Let’s not bury the lede. The largest stimulus bill in American history was passed by the Senate, then the House, and signed by President Donald Trump today.
It was an honor to join @POTUS at the White House today for the signing of the CARES Act.
The American people needed this rescue package. They needed it quickly. And the Senate delivered, 96-0. It's a proud moment for our country. pic.twitter.com/jk33y5D5lg
— Leader McConnell (@senatemajldr) March 27, 2020
Now for the rocky road to get here. America is in a freefall from the spread of the deadly novel coronavirus called COVID-19. Surely every elected official will jump in to craft a plan for recovery!
Not quite. But Mitch McConnell, Chuck Schumer, and Nancy Pelosi would have to steamroll one grandstanding Kentucky pol before getting the deal across the finish line.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell joined me on 840WHAS after prevailing in a raucous negotiation with Democrats and some debt damning Republicans to pass the biggest economic stimulus package in American history. The COVID-19 pandemic trashed the U.S. economy when businesses were forced into quarantine.
Jobless numbers skyrocketed. Millions of Americans practiced social distancing, staying home to watch Netflix and remain sequestered with immediate family.
The money bomb that McConnell and the U.S. Senate ultimately passed on a 96-0 unanimous vote starts an expected slow recovery for the paralyzed global economy.
📲 The logjam is over. Money is on the way. I asked @senatemajldr Mitch McConnell how the #CARESAct agreement was reached after a turbulent week of negotiations. And will there be a 2nd stimulus? #StimulusPackage2020 #economy #joblessclaims @840WHAS audio https://t.co/muU15jNacm pic.twitter.com/HFXxBUCv8C
— Terry Meiners (@terrymeiners) March 26, 2020
While McConnell was celebrating his victory, a different Kentucky Republican quickly became a turd in the punch bowl.
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……
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 27, 2020
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was able to overrun Massie’s quest for fame so Americans making less than $98,000 annually will receive stimulus checks within the next few weeks.
Are they afraid of the truth? I’ve been told that they don’t even have 1 minute available for me to speak against this bill during the 4 hour debate. The fix is in. If this bill is so great for America, why not allow a vote on it? Why not have a real debate? #SWAMP
— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) March 27, 2020
Breaking news: Congressman Massie has tested positive for being an asshole. He must be quarantined to prevent the spread of his massive stupidity. He's given new meaning to the term #Masshole. (Finally, something the president and I can agree on!) https://t.co/N1CNLPsZjc
— John Kerry (@JohnKerry) March 27, 2020
Sorry, Tommy Boy. Nancy Pelosi got the job done without dragging everyone back into a chamber with a pandemic spreading among congregating humans.
Members of Congress are coming together following the passage of the bipartisan #CARESAct, a families & workers-first relief package. With my signature, this legislation heads to the President’s desk. #FamiliesFirst https://t.co/XzVQB96i0e
— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) March 27, 2020
And the finishing touch. Thomas Massie was not invited to the signing ceremony.
NOW: Trump signed $2 trillion coronavirus stimulus, the largest relief package in American history.
More: https://t.co/E4U9WYwEwE
— Anders Hagstrom (@Hagstrom_Anders) March 27, 2020
from CNN.com