At least seven U.S. House members from Georgia caught flights to D.C. to help ensure the $2.2 trillion coronavirus stimulus bill passed today.
U.S. Reps. Buddy Carter, Jody Hice, Doug Collins, Barry Loudermilk, Rick Allen, Hank Johnson and Rob Woodall all reported that they traveled to Washington for the vote after a single colleague objected to a plan to allow the measure to pass in a way that didn’t require members to be present.
Carter, R-Pooler, spoke during a two-hour debate period prior to the bill’s passage. He said it wasn’t a perfect piece of legislation but an important step to ensure that businesses and families are protected even as the country continues to deal with the spread and impact of COVID-19.
“For the past two weeks, I’ve been at home in the First District of Georgia visiting with individuals, with small business owners,” Carter said. “I’ve seen something I’ve never seen before: I’ve seen people who are concerned. Concerned about their health, concerned about their future.”
At least half of the U.S. House members needed to be in place for today’s vote after U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Kentucky, raised objections that required a quorum to be established.
In order to implement social distancing while ensuring enough members were present, representatives sat with empty seats in between them in the House Chamber and the gallery above that is usually where visitors sit.
The U.S. Capitol is currently closed to outsiders as part of the national effort to contain the coronavirus.
With a quorum present, the bill passed after a voice vote. This was important to House leaders from both parties because a roll call vote would mean that any members not present would have been recorded as “absent” on this high-profile bill. Some members were not able to secure travel to Washington in short notice or are dealing with the impact of the virus themselves.
That includes U.S. Rep. Drew Ferguson, R-West Point. He could not travel because he is on the last day of a self-quarantine after coming in contact with another U.S. House member who tested positive for the coronavirus.
Read more: House passes historic, $2.2 trillion coronavirus relief bill
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