Covid-19 Relief Bill - What you need to know

[lpetrich]

Then this NDAA thing.

CSPAN on Twitter: "Seen on C-SPAN: U.S. House overrides President Trump's veto of NDAA. House passed the 2/3 threshold needed. Senate could take up an override attempt as early as tomorrow. (link)" / Twitter
On passage, objections of of the President to the contrary notwithstanding - 6395

• D: Y 210, N: 20, nv: 3
• R: Y 109, N: 66, nv: 20
• I: Y 1, N: 1
• Total: Y: 320, N: 87, nv: 23

 

[Loren Pechtel]

Seen elsewhere...

I’m going to buy 53 cheap dildos with my $600 stimulus so everyone in the GOP Senate can go fuck themselves.

That's like 12 dollars a dildo. Those are some really cheap.dildos. I would as soon trust a tRump brand dildo as one at those prices.

Then, the GOP doesn't seem too particular about whose dick is in their ass, so ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

What do you have against tRump brand dildos? He's really good at screwing people, they should be good.

 

[Angry Floof]

Seen elsewhere...

I’m going to buy 53 cheap dildos with my $600 stimulus so everyone in the GOP Senate can go fuck themselves.

That's like 12 dollars a dildo. Those are some really cheap.dildos. I would as soon trust a tRump brand dildo as one at those prices.

Then, the GOP doesn't seem too particular about whose dick is in their ass, so ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Trump dildos: https://www.allure.com/story/trump-dildo

 

[Jimmy Higgins]

Then this NDAA thing.

CSPAN on Twitter: "Seen on C-SPAN: U.S. House overrides President Trump's veto of NDAA. House passed the 2/3 threshold needed. Senate could take up an override attempt as early as tomorrow. (link)" / Twitter
On passage, objections of of the President to the contrary notwithstanding - 6395

• D: Y 210, N: 20, nv: 3
• R: Y 109, N: 66, nv: 20
• I: Y 1, N: 1
• Total: Y: 320, N: 87, nv: 23

WASHINGTON DC - The House successfully overrode a Presidential veto today with a 320 to 87 victory, that rescues the military funding bill. The President originally veto'd the military defense bill after Congress passed the legislation with overwhelming majorities. The House and Senate can overturn vetoes with 2/3 support for the bill, 67 votes in the Senate and lets see... 320 and 87 and 23... that's 430... but I thought there were 435 seats in the House... did 5 people die? Or were there resignations for health or scandal? Maybe that... so if there are 430 people in the House does that mean you need 2/3 of 430... 2/3 of 435... 2/3 of whomever shows the fuck up? Jebus! Government Politics course was like 22 years ago, and I don't even think they brought that up. Now I have to google...oh wait... is my voice to text on? Oh fuck. Now I have to fix this before I send to my editor

 

[jonatha]

Google says it's two thirds of members voting, and there must be a majority present for a quorum.

Not sure if abstentions count towards "members voting"...

Wikipedia says no, so in theory it looks like a veto could be overridden with a single vote if enough others were present but abstained...

Current vacancies are CA 8 and 50, GA 14, NC 11, and TX 4 (all were held by Republicans)

 

[Elixir]

 

[lpetrich]

The Washington Post on Twitter: "McConnell blocks Senate Democrats' initial attempt to approve $2,000 stimulus checks amid growing pressure on GOP leader to act https://t.co/xOrL32N7cG" / Twitter
noting
Debate over stimulus checks jolts Senate Republicans as McConnell plans next step - The Washington Post

Axios on Twitter: "Mitch McConnell today blocked Senate Democrats' efforts to unanimously pass a House measure to up the stimulus checks to $2,000 from $600. https://t.co/cnGFg3BBam" / Twitter
noting
Trump slams McConnell for blocking vote on $2,000 stimulus checks - Axios

Why it matters: President Trump has demanded that the payments be increased, creating a rift between him and Senate GOP leadership ahead of a crucial runoff election in Georgia that will determine control of the chamber. He tweeted on Tuesday afternoon: "Unless Republicans have a death wish, and it is also the right thing to do, they must approve the $2000 payments ASAP. "

Driving the news: McConnell did not explain why he objected to Schumer's request to fast-track the bill, but noted that President Trump has demanded Congress act on repealing liability protections for tech companies and election-related reforms, in addition to the stimulus checks.

