Top Republicans from across the political spectrum immediately commemorated influential conservative talk-radio icon Rush Limbaugh following the news of his passing Wednesday from lung cancer at the age of 70.
"Honestly, it has gotten harder and harder to break through the partisan gridlock and make progress on substantive policy, and that has contributed to my decision," Portman said in a statement.
Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH) announced Monday that he will not seek reelection for a third term in the Senate in 2022, citing “partisan gridlock” as a major factor in his decision to retire.
"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!" Trump tweeted.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) blocked two separate attempts from Democratic senators to set up a stand-alone vote on a bill recently passed in the House that would increase direct payments offered under the $900 billion COVID relief bill from $600 to $2,000, rebuffing President Trump request with more Senate Republicans voicing support behind providing most Americans the larger checks.
The House on Monday passed legislation tripling the size of the direct payments offered under the $900 billion COVID relief bill from $600 to $2,000 after President Trump voiced his desire for the increase, sending the bill to the GOP-controlled Senate with its fate remaining uncertain.