U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie, a Republican congressman from Kentucky, tried unsuccessfully to stop the U.S. House from passing a bipartisan, $2.2 trillion coronavirus relief package Friday.
Massie earned the ire of President Donald Trump, many members of Congress and millions of Americans and businesses waiting on desperately needed financial relief caused by the global pandemic.
»MORE: U.S. House passes historic $2.2 trillion rescue bill on Friday
The House kicked off debate Friday on a $2.2 trillion package to ease the coronavirus pandemic’s devastating toll on the U.S. economy and health care system, even as Massie, described as a “maverick conservative,” threatened to delay passage until most lawmakers return to Washington for a vote.
That left many angry lawmakers scrambling to return to the nation’s capital during a pandemic in which Americans have been urged to self-quarantine or keep their distance from one another.
Trump vented his anger as well, on Twitter. Shortly after the House opened, Trump called Massie “a third rate Grandstander” who “just wants publicity.”
»COMPLETE COVERAGE: CORONAVIRUS
Massie, who is opposed to the massive bill, set the House on edge by threatening to try to force a roll call vote. Party leaders are hoping to pass the measure by voice vote without lawmakers having to take the risk of traveling to Washington.
Massie used Twitter to suggest he’d require a quorum of lawmakers — some 216 — to be present and voting. Massie didn’t respond to a reporter’s requests for comment.
After the House vote, Massie called for a voice vote and then a quorum vote, both attempts to delay the bill’s passage. Massie’s motion to call for a voice vote failed, and the House confirmed there was a quorum present.
Numerous high-ranking Republicans have called Massie in an attempt to persuade him to let the voice vote proceed, according to a top House GOP aide. They included House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-California, and Rep. Mark Meadows, R-North Carolina, whom Trump has chosen as his new chief of staff.
If those efforts fail and a roll call is needed, Republicans believe they will have more than 100 of their members back at the Capitol, according to the aide, who spoke on condition of anonymity to describe private conversations.
Democratic leaders urged lawmakers who are “willing and able” to come to the Capitol to do so.
Massie’s move infuriated lawmakers, forcing many to trek to Washington for a vote they’re not even sure will occur. If a quorum can’t assemble Friday, more members would have to travel for a Saturday session.
South Dakota GOP Rep. Dusty Johnson posted a selfie of himself and three other lawmakers from the upper Midwest traveling to Washington on an otherwise-empty plane.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
About the Author