 

[lpetrich]

More from Axios:

• Sens. Kelly Loeffler (R-Ga.) and David Perdue, the two senators running for re-election in the Jan. 5 runoff, both came out in support of the $2,000 checks earlier on Tuesday.
• Republican Sens. Josh Hawley (Mo.), Marco Rubio (Fla.) and Lindsey Graham (S.C.) have also publicly said they will support the measure.
• 12 Republicans in total are needed to reach the 60-vote threshold to pass the bill if all Senate Democrats vote in favor, as expected.

Bernie Sanders on Twitter: "The House passed a $2,000 direct payment for working people. Now it's the Senate's turn. If McConnell doesn't agree to an up or down vote to provide the working people of our country a $2,000 direct payment, Congress will not be going home for New Year's Eve. Let's do our job." / Twitter

Then
Warren Gunnels on Twitter: "At noon tomorrow, McConnell is expected to ask for Unanimous Consent to vote on the veto override of the $740 billion defense bill. Bernie will object until we get a vote on $2,000 direct payments. We can force the Senate to stay in session until the New Year. This is no bluff." / Twitter

Then
People for Bernie on Twitter: "Happy Bernie Sanders Objects to the NDAA Day." / Twitter

I've also found
Nicole Alexander Fisher on Twitter: "Senator Sanders will filibuster any attempt for the Senate to override Trump's veto for the NDAA until a vote for the stimulus increase to $2000 is brought to the floor.

This may force the Senate to stay in session until the New Year." / Twitter

 

[lpetrich]

Dan Lipinski voted against it. Marie Newman, his successor, would have voted for it.

Marie Newman on Twitter: "In less than a week, Illinois’ 3rd Congressional District will have a Representative that knows damn well that a $600 stimulus check is not nearly enough for struggling families. It’s time for $2000 checks now. Let’s make it a reality.

Your move, @SenateGOP" / Twitter


About the House and the NDAA,
Ro Khanna on Twitter: "20 Democrats had the courage tonight to vote no on the bloated defense budget. Please RT & thank them. They are changing the culture of endless war & calling for more investment instead in the American people." / Twitter

They are:
Ro Khanna on Twitter: "@repblumenauer @RepBonamici @VoteYvette @MarkDeSaulnier @EspaillatNY @TulsiGabbard @ChuyForCongress @JimmyGomezCA @JaredHuffman @PramilaJayapal @joekennedy @BLeeForCongress @McGovernMA @Grace4NY @AOC @IlhanMN @MarkPocan @AyannaPressley @RashidaTlaib" / Twitter

Earl Blumenauer OR-03, Suzanne Bonamici OR-01, Yvette Clarke NY-09, Mark DeSaulnier CA-11, Adriano Espaillat NY-13, Tulsi Gabbard HI-02, Chuy Garcia IL-04, Jimmy Gomez CA-34, Jared Huffman CA-02, Pramila Jayapal WA-07, Joe Kennedy III MA-04, Barbara Lee CA-13, Jim McGovern MA-02, Grace Meng NY-06, AOC NY-14, Ilhan Omar MN-05, Mark Pocan WI-02, Ayanna Pressley MA-07, Rashida Tlaib MI-13

 

[lpetrich]

Michael McAuliff on Twitter: "AOC votes against overriding Trump's Defense bill veto. But not for Trump's reasons.)" / Twitter

Then
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on Twitter: "As long as Congress struggles to provide basic relief to American families, it makes little sense to send billions to defense contractors and never-ending wars." / Twitter

 

[Worldtraveller]

Now McConnell is trying to tie the $2k survival checks to completely unrelated conditions.

