Graham Backs Trump Over McConnell on $2,000 Checks to Help Americans
Republicans slam Senate majority leader for blocking relief package
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Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham has backed President Donald Trump's call for $2,000 stimulus checks after Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell blocked the bid for larger direct payments to help struggling Americans.
The president, along with lawmakers from both parties, have called for the approval of $2,000 direct payments, an increase from $600.
McConnell and other Republicans abandoned efforts for a standalone vote before the current session of Congress adjourns.
"With all due respect to my Republican colleagues, a $2k direct payment for individuals and families who are struggling is not socialism," Graham wrote on Twitter.
With all due respect to my Republican colleagues, a $2k direct payment for individuals and families who are struggling is not socialism.
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) January 1, 2021
In my view it is necessary in the times in which we live.
"In my view, it is necessary in the times in which we live," he added.
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McConnell argued that an increase in payments would raise the national debt and send money to American families without a dire need.
Earlier this week, he introduced a bill that would tie any vote on $2,000 checks to a package that added a repeal of Section 230 and the establishment of an election integrity commission, among other GOP-backed initiatives.
McConnell blocked last-minute attempts to call a standalone vote on the checks, arguing it would 'essentially be socialism for rich people.'
But Graham pushed back.
Going from $600 to $2,000 doesn’t make you a socialist.
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) January 1, 2021
Mr. President, keep fighting for the American people who are suffering.
Insist on a standalone vote.
"Going from $600 to $2,000 doesn’t make you a socialist," Graham added.
"Mr. President, keep fighting for the American people who are suffering."
"Insist on a standalone vote."
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The Senate’s Republican leadership faces backlash after the upper chamber voted to overturn Trump’s veto of the National Defense Authorization Act.
The president called the vote "pathetic" and blasted Republicans for not supporting larger direct payments.
"Now they want to give people ravaged by the China Virus $600, rather than the $2000 which they so desperately need. Not fair, or smart!" Trump tweeted.
Our Republican Senate just missed the opportunity to get rid of Section 230, which gives unlimited power to Big Tech companies. Pathetic!!! Now they want to give people ravaged by the China Virus $600, rather than the $2000 which they so desperately need. Not fair, or smart!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 1, 2021
