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Wednesday on CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” Sen. Pat Toomey (R-PA) discussed why he is “strongly opposed” to increase the coronavirus stimulus checks to individuals from $600 to $2,000. Congress initially agreed on a $600 payout, but President Donald Trump has been fighting for the checks to be $2,000. Toomey said the economy “is in such a completely different place today” than in March when the CARES Act sent out $1,200 to individuals was passed. He noted that there was “33 percent economic growth in the third quarter,” so it is “not the same situation” as it was in the early stages...

The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Wednesday shows that 24% of the nation's voters Strongly Approve of the way that Barack Obama is performing his role as president. Forty-four percent (44%) Strongly Disapprove, giving Obama a Presidential Approval Index rating of -20 (see trends). Forty-eight percent (48%) of Democrats Strongly Approve while 75% of Republicans Strongly Disapprove. Among those not affiliated with either major party, 12% Strongly Approve and 52% Strongly Disapprove.

ABC News' Sunlen Miller Reports: On the first day of National Preparedness Month, President Obama cautioned that people “not be alarmed” but be prepared” for the second wave of the H1N1 virus this fall and gave a brief update on the administration’s efforts. “We know that we usually get a second, larger wave of these flu viruses in the fall, and so response plans have been put in place across all levels of government,” Mr. Obama said from the Rose Garden this afternoon, “Our plans and decisions are based on the best scientific information available, and as the situation changes,...

"I do want everyone to be prepared," Obama said President Barack Obama said the swine flu vaccine is voluntary but the government will "strongly recommend" that citizens get it. "I don't want anybody to be alarmed, but I do want everyone to be prepared," Obama said. Obama spoke after he was briefed on the nation's preparation for swine flu by officials that included Health and Human Service Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and Homeland Security Janet Napolitano. A vaccine is currently being developed and will likely be available by October. A new report from the White House sho