The Land of the Free: American Political Roleplay (IC III)

[Echo Chamber Thought Police]

John Atang @JohnAtangNY3 I will be drafting legislation to impose a federal eviction ban. This is a MAJOR law needed for Americans.

[Democratic Peoples republic of Kelvinsi]

James Burgun
@RoughriderGovernor
2 very smart and very conservative women Not-Lauren Boebert and Not-Marjorie Taylor Greene are running for CO-3 and GA-14. They are all so talented. We should make sure that they win!!!

[Greater Arab State]

To: Senator Kimberley Dunbar

From: Governor Jennifer Marshall

Senator,

Regarding the recent deterioration in the economic climate, I respectfully request a meeting between the two of us at the earliest date possible in order to comprehensively discuss measures to ensure the economic health of Kansas in a bipartisan manner.

Respectfully,

Governor Jennifer Marshall

[Lavan Tiri]

To: Senator Kimberley Dunbar

From: Governor Jennifer Marshall

Senator,

Regarding the recent deterioration in the economic climate, I respectfully request a meeting between the two of us at the earliest date possible in order to comprehensively discuss measures to ensure the economic health of Kansas in a bipartisan manner.

Respectfully,

Governor Jennifer Marshall

From: Senator Kimberly Dunbar
To: Governor Marshall

Governor,

I'll be back in Wichita on the 17th, feel free to come by my office then. This is a very concerning situation and I'm glad you're taking it seriously.

Best regards,

Kim

[Greater Arab State]

The Office of Senator Kimberley Dunbar, Wichita, Kansas

Tuesday, 17 March, 2020

Governor Marshall arrived at Senator Dunbar’s Wichita office late in the morning. Admittedly, the Governor’s tenure had been largely uneventful up until this point. That, however, changed with the deteriorating economic climate that was beginning to take place across the nation. However, Marshall’s immediate priority was on beginning to formulate a response within Kansas’ economy.

Thus, the Governor knocked on the rear door of the office and waited for it be opened.

[Lavan Tiri]

Senator Kimberly Dunbar

Alan, one of Kim's most trusted aides, let the Governor into the office building and led her to Kim's office.

The room was larger than her relatively cramped space in D.C., however, as Jennifer entered it was clear that this was Kim's "business" office; folders and books were stacked on every available surface, and the Senator was pulling more books off a chair to make room for her guest as she arrived.

"Oh, Governor! Wasn't expecting you so soon, haha. Here, chair's cleared off. Want anything to drink?"

[Greater Arab State]

Senator Kimberly Dunbar

Alan, one of Kim's most trusted aides, let the Governor into the office building and led her to Kim's office.

The room was larger than her relatively cramped space in D.C., however, as Jennifer entered it was clear that this was Kim's "business" office; folders and books were stacked on every available surface, and the Senator was pulling more books off a chair to make room for her guest as she arrived.

"Oh, Governor! Wasn't expecting you so soon, haha. Here, chair's cleared off. Want anything to drink?"

“It’s great to be meeting with you, Senator.” Jennifer said politely, seating herself before she replied to Kimberley’s offer.

“I think I’ll just have a water please, Senator.”

[Emazia]

To: Senator Karel Volek
From: Senator Erika Goldman

Hi Karel,

Volker's office has requested Warrick's presence, and as obviously that's not our goal right now, I think we should change our meeting to a simple Democrat leadership coordination one, in order to come up with a strategy in terms of PR and actual action. I am also rather worried about Atang's manoeuvres, but it's not our job to deal with that, although I would bring it up to Carrie when the meeting comes.

Sincerely,
Erika.

[Lavan Tiri]

Senator Kimberly Dunbar

Alan, one of Kim's most trusted aides, let the Governor into the office building and led her to Kim's office.

The room was larger than her relatively cramped space in D.C., however, as Jennifer entered it was clear that this was Kim's "business" office; folders and books were stacked on every available surface, and the Senator was pulling more books off a chair to make room for her guest as she arrived.

"Oh, Governor! Wasn't expecting you so soon, haha. Here, chair's cleared off. Want anything to drink?"