The Kentucky Republican later Tuesday introduced a bill that would boost the size of the checks to $2,000 from $600, repeal Section 230 legal liability protections for internet platforms and create a commission to study election issues. The bill would meet all of President Donald Trump’s recent demands, which are unrelated, but would not get Democratic support and become law.

 

[crazyfingers]

Now McConnell is trying to tie the $2k survival checks to completely unrelated conditions.

The Kentucky Republican later Tuesday introduced a bill that would boost the size of the checks to $2,000 from $600, repeal Section 230 legal liability protections for internet platforms and create a commission to study election issues. The bill would meet all of President Donald Trump’s recent demands, which are unrelated, but would not get Democratic support and become law.

The strange thing about Trump's issue with Section 230 is that if done objectively, it's all of his lies and the lies by his right wing boosters and toadies that would get censored.

 

[Jimmy Higgins]

Now McConnell is trying to tie the $2k survival checks to completely unrelated conditions.

The Kentucky Republican later Tuesday introduced a bill that would boost the size of the checks to $2,000 from $600, repeal Section 230 legal liability protections for internet platforms and create a commission to study election issues. The bill would meet all of President Donald Trump’s recent demands, which are unrelated, but would not get Democratic support and become law.

It seems like McConnell is taunting Trump and the Dems.

You want $2k now? Okay, here you go Trump, I'm putting all that other shit you wanted the Dems will not in any chance go for.

 

[Loren Pechtel]

Now McConnell is trying to tie the $2k survival checks to completely unrelated conditions.

The Kentucky Republican later Tuesday introduced a bill that would boost the size of the checks to $2,000 from $600, repeal Section 230 legal liability protections for internet platforms and create a commission to study election issues. The bill would meet all of President Donald Trump’s recent demands, which are unrelated, but would not get Democratic support and become law.

It seems like McConnell is taunting Trump and the Dems.

You want $2k now? Okay, here you go Trump, I'm putting all that other shit you wanted the Dems will not in any chance go for.

It's about making Democrats vote against it.

 

[lpetrich]

Ali Zaslav on Twitter: "GOP Sen. Susan Collins says she thinks it’s a “big mistake” for Sen. Bernie Sanders to hold up the “vital” defense bill" / Twitter
and
Ali Zaslav on Twitter: "Senator Collins said she supports $2,000 checks but is concerned about the way it is structured that it will also “benefit upper income individuals”" / Twitter

What a worrywart issue. Means testing often creates bureaucratic obstacles. Social Security and Medicare are successful because they aren't means tested. That makes them universal and not "welfare". It also leads to delusional statements like "Keep your government hands off my Medicare!"

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on Twitter: "Well I think it’s a big mistake to not approve a clean bill sending $2k checks out to people, so let’s call it even.

Keep going @BernieSanders!

Make the Senate countdown the New Year on the Senate floor until they pass $2k checks, no funny business attached." / Twitter


Ayanna Pressley on Twitter: "Mitch McConnell, Kelly Loeffler & David Perdue are standing between your family and a $2,000 survival check Georgia.

Vote @ReverendWarnock @ossoff like lives depend on it because they do." / Twitter

 

[lpetrich]

Josh Marshall on Twitter: "There it is. McConnell blocks motion to vote on Democrats' $2,000 relief checks bill. https://t.co/iYceWbNxiU" / Twitter
then
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on Twitter: "Here’s the deal: the whole reason McConnell can block $2,000 checks to begin w/ is bc he’s Senate Majority leader.

He’ll block clean $2k relief as long as GOP run the Senate. GEORGIA can change that!

If GA votes Warnock/Ossoff on 1/5, the doors open up for COVID relief. " / Twitter
Nice touch with that peach. The arrow is to the tweet that's above this one here.


New York Bans Most Evictions as Tenants Struggle to Pay Rent - The New York Times
then
The New York Times on Twitter: "New York is expected to pass one of the most comprehensive anti-eviction laws in the U.S. The governor’s executive order barring many evictions is expiring on Dec. 31. https://t.co/p8zNnJjZYy" / Twitter

Then
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on Twitter: "Proud of the strides that New York has made in passing one of the strongest anti-eviction laws in the country to protect tenants.

