A House Republican will block immediate passage of a $2.2 trillion coronavirus relief package on Friday by requesting a roll-call vote on the measure, defying leadership in both parties and President Trump.
Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky opposes the spending relief package, which he has deemed too costly and wasteful. He returned to Washington, D.C., to ensure lawmakers register their support or opposition through a roll-call vote.
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“This stimulus should go straight to the people rather than being funneled through banks and corporations like this bill is doing,” Massie said on Twitter Friday, announcing his plan to request a recorded vote.
The House is expected to pass the measure, although it is not clear how many lawmakers are in the Capitol to vote electronically in the House chamber. Many avoided returning to Capitol Hill because of the threat of spreading the coronavirus. Some could not find a flight now that the airlines have canceled many routes due to the economic slowdown.
A quorum technically required to pass legislation is currently 216 lawmakers, but it would only be required if a lawmaker insists on calling one.
House officials on Thursday put plans in place in the event of a roll-call vote to ensure social distancing guidelines.
Lawmakers have been divided into 15 groups that will be summoned at different times to avoid overcrowding the chamber. During a typical roll-call vote, the chamber is packed with members and staff.
Massie, who is described as a libertarian, said the bill is “not a good deal” and, when coupled with the $4 trillion in additional federal lending capacity, equates to providing $17,000 for every citizen.
Trump, who is eager to sign the economic relief package, bashed Massie on Twitter ahead of the vote, calling him “a third-rate grandstander.”
Massie has in the past insisted on roll-call votes for big spending packages and so have other House fiscal conservatives, including Rep. Chip Roy of Texas. Roy, who was not able to make it to Washington on Friday, defended Massie on Twitter.
“@RepThomasMassie is one of the most principled men in Congress & loves his country. He is defending the Constitution today by requiring a quorum. There’s nothing 3rd rate about that, @realDonaldTrump. I may miss vote if he forces roll call (flights) but it will pass. Back off,” he said.