“It’s great to be meeting with you, Senator.” Jennifer said politely, seating herself before she replied to Kimberley’s offer.

“I think I’ll just have a water please, Senator.”

Kim poured a glass of ice water for the Governor and got a can of Pepsi for herself, before sitting down.

"Here ya go," she said, handing Jennifer her glass and slapping the desktop gently, "economic crisis. What are you thinkin'?"

[Alozia]

Richard G. Tawney @POTUS I have instructed the Secretary of Treasury to defer federal payroll tax due from April 1, 2020 to May 31, 2020. We're taking this measure to aid businesses all across the country, facing challenges under current circumstances. You can read the text of the memorandum I issued here -> [LINK 1] [LINK 2]

[Alozia]

Deferring Payroll Tax Obligations in Light of the Ongoing Fiscal Downturn
March 18, 2020

MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY

SUBJECT: Deferring Payroll Tax Obligations in Light of of the Ongoing Fiscal Downturn

Section 1. Policy

The recent economic downturn caused by the actions of the government of the People’s Republic of China has put an added burden on American businesses all across the country. With an increasing number of employers reporting financial troubles, with some of them declaring bankruptcy, the government of the United States has a duty to prevent further slowdown of the economy and alleviate the struggle of our business owners.To that end, today I am directing the Secretary of the Treasury to use his authority to defer certain payroll tax obligations with respect to the American workers most in need. This modest, targeted action will put money directly in the pockets of American workers and generate additional incentives for work and employment, right when the money is needed most. This is not measure is not meant to be final, rather it is supposed to be temporary, lasting until congress takes further action.

Section 2. Deferring Certain Payroll Tax Obligations

The Secretary of the Treasury is hereby directed to use his authority pursuant to 26 U.S.C. 7508A to defer the withholding, deposit, and payment of the tax imposed by 26 U.S.C. 3101(a), and so much of the tax imposed by 26 U.S.C. 3201 as is attributable to the rate in effect under 26 U.S.C. 3101(a), on wages or compensation, as applicable, paid during the period of April 1, 2020, through May 31, 2020, subject to the following conditions:

(a) The deferral shall be made available with respect to any employee the amount of whose wages or compensation, as applicable, payable during any bi-weekly pay period generally is less than $4,000, calculated on a pre-tax basis, or the equivalent amount with respect to other pay periods.

(b) Amounts deferred pursuant to the implementation of this memorandum shall be deferred without any penalties, interest, additional amount, or addition to the tax.

Sec. 3. Authorizing Guidance.

The Secretary of the Treasury shall issue guidance to implement this memorandum.

Sec. 4. Tax Forgiveness.

The Secretary of the Treasury shall explore avenues, including legislation, to eliminate the obligation to pay the taxes deferred pursuant to the implementation of this memorandum.

Sec. 5. General Provisions.

(a) Nothing in this memorandum shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or
(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

(b) This memorandum shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

(c) This memorandum is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

(d) You are authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register.

Signed,
Richard G. Tawney
President of the United States

[Louisianan]

Hypolite Gaspard
Retail Events, Georgia

Fulton County, Gwinnett County, Cobb County, Forsyth County, Hall County : Hypolite met with local leaders pledging Porters' support to their causes, mostly Christian organizations and schools. He visited hospitals, he visited nursing homes, and then he visited local businesses. Hypolite made impromptu speeches, most of the time being something like,

"Bernard Porter is a force, a strong force who will help you in any way, and every way. Nathaniel Richardson is not and will not. We can beat him, we need to beat him, but we have to be tough as nails, and I just know that y'all Georgian spirit and might can take us to the finish line!"

