On a call with reporters, Ohio Republican @senrobportman is asked by @lizskalka about @realDonaldTrump’s comment that a president’s “authority is total.”

“Well, I’m not quite sure what he meant," Portman said.

He added that he didn’t see that part of the briefing.

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More from @senrobportman:

“It’s the states, primarily, that made the decision what would be shut down and when.”

“I would imagine the state’s going to play the key role in reopening as well.”

More from @senrobportman:

“I don’t think, frankly, any governmental body or elected official is going to determine this. I think the people are going to determine it.”

He said, as an example, that parents will ultimately decide when it’s safe for kids to return to school.

More from @senrobportman:

“I think the key here is not so much elected officials choosing a date, as providing the criteria for people to know it’s safe.”

More from @senrobportman:

“I think it’s going to have to be based on science and based on people hearing directly from health care professionals that we’re now making progress and it’s OK to re-engage”

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