There’s still more to go. Let’s extend rent protections to vulnerable small biz, & the federal gov must step up to help rents + mortgages nationwide." / Twitter

and
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on Twitter: ".@NYGovCuomo should expand his executive order barring evictions to include small businesses across the state.

Our priority should be to keep people housed and prevent economic collapse of the family and local small businesses that are the backbone of our communities." / Twitter

 

[lpetrich]

Moneca Neary on Twitter: "@AOC So what happens to the landlords? What if they make payments on that housing? I'm so confused by this. I think it's great to keep people from being evicted, but I can't help wondering what happens to the landlords. Are we assuming they are all rich and can underwrite this?" / Twitter

Then
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on Twitter: "@Moneca_Neary This is where the federal government must step in with mortgage relief policies. They can range from outright payment freezes, suspensions, or cancellations for people w/ mortgages.

Other nations did this last year to financially assist ppl during shutdowns to contain the virus." / Twitter


Krystal Ball on Twitter: "Don’t threaten me with a good time Marsha." / Twitter
noting
CaseStudyQB - ninaturner.com/hello on Twitter: "Fox News - 12/29/2020 - Senator Marsha Blackburn interview ..." / Twitter

Fox News - 12/29/2020 - Senator Marsha Blackburn interview (1/3)

"They're going to put everybody into government-run health care, that means no private-sector health care, no health insurance from your employer...everybody would be going into Medicaid"

Fox News - 12/29/2020 - Senator Marsha Blackburn interview (2/3) asked by Fox host

"Isn't this a bad look for Republicans if they don't vote to give Americans an increase of $600, a paltry amount to $2,000 when so many Americans are now desperate?"

Fox News - 12/29/2020 - Senator Marsha Blackburn interview (3/3)

 

[lpetrich]

Senate Democrats’ Motion To Concede On $2,000 Checks - The Daily Poster

Sanders’ move forced McConnell to ask the Senate to pass a formal motion to proceed on the defense bill, which would let Republicans move forward on the Pentagon priority without a vote on the $2,000 checks. The motion created the moment in which Democrats could have stood their ground and cornered the GOP leader.

Instead, as Republicans saber rattled about the need to pass the defense bill, 41 Democrats obediently voted with McConnell, allowing him to move the defense bill forward without a vote on the checks. That included “yes” votes from Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and vice-president elect Kamala Harris, the lead sponsor on a bill to give Americans monthly $2,000 checks during the pandemic. One day before her vote to help McConnell, Harris had called on the Republican leader to hold a vote on her legislation.

Only six members of the Senate Democratic Caucus mustered the courage to vote against McConnell’s maneuver — Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, Chris Van Hollen, Jeff Merkley, Ed Markey and Ron Wyden. Democratic senators in fact provided the majority of the votes for the measure that lets the defense bill proceed without a vote on the $2,000 checks.

$2K stimulus checks bill blocked in Senate for second day | TheHill - "Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) blocked an attempt by Democrats to either pass or vote on the bill, which passed the House on Monday."

 

[lpetrich]

Roll-call votes in the House and Senate:

Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives - Votes
U.S. Senate: Roll Call Votes 116th Congress - 2nd Session (2020)


The NDAA bill:
H.R.6395 - 116th Congress (2019-2020): National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 | Congress.gov | Library of Congress

Votes on it:

House, Dec 08, 2020, 06:25 PM
Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives - Vote Details

• D: Y 195, N 37, P 1
• R: Y 140, N 40, nv 16
• I: N 1
• Total: Y 335, N 78, P 1, nv 16

