Republican Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie said Friday he will force a quorum vote on the $2 trillion coronavirus package after pushing back against many parts of the legislation.
“Pelosi and McCarthy are going to deny the recorded vote and then drag everyone in here to show there is a quorum,” Massie reportedly said in a text message from the floor. “And they’re trying to say it’s unsafe and I am causing it,” he continued, “but all they have to do is allow the recorded vote.”
If there is a quorum present, Massie can raise a point of order and ask if there’s a quorum. Then he can ask for yeas and nays, which would need 1/5th of those present. (RELATED: Trump Unloads On Republican Congressman Forcing Delay In Passing Coronavirus Relief)
(1/11)I swore an oath to uphold the constitution, and I take that oath seriously.
In a few moments I will request a vote on the CARES Act which means members of Congress will vote on it by pushing “yes” or “no” or “present.”
— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) March 27, 2020
(3/11) pilots, grocery clerks, cooks/chefs, delivery drivers, auto mechanics, and janitors (to name just a few). Is it too much to ask that the House do its job, just like the Senate did?
— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) March 27, 2020
(5/11) This bill should have been voted on much sooner in both the Senate and House and it shouldn’t be stuffed full of Nancy Pelosi’s pork- including $25 million for the Kennedy Center, grants for the National Endowment for the Humanities and Arts, and millions more
— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) March 27, 2020
(8/11) This bill creates even more secrecy around a Federal Reserve that still refuses to be audited. It allows the Federal Reserve to make decisions about who gets what, how much money we’ll print. With no transparency.
— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) March 27, 2020
(10/11) This stimulus should go straight to the people rather than being funneled through banks and corporations like this bill is doing.
— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) March 27, 2020
President Donald Trump blasted Massie for opposing the relief bill.
“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 cant stop it, only delay, which is both dangerous & costly,” Trump said in two tweets Friday.
“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!,” Trump continued.
The Senate passed the $2 trillion spending measure Wednesday night in a 96-0 vote.