You Will Anyway

Democrats in the House of Representatives have narrowly approved a $3 trillion bill to address the devastating economic blow from the coronavirus pandemic in the United States, the world's hardest-hit country.

The measure passed the House on Friday in a 208-199 vote, but Republican leaders have pledged to block it in the Senate.

  alJazeera

Of course they will. Might not help their prospects in November.

President Donald Trump, a Republican, has also promised a veto if it were to reach his desk.

Or his.

The enormous plan, which was opposed by 14 Democrats and approved by one Republican, would cost more than the prior four coronavirus bills combined.

It would deliver almost $1 trillion for state and local governments, another round of $1,200 direct payments to individuals and help for the unemployed, renters and homeowners, college debt holders and the struggling Postal Service.

Everything that should have been done in the first round.

Steve Scalise, a top Republican, urged the House to defeat the huge bill, calling it a "socialist giveaway" and blaming China, where the coronavirus emerged late last year, for the suffering brought by the pandemic.

Does Steve think we can get China to pay for the damages?

Since March, Congress and the Trump administration have collaborated on four coronavirus bills, passing them with overwhelming bipartisan support.

This fifth bill, however, failed to attract Republican backing in the House except for Representative Peter King of New York, an epicentre of the coronavirus outbreak.

Wouldn't have pegged Peter King for a yes vote. I guess that's just how bad this is in New York.

Republican Party leaders say they want to assess how $3 trillion approved earlier is working and see if some states' partial business reopenings would spark an economic revival that would ease the need for more safety net programmes.

Or just make matters worse, more likely.

Republicans are also sorting through internal divisions and awaiting stronger signals from Trump about what he will support.

Sycophants. They do still have the power to overturn a veto.

To enhance the bill's political effect, Democrats named their measure "The Heroes Act" for the payments it would provide front-line emergency workers.

[...]

Earlier on Friday, the House also approved a change in its rules to allow members to temporarily cast their votes by proxy during the crisis if Pelosi deems it necessary.

The Democratic initiative, which was opposed by Republicans, marked an historic shift for Congress, which had never before allowed legislators to cast votes from anywhere but the House chamber.

[...]

Friday's votes brought about 400 House members back to Washington for only the third time since late March.

The session was governed by physical distancing and other protective measures so the House does not become a breeding ground for the illness it is trying to contain. Many House members wore masks and some donned surgical gloves.

Republicans have turned into the party of death.

...but hey, do what you want...you will anyway.