Eliot Engel (NY) voted Present. Justin Amash (MI) voted No (he was the only Independent in the House), as did the "Squad" and some other Democrats with progressive tendencies: Barragán (CA), Blumenauer (OR), Bonamici (OR), Boyle, Brendan F. (PA), Chu, Judy (CA), Clarke (NY), DeGette (CO), DeSaulnier (CA), Doyle, Michael F. (PA), Espaillat (NY), Gabbard (HI), García (IL), Gomez (CA), Huffman (CA), Jayapal (WA), Kennedy (MA), Khanna (CA), Kildee (MI), Lee (CA), Levin (MI), Maloney, Carolyn B. (NY), McGovern (MA), Meng (NY), Moore (WI), Nadler (NY), Neguse (CO), Ocasio-Cortez (NY), Omar (MN), Pocan (WI), Pressley (MA), Raskin (MD), Schakowsky (IL), Serrano (NY), Tlaib (MI), Velázquez (NY), Watson Coleman (NJ), Welch (VT).

Senate, December 11, 2020, 12:30 PM
U.S. Senate: U.S. Senate Roll Call Votes 116th Congress - 2nd Session

• D: Y 40, N 5, nv 1
• R: Y 43, N 7, nv 2
• I: Y 1, N 1
• Total: Y 84, N 13, nv 3

Voting against it: Booker (D-NJ), Braun (R-IN), Cotton (R-AR), Cruz (R-TX), Hawley (R-MO), Kennedy (R-LA), Lee (R-UT), Markey (D-MA), Merkley (D-OR), Paul (R-KY), Sanders (I-VT), Warren (D-MA), Wyden (D-OR)

Not voting: Graham (R-SC), Harris (D-CA), Rounds (R-SD)

House vote on overriding it: Dec 28, 2020, 07:05 PM | 116th Congress, 2nd Session
Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives - Vote Details

• D: Y 212, N 20, nv 1
• R: Y 109, N 66, nv 20
• I: Y 1, N 1
• Total: Y 322, N 87, nv 21

Justin Amash voted against it again, and another Republican-turned-Independent voted for it, Paul Mitchell (MI). Democrats who voted against it included the "Squad": Blumenauer (OR), Bonamici (OR), Clarke (NY), DeSaulnier (CA), Espaillat (NY), Gabbard (HI), García (IL), Gomez (CA), Huffman (CA), Jayapal (WA), Kennedy (MA), Khanna (CA), Lee (CA), McGovern (MA), Meng (NY), Ocasio-Cortez (NY), Omar (MN), Pocan (WI), Pressley (MA), Tlaib (MI)

 

[lpetrich]

Voting to consider overriding the President's veto of this NDAA
"On the Motion to Proceed (Motion to Proceed to the Consideration of the Veto Message on H.R. 6395 )"
December 30, 2020, 05:16 PM
U.S. Senate: U.S. Senate Roll Call Votes 116th Congress - 2nd Session

• D: Y 40, N 5, nv 1
• R: Y 39, N 6, nv 7
• I: Y 1, N 1
• Total: Y 80, N 12, nv 8

No: 12 - Braun (R-IN), Cruz (R-TX), Hawley (R-MO), Kennedy (R-LA), Lee (R-UT), Markey (D-MA), Merkley (D-OR), Paul (R-KY), Sanders (I-VT), Van Hollen (D-MD), Warren (D-MA), Wyden (D-OR)

Not Voting: 8 - Blackburn (R-TN), Cotton (R-AR), Gardner (R-CO), Graham (R-SC), Jones (D-AL), Loeffler (R-GA), Perdue (R-GA), Rubio (R-FL)

So they settled that important issue.


Here is that assistance bump-up from $600 to $2000.
H.R.9051 - 116th Congress (2019-2020): CASH Act of 2020 | Congress.gov | Library of Congress

• D: Y 231, N 2
• R: Y 44, N 130, nv 21
• I: N 2
• Total: Y 275, N 134, nv 21

Justin Amash (MI) and Paul Mitchell (MI), the two Independents, are former Republicans. The Republicans who voted for it are largely blue-state Republicans. The only two Democrats to vote against it: Dan Lipinski (IL), Kurt Schrader (OR)

The bill's full name is "Caring for Americans with Supplemental Help Act".