Believe me, these ten minutes are worth your time. Here's Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY) absolutely ripping House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and the Democrats for sneaking in a laundry list of progressive, environmental provisions into the CARES Act, the third phase of Congress's coronavirus response intended to provide aid, relief, and economic security for individuals and businesses during this unpredictable era.
Barrasso kicked off his remarks by condemning "the demands by the Democrats to muck up a bill that is designed as a rescue operation for the American people."
He next identified the culprit.
"Nancy Pelosi flew back from California to throw a monkey wrench into the works," he said.
.@SenJohnBarrasso on fire over the Democrats packing relief bill with socialist wishlist.
— Tim Murtaugh - Text TRUMP to 88022 (@TimMurtaugh) March 24, 2020
Americans need help and Democrats want to sneak in:
* PBS funding
* Climate change studies
* Emissions requirements on airlines
* Racial stats for corporations
pic.twitter.com/YEAqptyuVa
Included in Pelosi's extremist wish list is cash credit for solar panels, wind turbines, and other items that would make Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) proud.
"We're here trying to fight for the man and woman in the street in our hometowns and yet they're fighting for the Green New Deal," Barrasso said, striking the podium while he spoke.
The Democrats' offering also included collective bargaining and election reform.
"Where does that fit in to a bill to rescue the American people who right now find themselves in the throes of a disease that may kill them and an economy that may be shut down?" Barrasso said. "That's why the Democrats aren't on this floor because what they are doing cannot be defended."
Some of these topics are worthy of debate, the senator noted. But that litigation should be saved for another day. There are people who need the help now. Patients who need respirators, health care workers who need more resources, small business owners who don't know how they're going to make payroll.
The Democrats haven't just voted down the bill, they voted down the motion to proceed on the bill. That's why GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy doesn't give Democrats the benefit of the doubt.
The partisanship on Capitol Hill has unleashed the temper of lawmakers we typically never see lose their cool. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) got visibly red in the face after the Democrats voted down cloture for the first time. Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) called her colleagues' action "unbelievable." The only other time Sen. Collins has gotten so irate was when she was ruthlessly accosted by liberals for voting for then-Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh.
President Trump implored Congress to stop bickering and act.
Our people want to return to work. They will practice Social Distancing and all else, and Seniors will be watched over protectively & lovingly. We can do two things together. THE CURE CANNOT BE WORSE (by far) THAN THE PROBLEM! Congress MUST ACT NOW. We will come back strong!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 24, 2020
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