Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA) is well-known for his one-liners and wisecracks and he did not disappoint on Monday when he was expressing his disappointment after Senate Democrats defeated a Sunday cloture vote for the Wuhan coronavirus relief bill.
As Guy Benson reported earlier, both Senate Minority Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) were demanded for unprecedented collective bargaining powers for unions, increased fuel emissions standards for airlines, and expansion of wind and solar tax credits to be tacked onto the bill. In other words, they were using a national emergency to push for Democratic wishlist proposals.
"Do you know what the American people are thinking right now? They’re thinking that the brain is an amazing organ. It starts working in a mother’s womb, and it doesn’t stop working until you get elected to Congress," Kennedy quipped. "Do you know what the American people are thinking right now, Mr. President? They’re thinking that this country was founded by geniuses, but it’s being run by a bunch of idiots. Do you know what the American people are thinking right now, Mr. President? They’re thinking why do the members of the United States Senate continue to double down on stupid?"
Kennedy then said it is untrue for Democrats to now say the relief bill is just a product from Republicans. Indeed, up until now, Democrats had described the bill as being bipartisan.
"Now, this is not a Republican bill, Mr. Chairman. This is a bipartisan bill. We have spent hours and hours and hours negotiating these provisions with our democratic friends. This is not a slush fund. This is a bill to help people and businesses in America. This bill is going to increase unemployment insurance. This bill is going to send $1,200 to every man and woman in America, taxpayers who make less than $75,000 a year and $500 for each of their children," Kennedy explained.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell likewise blasted Democrats for playing political games during a crisis.
"I’d like to see Senate Democrats tell New York City doctors and nurses, who are literally overrun as we speak, that they’re filibustering hospital funding and more masks because they want to argue with the airlines over their carbon footprint? I’d like to see Senate Democrats tell small business employees in their states who are literally being laid off every day that they’re filibustering relief that will keep people on the payroll because Democrats’ special interest friends want to squeeze employers while they’re vulnerable."