Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wisc.) is not sold on the idea of passing another round of stimulus checks.
Appearing on the Senate floor Friday, Johnson explained why he blocked legislation introduced by Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) seeking to provide more direct payments to working families.
“I do want to talk a little bit about past stimuluses. I personally don’t believe they do much to stimulate the economy. I think the best way to stimulate the economy is, again, what this administration has done,” Johnson said.
He added, “Lower regulation to a reasonable level, nobody argues for no regulations, we need a reasonable level and have a competitive tax system.”
Watch his remarks below:
Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI) objects to a relief bill, saying stimulus bills don't stimulate the economy.
— The Recount (@therecount) December 18, 2020
He instead proposes “lower regulation” and “a competitive tax system.” pic.twitter.com/tp7CYLY3mk
After Johnson verbalized his objection, Hawley took to the floor to stress the significance of direct payments to working families as the COVID-19 pandemic rages on.
“No relief could be more important than relief for working people. The Senator’s right, this body has spent trillions of dollars this year alone on COVID relief. We’re getting ready to spend, apparently, another trillion dollars more,” Hawley said.
He continued, “And yet, working people are told they may be last if they get relief at all. I don’t think American people understand that. I know people in Missouri don’t understand it and I just urge members of these bodies, go home and try explaining that to the people of your state.”
Check out his comments below:
Sen. @HawleyMO responds to @SenRonJohnson objecting to his unanimous consent for $1,200 stimulus checks:
— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) December 18, 2020
"Working people are told they may be last… I just urge members of these bodies, go home and try explaining that to the people of your state."pic.twitter.com/ZVy7NZs16z
During an interview on Fox News on Thursday, Hawley pointed to stimulus checks Americans received in March under the CARES Act, as IJR previously reported.
Individuals received $1,200, couples received $2,400, and families received an additional $500 per child.
“That’s what we did back in March. Every senator voted for it. The president is the one who led the charge for it, he supports that again. That’s what we should do,” he said.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) voiced his frustration during a speech on the Senate floor on Thursday with the delay in passing a relief bill, as IJR previously reported.
“They’ve waited months. They’ve waited and suffered. And some have died while needless political games have played out,” McConnell said. “The American people’s wait for more emergency assistance ought to be over.”
Lawmakers revealed Wednesday they are closing in on a $900 billion relief bill.
The package includes a one-time check of between $600 and $700 for Americans under a certain income level.