[Louisianan]

Bellaire, Texas
Linda D. Lazare
March 21, 2020

---

Linda Lazare had arrived in Bellaire, just as she had promised, and began to speak, shortly after she visited with some of the folks in attendance. Her theme song, Can't Stop The Music played as she walked on stage with a smile and waving to the crowd,

"Hi, Fellows and Fellowettes of Bellaire! As you know, I'm Linda Lazare, your congresswoman, and I'm running for reelection in November. I'd like to first start off by saying that we are in a terrible economic crisis, and unless we fix it, it could get to the point that we could possibly see Great Depression type effects come around. The legislature needs to step up, take party lines down, and talk with everyone to get down to the bottom of this, to figure out what we have to do. I will be working on legislation to combat this crisis, as well as talking with other lawmakers to see how we could act collectively." Linda smiled as the crowd cheered for her,

"Though my father passed away on the 18th. I am still working, working for you, the people of this great state. My father taught me, to finish. Finish whatever your doing, do it well, and make an impact. He has taught me that in the worst times, there still needs to be hard workers, or else nothing will get done. I will get things done, just as I have for the past few years in Congress. There have been vicious ads, by the Armadillo PAC calling me a Chinese Puppet, simply because of a joke made in poor taste. There is a certain congressman, who I will not name, who has donated to the aforementioned PAC, and who is running a Senate campaign currently. Oops, I gave it away!" The crowd laughed with Linda,

"Anyway, I just want to say, We Will Finish! We will come out strong, we will have Tax Cuts, we will have Cheaper Healthcare, and we will continue to have Prosperity, because I know, that with your support, the government can nip this Economic Crisis in the Bud! There are people who've met far worse enemies than an economic crisis, and like them, we will get over this hill. However long it may take, however many acts need to be written, however many groups need to come together, we will fix this!" The crowd cheered,

"The HPPSO Act that is currently going through the house will probably be held off in the Senate to focus on the Economic Crisis, but either way, I'd like to get it through the House, so we can begin working on new legislation, Germaine to the current crisis we face. People of Houston, call your congressman, whether it is me or not, tell them what YOU want! Alright, it's that time, just like I promised, this would be a town hall event, there is a microphone right there, come on up and ask some questions!" Linda said as she smiled and waited for the first question,

(OOC: If nobody asks questions, I will assume that the event was the greatest and so many good things were discussed.)

[Gordano and Lysandus]

FROM: [Speaker Caroline Simone]
TO: [Senate Democratic Caucus], [House Democratic Caucus]

Dear colleagues,

The economic precipice on which the country is teetering is considerable. President Wolf's economic mismanagement and ill-conceived saber-rattling with China has left us in a situation where major insurance brokers are leaving the people ostensibly in their care out in the cold, and large sectors of the US economy are under direct and material pressure to fold. Under no circumstaces do I intend to allow us to sleepwalk into another recession, and I think it is entirely possible that we can and should emerge from this crisis with renewed economic growth and stability.

Senator Volek and I have already begun discussions on some measures to be placed in an omnibus relief bill. Senator Westra's published plan has given us a roadmap for significant sections of that relief bill, and such, Senator Volek and I have decided that Senator Westra will lead on the omnibus legislation in the Senate, whilst Representative Kathleen Nez will lead on it in the House. It is imperative that we get an omnibus relief bill through the House as soon as possible so that we have a negotiating position from which to engage the White House and the Republican leadership in the Senate.

I will be frank with you that the final product, after those negotiations, will have been watered down. It will be frustrating, and will make us angry. But so long as we are getting material aid, in some form, to the people who need it, then we will be fulfilling our duties as public servants. We may have to accede to measures that we do not like, but it is more important that we try to avert the building economic meltdown than to score political points. You know full well that the media, both print and social, holds Democrats to a different standard than Republicans when it comes to partisanship. We cannot have our cake and eat it.

Messaging must be very clear - I do not intend to make this a partisan moment. We will enter negotiation on good faith, but we can and should be critical on areas where the Republicans are brazenly opposing relief. Clarity of messaging is also why we cannot and must not become distracted and try to send multiple conflicting bills without working with leadership. If you wish to contribute to the relief package, please attach your contributions in an email to my office and it will be discussed alongside other measures. Credit will be given where it is due.

