Ron Johnson twice blocks Covid stimulus controls



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While Democrats support stimulus controls, the issue has divided Republicans.

Johnson, in a speech on Friday, cited a coronavirus relief proposal the GOP released in early fall that included money for unemployment benefits, another round of money for the program. paycheck protection and accountability reform. Democrats, however, rejected it as a partisan bill and said it was woefully inadequate.

“We didn’t take the Republican bill that didn’t have a dime for unemployment benefits as an answer,” Sanders retorted. “We didn’t take the yes for an answer for an invoice that didn’t have a penny for direct payments.”

The push for direct payments comes as Democratic and Republican leaders rush to finalize a coronavirus relief package and avoid government shutdown. While there is general agreement around providing about $ 600 in direct payments, Sanders and Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) Are asking for more. Earlier Friday, Johnson also blocked a Hawley offer for around $ 1,200 in stimulus checks. Direct payments are a priority for the White House.

Johnson argued that the federal deficit was his reason for running and suggested that money from previous stimulus packages had not been spent.

“When I got here, I ran because we were mortgaging our children’s future,” Hen said. “I am not heartless. I want to help people. I voted to help people. I voted for the $ 2.2 trillion CARES law, but I am also concerned about the future of our children.

Johnson has yet to say whether he will run for re-election, but Democrats see him as a prime target in their fight for a Senate majority in 2022. While Trump won Wisconsin in 2016, the president-elect Joe Biden won the state by less than a percentage point.

After his speech, Johnson said his concerns were only about the deficit and not 2022.

“I said I would never vote with my re-election in mind,” he told reporters.

Burgess Everett contributed to this report.

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