President Donald Trump has called for Kentucky representative Thomas Massie to be thrown out of the Republican Party for threatening to delay the $2 trillion coronavirus stimulus package.
Mr Massie is believed to be planning to scuttle a fast track ‘voice vote’ in the US House of Representatives — where members call out either “aye” or “nay” — by calling for an in-person recorded vote.
House leadership have reportedly tried all manner of persuasion to convince him not to go ahead with his plans.
President Trump took to Twitter on Friday morning to add pressure on Mr Massie: ”Looks like a third rate Grandstander named @RepThomasMassie, a Congressman from, unfortunately, a truly GREAT State, Kentucky, wants to vote against the new Save Our Workers Bill in Congress. He just wants the publicity. He can’t stop it, only delay, which is both dangerous…”
“…& costly. Workers & small businesses need money now in order to survive. Virus wasn’t their fault. It is “HELL” dealing with the Dems, had to give up some stupid things in order to get the “big picture” done. 90% GREAT! WIN BACK HOUSE, but throw Massie out of Republican Party!”
At the very least, Mr Massie’s threat has had furious lawmakers racing back to Washington for Friday’s vote. Not only are they angry at a possible delay to the bill, but that they are all risking infection as they travel and gather in the House.
Representative Peter King tweeted: “Heading to Washington to vote on pandemic legislation. Because of one Member of Congress refusing to allow emergency action entire Congress must be called back to vote in House. Risk of infection and risk of legislation being delayed. Disgraceful. Irresponsible.”
The 880-page coronavirus stimulus package is the largest economic relief bill in the history of the US. The unanimous passage of the bill by the Senate came despite concerns from both parties as to whether it involved too much spending, or not enough.
The stimulus package includes provisions to make payments directly to Americans; expand unemployment benefits; provide money for hospitals; give financial assistance for small businesses, and $500 billion in loans for larger companies.
Floor debate in the House began just after 9am, and a possible voice vote could take place at noon Friday.
