Well, Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) is probably the most hated man in Washington D.C. right now. He threatened to derail passage of the Wuhan coronavirus relief bill that sailed through the Senate on a 96-0 vote. It’s a $2 trillion package that admittedly has some bad stuff in it, but American businesses and workers need relief as the nation fights this Wuhan coronavirus outbreak that’s infected over 85,000 people and killed at least 1,200. States have adopted severe measures to stop the spread, instituting bans of mass gatherings of more than 10 people, closing non-essential businesses for a least a month or more, and shuttering the schools. The markets have tanked. It was imperative that the government compile this rescue package to help workers, stabilize the markets, and ensure that the flow of credit remains unrestricted.
Yet, Massie threatened to gum up the works unless there was a recorded vote, which would have put the entire House at risk of exposure to this disease. D.C., Virginia, and Maryland are virtually on lockdown, with the District recently shuttering non-essential businesses until the end of April. Massie’s antics forced scores of lawmakers to fly back in case he succeeded in his effort. This move had some calling for Massie to be expelled from the House.
Massie asks for recorded vote. But not enough people rose to be counted. That blocked Massie. House passes bill without a roll call vote
— Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) March 27, 2020
Here’s the irony of the Massie situation. He’s blasting the Republicans and Dems for not following the rules by holding a vote.
— Jake Sherman (@JakeSherman) March 27, 2020
But the rule ALSO state that they dont have to give him a vote if they have a quorum and he doesnt have a sufficient second.
After all this, Thomas Massie's challenge lasted 43 seconds before he was shot down. https://t.co/n833kMR7oc
— Siraj Hashmi (@SirajAHashmi) March 27, 2020
I think it's safe to say the entire country would like to see Thomas Massie kicked out of Congress right now.
— Josh Jordan (@NumbersMuncher) March 27, 2020
Dude has no chance to block the coronavirus stimulus bill, yet he is making Congress travel to DC, putting themselves and others at risk.
Massie is a garbage person.
Wow!
— Paul Kane (@pkcapitol) March 27, 2020
Members are now taking up spots in the public gallery above the actual House floor.
Staff are opening more doors for more members to go to the gallery above.
Looks as if they’ll socially distance that way. And establish a quorum, defeating Massie.
There is only one thing capable of uniting Trump, Dems & House GOP leaders: hatred of #KY04 Rep. Thomas Massie (R).
— Dave Wasserman (@Redistrict) March 27, 2020
Accomplishing nothing while finding a way to make everyone hate him proves Massie is a true libertarian
— Comfortably Smug (@ComfortablySmug) March 27, 2020
Massie on no roll call vote for coronavirus bill: They had enough people there to pass the bill, but they still refuse to have a recorded vote, and they told me they were trying to protect members.
— Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) March 27, 2020
It. is. so. hard. to. not. photograph. this.
— Lisa Desjardins (@LisaDNews) March 27, 2020
House chamber as no one has ever seen it. Members spaced out everywhere, in doorways, on stairs.
In all, his Alamo moment lasted less than a minute, 43 seconds to be exact. The bill was passed. And Massie was defiant as ever, throwing out accusations of a cover up. He said the only protections the House was worried about was toward their members over the political ramifications from this bill, not the virus. HE said that members don’t want to be on record voting for “the biggest mistake in history.”
.@RepThomasMassie: "There's a big cover up in there."
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) March 27, 2020
pic.twitter.com/eWv0MuSNSx
Massie seems to be the rare breed of politician that can unite Trump, the Democrats, and the Republicans in hating him.
Looks like a third rate Grandstander named @RepThomasMassie, a Congressman from, unfortunately, a truly GREAT State, Kentucky, wants to vote against the new Save Our Workers Bill in Congress. He just wants the publicity. He can’t stop it, only delay, which is both dangerous......
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 27, 2020
...& costly. Workers & small businesses need money now in order to survive. Virus wasn’t their fault. It is “HELL” dealing with the Dems, had to give up some stupid things in order to get the “big picture” done. 90% GREAT! WIN BACK HOUSE, but throw Massie out of Republican Party!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 27, 2020
Now, the question is should he be expelled?
He can shout "no" at the top of his lungs to make his point. He is endangering lives by calling members of Congress to travel to DC (remember, these folks are supposed to live in their districts?) in order to grandstand. The House should expel him. #ExpelMassie https://t.co/R0e4DpeaMM
— Sean T at RCP (@SeanTrende) March 27, 2020
Aside from the expense, this is a significant risk to human life in a disproportionately elderly body that already has some known cases. If he does this, the House should expel him (and anyone else who goes along with him). https://t.co/oQ5NrQa3e3
— Sean T at RCP (@SeanTrende) March 27, 2020