The House on Friday debated a $ 2 trillion coronavirus stimulus package to help the U.S. economy cope with the pandemic, and while the chamber is expected to pass the massive bill it may be through a slower voting process because of a Republican congressman’s objections.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Thursday predicted passage in a voice vote with “strong bipartisan” support, but GOP Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky has indicated he may call for a roll-call vote. Massie has said he objects to the huge package due to how much it adds to the national debt, and he has said he could support it if the legislation were just about helping people get more unemployment benefits.
This possibility has led lawmakers to return to Washington, D.C., in case a roll-call vote is needed. The package is still expected to get the Democratic-led House’s approval, but the process could take more time on Friday than initially anticipated.
Many other lawmakers and President Donald Trump were criticizing Massie, a libertarian-leaning conservative who has been called “Mr. No.” Massie is known for moves such as providing the lone vote against a recent Hong Kong human rights bill.
Trump tweeted that the congressman is “a third rate Grandstander” who can’t stop the package but only delay it. The president said that would be dangerous and costly, and he suggested Massie should be thrown out of the Republican Party.
The action in Congress on Friday follows news that the U.S. has become the country with the highest number of COVID-19 cases. It also comes after a record 3.28 million Americans applied for unemployment benefits last week due to the outbreak.
The House was slated to have about three hours of debate, and lawmakers began making remarks shortly after 9 a.m. Eastern Time. A parade of Democrats and Republicans were stepping to the podium to speak in favor of the bill.
“This legislation represents a bipartisan resolve to meet the coronavirus challenge head on,” said House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, the Maryland Democrat, in a speech on the House floor. Many lawmakers said in their remarks Friday that the package had flaws, but the House must pass it. “The bill we are voting on today is a crucial step,” said GOP Rep. Liz Cheney of Wyoming.
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And see: More U.S. lawmakers back remote voting in coronavirus crisis
The House’s sergeant at arms warned lawmakers and their staff in a letter Thursday to “maintain 6-foot social distance spacing as much as practicable” to fight against the pandemic. “In the event of a recorded vote, Members will be notified. At such time, voting will be done alphabetically in groups of 30 Members over an extended period of time,” the letter also said.
Republican Rep. Pete King of New York tweeted that there was “risk of infection and risk of legislation being delayed” because of “one Member of Congress refusing to allow emergency action.” King said it was “disgraceful” and “irresponsible.”
U.S. stocks DJIA, -3.48% SPX, -3.06% were down Friday and have been hammered this month by coronavirus-related worries, though Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday brought gains that analysts pinned on stimulus hopes. The Republican-led Senate unanimously passed the stimulus package late Wednesday, and Trump is expected to sign it into law quickly once the House acts.
