The U.S. House passed the Caring for Americans with Supplemental Cash (CASH Act) last evening; Tennessee’s representatives faced a partisan split on the bill. The act tacks on $1,400 to the $600 payments within the massive year-end package signed by President Trump on Sunday.
The CASH Act passed in the House with a majority of 275 to 134, and 21 abstained from voting. One of the representatives who abstained from voting was Representative David (Phil) Roe (R-TN-01). Of all House Republicans, 44 voted for the act, and 130 voted against it.
The rest of Tennessee’s Republican representatives voted no: Tim Burchett (R-TN-02), Scott DesJarlais (R-TN-04), Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN-03), Mark Green (R-TN-07), David Kustoff (R-TN-08), and John Rose (R-TN-06).
Burchett tweeted a video response following his vote.
“I voted no twice [for] $400 Billion with no offsets and blocking our ability to bring our troops home,” wrote Burchett.
I voted no twice $400 Billion with no offsets and blocking our ability to bring our troops home. Cameo by @RepThomasMassie #SpecialCase pic.twitter.com/2zNLe3hATh
— Tim Burchett (@timburchett) December 28, 2020
In a statement to The Tennessee Star, Fleischmann added that the bill didn’t address the excess spending previously pointed out by President Donald Trump.
“Speaker [Nancy] Pelosi refused to include a reduction in wasteful spending, instead she introduced a bill that only adds to our national deficit,” said Fleischmann. “I have been talking to and listening to my constituents and I believe we can find better ways to deliver targeted relief to the American people. I have voted for several bipartisan COVID relief packages and will continue to look at options to support my constituents as we combat the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Steve Cohen (D-TN-09) and Jim Cooper (D-TN-05) both voted yes on the bill.
Cohen praised the bill for increasing the stimulus check amount.
“#StimulusChecks are good fiscal policy & good humanity. Too many have suffered and direct payments will help ppl take a stab at making ends meet,” wrote Cohen. “I was glad to vote for $2k checks today & I look forward to the next relief deal under a new admin. #CASHAct[.]”
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) declined to consider the CASH Act on Tuesday. Trump took to Twitter to express his displeasure over McConnell’s decision.
“Unless Republicans have a death wish, and it is also the right thing to do, they must approve the $2000 payments ASAP,” wrote Trump. “$600 IS NOT ENOUGH! Also, get rid of Section 230 – Don’t let Big Tech steal our Country, and don’t let the Democrats steal the Presidential Election. Get tough!”
Unless Republicans have a death wish, and it is also the right thing to do, they must approve the $2000 payments ASAP. $600 IS NOT ENOUGH! Also, get rid of Section 230 – Don’t let Big Tech steal our Country, and don’t let the Democrats steal the Presidential Election. Get tough! https://t.co/GMotstu7OI
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 29, 2020
It is unclear when or if the Senate will vote on the CASH Act.
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Corinne Murdock is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and the Star News Network. Follow her latest on Twitter, or email tips to [email protected].
Open up the country is what is needed not paying people to stay at home (or giving payments to people who don’t need it). There should have been a targeted approach like helping those poor people that have been interviewed on TV who are losing their businesses. Both parties have historically been fine with these large bills that you have to pass to find out what is in it because that is where the payback occurs for the money they have raised for their campaigns (or money if they have invested in lucrative deals including overseas to enrich themselves). They have also not passed a budget in 20 years that would reign in spending. We have to get this under control before our country is bankrupted. Luckily we are watching our representatives closer now than ever, make sure to follow up with them and giving your two cents particularly Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty who need to contest electoral votes in the senate on Jan 6th. Also don’t forget the massive Trump rally that day in DC!
Julie – You nailed it.