Sens. Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Ed Markey (D-MA) clashed on a twitter feud Monday regarding over the Democrat Massachusetts Senator’s proposal to “give every person” $2,000 monthly payments to all Americans in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic.
“Give every person in our country $2000/month for the duration of the pandemic, $2000/month for 3 months after that, and $2000/month retroactive to March,” Markey tweeted Monday afternoon.
Give every person in our country $2000/month for the duration of the pandemic, $2000/month for 3 months after that, and $2000/month retroactive to March.
— Ed Markey (@EdMarkey) August 10, 2020
In May, Markey introduced a bill with Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), and Kamala Harris (D-CA) dubbed the Monthly Economic Crisis Support Act to provide $2,000 in monthly payments during, and in the immediate aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic.
“A single check is not sufficient for households that are struggling during this health and economic crisis. Americans need more than just one payment,” Markey said when introducing this legislation in May. “Providing recurring monthly payments is the most direct and efficient mechanism for delivering economic relief to those most vulnerable in this crisis, particularly low-income families, immigrant communities, and our gig and service workers.”
Cruz mocked the government assistance idea, tweeting, “Why be so cheap? Give everyone $1 million a day, every day, forever.”
Why be so cheap? Give everyone $1 million a day, every day, forever,” Cruz tweeted in response. “And three soy lattes a day. And a foot massage.”
Cruz continued, “We have a magic money tree — we should use it!”
Why be so cheap? Give everyone $1 million a day, every day, forever. And three soy lattes a day. And a foot massage.
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) August 10, 2020
We have a magic money tree — we should use it! https://t.co/0ODgPBhc4O
Markey fired back at Cruz for joking about the struggles American workers are currently experiencing amid the pandemic.
“It’s not a goddamn joke Ted. Millions of families are facing hunger, the threat of eviction, and the loss of their health care during a pandemic that is worsening every day,” Markey declared in a tweet. “Get real.”
It's not a goddamn joke Ted. Millions of families are facing hunger, the threat of eviction, and the loss of their health care during a pandemic that is worsening every day. Get real. https://t.co/z6ygY8lSxc
— Ed Markey (@EdMarkey) August 10, 2020
The back-and-forth twitter exchange amongst the two Senators comes after talks between the White House and Congressional Democratic leaders failed after 11 straight days of meetings.
On Saturday, President Trump signed three executive action memos and one executive order targeting at providing Americans financial relief from the ongoing pandemic. The executive actions include extending enhanced unemployment benefits, defer the payroll tax and provide relief on evictions and student loans.
CongressCoronavirusCoronavirus Relief BillMonthly Economic Crisis Support ActPresident TrumpSen. Ed MarkeySen. Ted Cruz
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