House passes $2 trillion coronavirus package that includes checks for Americans, bill now goes to President Trump for approval
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump urged automakers General Motors and Ford to begin manufacturing ventilators, critical medical equipment needed to treat COVID-19 patients, and mentioned invoking the Defense Production Act to compel those companies to begin mass production.
The president has faced mounting criticism from state and local officials for not formally enforcing the DPA to compel companies to expedite the production of medical supplies amid a widespread shortage of equipment across the country. The House had planned to approve the measure by voice vote, meaning it would pass with present members calling out either"aye" or"nay,” a method that did not require a majority. Leaders wanted lawmakers to stay home due to concerns that having them travel could further spread the virus within Congress. Already, two House lawmakers have tested positive for the virus and more than two dozen have gone into quarantine over the last several weeks.
After calling on the GOP to retake the House in November, Trump added, "but throw Massie out of the Republican Party!"Trump said Massie was"empowering the Radical Left Democrats" and declared:"He is a disaster for America, and for the Great State of Kentucky!" Several lawmakers lambasted Massie for forcing them back to Washington. But at least one, Texas Republican Rep. Chip Roy, defended Massie and told Trump to"back off."
In spite of this guidance, several members representing parts of New York City were spotted on the House floor or traveled to Washington to vote. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer said they would be holding an"unusual but critical session" as the House members took their own steps to avoid the virus. The House hoped to approve the package while keeping its hundreds of members home due to concerns about further spreading the virus. Already, two House lawmakers have tested positive for COVID-19.But several lawmakers have voiced some opposition to the bill and allowing it to sail through without a full vote. One in particular, Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., has specifically threatened to ask for a recorded vote.
“Heading to Washington to vote on pandemic legislation. Because of one Member of Congress refusing to allow emergency action entire Congress must be called back to vote in House,” he wrote on Twitter. “Risk of infection and risk of legislation being delayed.”Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer responded to President Donald Trump after the president seemed to forget the Democrat's name while discussing the coronavirus response.
China President Xi Jinping, angry that President Donald Trump has used the phrase"China virus" to describe the coronavirus pandemic, urged Trump to do more to improve relations between the world's biggest trading partners, Chinese state media reported Friday.
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