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US Congress’ attending doctor says expects coronavirus infections to number 70 to 150 million

US media report on ‘closed meeting’ comments from Dr. Brian Monahan, the attending physician of Congress and the U.S. Supreme Court.

  • a closed-door meeting Tuesday that included Senate administrative office staff and personnel from both parties
The report adds:
  • Marc Lipsitch, professor of epidemiology at Harvard, said earlier this month that he thinks about 40% to 70% of the world’s population could become infected with the virus, and of those, 1% will die
1% of 70 million (let alone the upper estimate) is 700,000 dead.

US Senate sets rules for Trump’s impeachment trial, adopts McConnell’s plan

The Senate rejects the final Democratic amendment to the impeachment rules

Trump

The rules resolution passed with a vote of 53-47, allowing for a more relaxed timeline as Trump’s defense now have three days to present their arguments – instead of the originally proposed two days.

The Senate is also sticking with Mitch McConnell’s plan to put off the question of calling additional witnesses and have shelved amendments from Chuck Schumer to subpoena new documents and testimony related to the trial.
It’s not like this makes a huge difference but this just reaffirms the notion that Trump will no doubt be acquitted when all this is said and done. But this just means that the trial could conclude as soon as next week if no new witnesses are called upon.

US’ Pompeo to deliver remarks to the media at 1500 GMT

US secretary of state, Mike Pompeo, will brief the media later today

No further details on what it may be about. Here is the press release by the US Department of State. Just take note as it could relate to tensions in the Middle East.

US and China negotiators had ‘constructive discussions’ on Saturday

Steve Mnuchin and Robert Lighthizer spoke with Liu He on Saturday

Steve Mnuchin and Robert Lighthizer spoke with Liu He on Saturday
Chinese officials held a phone call with US counterparts at the White House’s request on Saturday, according to a statement from the Chinese Commerce Ministry.
The sides held “constructive discussions” on each other’s core concerns and agreed to maintain close communication, the statement said.
On Thursday, White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow boosted markets when he said negotiations are in the final stages though “not done yet.”
There has been no word on whether the US has accepted China’s demand that tariffs be scaled back. Nor has China signaled it will put a dollar figure on agricultural purchases; along with a host of other issues.

Wilbur Ross: China trade is more complicated than just soybeans

Comments by US commerce secretary, Wilbur Ross

Trump Ross

Stating the obvious but well, let’s give him the benefit of the doubt. Judging by the above, it could be suggestive that any hopes of an interim trade deal whereby China just increases agriculture purchases may not be sufficient enough to appease the US.
But I’m sure most of us have a sense of that by now, otherwise we would’ve seen some semblance of a deal agreed upon a long time ago.

US Secretary of State Pompeo: Time for China to stop taking advantage of trade

US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo

US secretary of state Pompeo is on the wires saying:

  • dispute about central premise of high global trade done
  • it is time for China to stop taking advantage of trade
  • China using predatory trade tactics for decades
  • China behavior has negative implications for business
  • Pres. Trump is clear that he wants China to do the right thing
  • US won’t tip and to what it will or won’t do in Hong Kong
  • engaging with Kim didn’t give him a darn thing
  • urges China to do the right thing regarding Hong Kong protests
  • China capital flowing to the US should not compromise national security
  • North Korea needs to fulfill promises made in Singapore
  • US fully committed to denuclearization in North Korea via diplomacy
  • US taking a toughest response to North Korea in history
  • Iran sanctions have been effective and we will enforce them everywhere
  • China has been helpful in engaging North Korea