Sincerely yours,

The Hon. Caroline Simone
Speaker of the United States House of Representatives
US Representative for the 12th District of the State of New York

FROM: [Speaker Caroline Simone]
TO: [Senator Karel Volek], [Senator Sean Kelly], [Senator Erika Goldman], [Senator Timothy Westra], [Representate Philip Crawford], [Representative Kathleen Nez]

Dear colleagues,

Let's have a meeting this Friday at 6pm. Clear our schedules, hammer out our omnibus rescue package or at least the broad thrust of it. Keep yourselves caffeinated - it'll be a long one. I'll make sure my staff have plenty to eat throughout the process, we may be at it until the small hours of the morning. I'm not eager to let the situation deterioriate and I don't need to stress to you all just what's riding on this response.

We cannot let the caucus splinter apart on this, and I trust that we're all going to work hard to ensure that there is good behavior across the congressional Democratic Party. Furthermore, I'll be very explicit here and now that I will not allow this process to be hijacked to serve the political ambitions of Senator Dayton or Senator Murphy. Their fight is their fight but this battleground is off limits. Stopping another recession is more important.

Looking forward to seeing you all.

Sincerely yours,

The Hon. Caroline Simone
Speaker of the United States House of Representatives
US Representative for the 12th District of the State of New York

[Echo Chamber Thought Police]

FROM: [Speaker Caroline Simone]
TO: [Senate Democratic Caucus], [House Democratic Caucus]

Dear colleagues,

The economic precipice on which the country is teetering is considerable. President Wolf's economic mismanagement and ill-conceived saber-rattling with China has left us in a situation where major insurance brokers are leaving the people ostensibly in their care out in the cold, and large sectors of the US economy are under direct and material pressure to fold. Under no circumstaces do I intend to allow us to sleepwalk into another recession, and I think it is entirely possible that we can and should emerge from this crisis with renewed economic growth and stability.

Senator Volek and I have already begun discussions on some measures to be placed in an omnibus relief bill. Senator Westra's published plan has given us a roadmap for significant sections of that relief bill, and such, Senator Volek and I have decided that Senator Westra will lead on the omnibus legislation in the Senate, whilst Representative Kathleen Nez will lead on it in the House. It is imperative that we get an omnibus relief bill through the House as soon as possible so that we have a negotiating position from which to engage the White House and the Republican leadership in the Senate.

I will be frank with you that the final product, after those negotiations, will have been watered down. It will be frustrating, and will make us angry. But so long as we are getting material aid, in some form, to the people who need it, then we will be fulfilling our duties as public servants. We may have to accede to measures that we do not like, but it is more important that we try to avert the building economic meltdown than to score political points. You know full well that the media, both print and social, holds Democrats to a different standard than Republicans when it comes to partisanship. We cannot have our cake and eat it.

Messaging must be very clear - I do not intend to make this a partisan moment. We will enter negotiation on good faith, but we can and should be critical on areas where the Republicans are brazenly opposing relief. Clarity of messaging is also why we cannot and must not become distracted and try to send multiple conflicting bills without working with leadership. If you wish to contribute to the relief package, please attach your contributions in an email to my office and it will be discussed alongside other measures. Credit will be given where it is due.

Sincerely yours,

The Hon. Caroline Simone
Speaker of the United States House of Representatives
US Representative for the 12th District of the State of New York

FROM: [Speaker Caroline Simone]
TO: [Senator Karel Volek], [Senator Sean Kelly], [Senator Erika Goldman], [Senator Timothy Westra], [Representate Philip Crawford], [Representative Kathleen Nez]

Dear colleagues,

Let's have a meeting this Friday at 6pm. Clear our schedules, hammer out our omnibus rescue package or at least the broad thrust of it. Keep yourselves caffeinated - it'll be a long one. I'll make sure my staff have plenty to eat throughout the process, we may be at it until the small hours of the morning. I'm not eager to let the situation deterioriate and I don't need to stress to you all just what's riding on this response.

We cannot let the caucus splinter apart on this, and I trust that we're all going to work hard to ensure that there is good behavior across the congressional Democratic Party. Furthermore, I'll be very explicit here and now that I will not allow this process to be hijacked to serve the political ambitions of Senator Dayton or Senator Murphy. Their fight is their fight but this battleground is off limits. Stopping another recession is more important.

