Madison Dibble
Massachusetts Sen. Ed Markey accused Texas Sen. Ted Cruz of turning an argument about stimulus checks into a “goddamn joke” during an online spat.
Markey, a Democrat, proposed that people receive $2,000 per month for the remainder of the coronavirus pandemic along with back pay through March for the monthly stipends that would have been missed since the health crisis began. Cruz, a Republican, mocked Markey’s proposal and joked that everyone should get $1 million.
“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 wrote.
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
“Why be so cheap? Give everyone $1 million a day, every day, forever. And three soy lattes a day. And a foot massage. We have a magic money tree — we should use it!” Cruz replied.
His response outraged Markey, who accused Cruz of making light of the situation some people are facing.
“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,” Markey wrote.
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
Democrats and Republicans have been at odds over what should be included in the next coronavirus economic relief package. The two sides have struggled to close the gap between the $3 trillion proposal made by House Democrats and the $1 trillion proposal made by Senate Republicans. Both sides have, however, signaled support for another round of stimulus checks.
Author: Madison Dibble
Source: Washington Examiner: ‘Not a goddamn joke Ted’: Ed Markey spars with Ted Cruz over proposal for monthly $2K stimulus checks
