'Let Pelosi Pass It On Her Own': GOP Lawmaker Vows To Block COVID-19 Aid Package For Small Businesses
Republican Congressman Thomas Massie, of Kentucky, has threatened to halt a quick passage of a coronavirus bill aimed at helping small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Massie on Wednesday vowed to oppose any attempt to pass new funding for small business loans through the House by unanimous consent or voice vote, according to CNN. His threat follows his previous objection to quick passage of a $2 trillion Covid-19 stimulus deal.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) spoke with lawmakers on a conference call Wednesday afternoon and told them that congressional leaders were aiming to pass any deal struck with Republicans by unanimous consent or voice vote.
Massie objected to the plan.
"Once again they're recommending that just let Nancy Pelosi pass it on her own, that we can all stay home," he said during an interview on Fox Business Wednesday afternoon. "And I'm saying that's not going to fly. It doesn't fly with the Constitution, it doesn't fly with accountability to the taxpayers."
As noted by the news network, Massie previously attempted to force a full House vote on the $2.2 trillion CARES Act at the end of March, prompting hundreds of unhappy lawmakers to travel across the country in the middle of a pandemic to block his effort.
His stunt drew ire from both Democrats and Republicans for pushing for a full vote, even eliciting a derogatory tweet from President Donald Trump.
Massie argued the House should institute a remote voting system so members can avoid travel and vote on legislation.
Yup, Massie appears to be demanding to have the ability to be a "remote" congressman, so he can be paid for being home, doing absolutely nothing.
Pelosi has repeatedly shot down the concept.
"Let's not waste too much time on something that's not going to happen," she said of remote voting on a call with reporters, according to CNN.
In this article:coronavirus stimulus, republicans, Thomas Massie