Looking forward to seeing you all.

Sincerely yours,

The Hon. Caroline Simone
Speaker of the United States House of Representatives
US Representative for the 12th District of the State of New York

From: Representative John Atang
To: Speaker Caroline Simone

My office has drafted and is prepared to be the primary sponsor of a temporary eviction ban as part of the omnibus package. I have attached the legislation below. I would very much like it to be included. If you have any issues with the legislation, please contact me. Also, I would like to be made aware if leadership intends to co-sponsor the attached legislation.

Yours Sincerely,
Congressman John Atang

Temporary Eviction Prohibition Act of 2020
TEPA Act
Sponsor (House): John Atang (D-NY)
Sponsor (Senate): Levi Murphy (D-MN)

Co-Sponsors (House): Fiona Lowell (D-WI), Ibrahim Simpson (D-CA)
Co-Sponsors (Senate): Jillian Dayton (D-VA)

AN ACT TO impose a temporary federal eviction ban; amend the US Code to provide for such eviction ban; lay down the terms and conditions of such an eviction ban; provide for the length of such an eviction ban; and for related purposes.

Section 1 - Amendment to US Code

1. In Title 15 of the US Code, the following shall be inserted as Section 9001, as part of Chapter 116 titled 'FEDERAL EVICTION PROHIBITION ACT';
   

   "

   During the 90-day period beginning on the enactment of this Act, the lessor of a covered dwelling may not:
   
   1. make, or cause to be made, any filing with the court of jurisdiction to initiate a legal action to recover possession of the covered dwelling from the tenant for nonpayment of rent or other fees or charges; or
   2. charge fees, penalties, or other charges to the tenant related to such nonpayment of rent; or
   3. require the tenant to vacate the covered dwelling unit before the date that is 30 days after the date on which the lessor provides the tenant with a notice to vacate; or
   4. issue a notice to vacate under subsection (c) until after the expiration of the 90-day period. "

Section 2 - Definitions
For the purposes of this act;

1. The term "lessor" shall mean any person who leases or lets a property to another, that another person being defined as a "tenant" for the purposes of this Act.
2. The term "covered dwelling" shall mean any dwelling that is occupied by a tenant, pursuant to a residential lease or otherwise, that is on or in a covered property ("covered property" meaning any property that participates in a covered housing program (as defined in section 12491(a) of title 34 of the US Code) or the rural housing voucher program under section 1490r of title 42 of the US Code, or that has a federally backed mortgage loan or federally backed multifamily mortgage loan).

Section 3 - Possibility of Extension of Period
Via Act of Congress with a majority vote, pursuant to Article I, Section 1 of the Constitution of the United States, Congress may extend the 90-day period provided for in Section 1 of this Act with regard to the prohibition of evictions, if and when it deems necessary.

Section 4 - Short Title
This Act shall be cited as the 'Temporary Eviction Prohibition Act of 2020.'

This bill is then honorably presented to the House of Representatives for consideration in order to secure the positive rights of tenants during a potential economic recession to improve the United States Law and is backed by Representative John Atang on March 22nd 2020.

Do Not Remove: 1337

[Alozia]

"That's... concerning. Is she just inactive or like actually missing, because maybe we should have someone check that out... And bite the bullet and take the job instead of her."

"I mean, I'm assuming she hasn't been abducted or anything but she's severely inactive. The DNC should be up to a war footing by now and she's just not doing it. Yes, I think it's time for a new DNC Chair. But who wants such a thankless job?"

"I might ask around." Anne checked her watch. "I'm afraid it's time for us. It's been lovely to reconnect Carrie, we should talk more."

[Gordano and Lysandus]

"I might ask around." Anne checked her watch. "I'm afraid it's time for us. It's been lovely to reconnect Carrie, we should talk more."

"We should, yes. Good luck with all this campaigning. I'll lean on Jillian if she wins the nomination to see about getting you a nice position. You deserve it." Standing up, Caroline goes to walk with them to the door. "And it was so good to meet you, Jimmy."

