  Article I, section 4, clause 1: "The times, places and manner of holding elections for Senators and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each state by the legislature thereof; but the Congress may at any time by law make or alter such regulations, except as to the places of choosing Senators."


Congressional Procedure'

• Remote voting?  Constitutional questions