Topic: Wilbur Ross

The economic consequences of the coronavirus outbreak manifest as major corporations like Starbucks, Toyota, and Google close Chinese operations. Air Canada and other airlines suspend flights, disrupting global supply chains and the lobster industry in Vancouver. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross suggests the outbreak could benefit the U.S. by bringing manufacturing back from China.

The House of Representatives voted 332 to 95 to table Al Green's impeachment resolution, with over half of Democrats joining Republicans. Meanwhile, Attorney General William Barr and Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross were voted in criminal contempt of Congress over the 2020 census citizenship question. Nancy Pelosi emphasized that the House will continue its committee investigations rather than pursuing immediate impeachment.

The House Oversight Committee voted to hold Attorney General William Barr and Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross in contempt over documents related to the 2020 Census citizenship question. President Trump defended the question, arguing it is "ridiculous" not to ask about citizenship status. The Supreme Court is expected to rule on the legality of including the question, which critics say will discourage immigrant participation.

Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross was widely ridiculed by media outlets like CNN and "Democracy Now!" for suggesting that furloughed federal workers take out bridge loans. Critics labeled Ross an "elitist rich prick" for his comments. However, Ross argued that because back pay was guaranteed by the government, banks and credit unions should provide liquidity to workers to prevent a financial crisis.

In his full CNBC interview, Wilbur Ross clarified that many credit unions were already offering low-interest or zero-interest bridge loans to their members. He argued that there was no valid reason for a "liquidity crisis" among federal workers if the private sector stepped up. The hosts point out that mainstream media outlets omitted these details to maintain a narrative of Ross being out of touch.

iHeartRadio faces potential bankruptcy after missing a $100 million payment, with Sirius XM emerging as a potential buyer. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross defends the new tariffs on CNBC, while Senator Ben Sasse dismisses them as "kooky 18th-century protectionism." The hosts conclude the show with final thoughts on the Oscars and a musical montage.

Details regarding the gunman James Hodgkinson and his inquiry about the political affiliation of the baseball players are examined. The New York Times is criticized for a previous article that detailed the specific security habits and locations of Capitol Police during morning practices. The segment questions the safety implications of publishing such specific logistical information about government officials.

Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross announced a criminal plea agreement involving ZTE Corporation for violating U.S. trade restrictions with Iran. The Chinese telecommunications giant agreed to pay a combined criminal and civil penalty of $1.19 billion. The hosts compare the aggressive prosecution of the Chinese firm to the lack of criminal charges against American bankers following the 2008 financial crisis.