[Dentali]

Senator Gardner
@SenatorGardner

I am joining President Tawney in his call for a payroll tax holiday and I hope Democrats in the House realize what an urgent priority this is.

[Democratic Peoples republic of Kelvinsi]

Birmingham, Alabama

Baharia took a quick flight down South to Alabama to meet a certain Senator Gordon Callahan. He was not quite sure what the Alabama Senator wanted, as frankly the State thinks that he was a Ugandan-born Muslim far-left Marxist radical. Arriving at Callahan's campaign HQ, Baharia saw Callahan's staff lit up as they recognized him immediately. Walking up to the receptionist he checked in to confirm the appointment before going into Callahan's relatively humble office.

[Sanabel]

Birmingham, Alabama

Baharia took a quick flight down South to Alabama to meet a certain Senator Gordon Callahan. He was not quite sure what the Alabama Senator wanted, as frankly the State thinks that he was a Ugandan-born Muslim far-left Marxist radical. Arriving at Callahan's campaign HQ, Baharia saw Callahan's staff lit up as they recognized him immediately. Walking up to the receptionist he checked in to confirm the appointment before going into Callahan's relatively humble office.

“Hello Mr. President, sir, it’s an honor to meet you again,” Callahan said warmly in his southern drawl.

“Welcome to Alabama. I trust your flight down and drive over went smoothly.”

[Democratic Peoples republic of Kelvinsi]

Birmingham, Alabama

Baharia took a quick flight down South to Alabama to meet a certain Senator Gordon Callahan. He was not quite sure what the Alabama Senator wanted, as frankly the State thinks that he was a Ugandan-born Muslim far-left Marxist radical. Arriving at Callahan's campaign HQ, Baharia saw Callahan's staff lit up as they recognized him immediately. Walking up to the receptionist he checked in to confirm the appointment before going into Callahan's relatively humble office.

“Hello Mr. President, sir, it’s an honor to meet you again,” Callahan said warmly in his southern drawl.

“Welcome to Alabama. I trust your flight down and drive over went smoothly.”

Baharia smiled at the man. "Senator Callahan, the electoral mastermind, winning in the State of Alabama with a D next to their name. My flight went quite well. So why did you ask for this meeting?"

[Sanabel]

“Hello Mr. President, sir, it’s an honor to meet you again,” Callahan said warmly in his southern drawl.

“Welcome to Alabama. I trust your flight down and drive over went smoothly.”

Baharia smiled at the man. "Senator Callahan, the electoral mastermind, winning in the State of Alabama with a D next to their name. My flight went quite well. So why did you ask for this meeting?"

“Well,” he said with a grin, “I don’t know how much genius it took, I’d say it was more dumb luck than anything else.”

He paused.

“With all due respect sir, I don’t want your endorsement. Frankly, that’s not why I asked for this meeting. I actually wanted to take the chance to talk to you about the current primary.”

[Echo Chamber Thought Police]

John Atang @JohnAtangNY3 'Welfare queens' are a right wing myth.

[Greater Arab State]

Thomas Volker
@RepresentativeVolker
The House Republican Conference is fully in support of President Tawney’s executive order deferring payroll tax and as such I am now working on a bill that will extend the deferrals to three months. I hope my colleagues across the aisle in the House will support this legislation when it is put to the House floor and mitigate the impact of the current fiscal downturn.

[Democratic Peoples republic of Kelvinsi]

Baharia smiled at the man. "Senator Callahan, the electoral mastermind, winning in the State of Alabama with a D next to their name. My flight went quite well. So why did you ask for this meeting?"

“Well,” he said with a grin, “I don’t know how much genius it took, I’d say it was more dumb luck than anything else.”

He paused.

“With all due respect sir, I don’t want your endorsement. Frankly, that’s not why I asked for this meeting. I actually wanted to take the chance to talk to you about the current primary.”

"Don't short sell yourself, Callahan. I am not offended at all that you don't want my endorsement, you are running in Alabama after all. So what about the primary do you want to talk about?"