President Joe Biden's press secretary Jen Psaki shut down Republican's concern for the deficit by hurling a question right back at the GOP for their hypocrisy.
A reporter addressed Psaki at a recent press briefing, saying the GOP argued this was the sixth package and already added to a "deficit that's already a trillion dollars this year alone."
The reporter asked:
"What do you say to that criticism, that ultimately this type of a sweeping piece of legislation will be a drag on the economy down the line?"
"Well, I would say to them we're in the midst of twin crises, from the pandemic to an economic downturn that is impacting tens of millions of people in this country," she began.
Psaki continued to describe immediate concerns the American people face every day.
"People are struggling to make ends meet. They are worried about whether their grandparents, their cousins, their friends are able to get a vaccine, and they are suffering because they're worried about the mental health of their kids, who aren't back in school yet."
"And the president's focus is on addressing those crises."
But the press secretary was not finished responding to the question.
Psaki addressed the GOP's hypocritical concern, pointing out how the party has no problem when passing their own stimulus measures – usually in the form of tax cuts benefitting plutocrats.
"And I would point, send a question back to many of these Republicans as to why the deficit spending wasn't as concerning when they were giving tax cuts to the highest incomes, but now it's concerning when we're giving direct checks and relief to the American people."
Twitter was here for Psaki's incisive dig at the GOP and the delivering of facts without the crutch of a three-ring binder.
Republicans unanimously opposed the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan and argued it included unnecessary provisions that would not help defeat the pandemic and would cause more harm.
The bill – which passed on Wednesday by a vote of 220 to 211 – would authorize $1,400 relief checks to Americans who make up to $75,000 annually, extend unemployment benefits, provide $350 billion aid to state and local governments, and $14 billion in vaccine distribution.
The bill would also provide $130 billion to help elementary, middle, and high schools to open safely so that students can return to classrooms.
Meanwhile, the GOP continued getting slammed in the comments.
Biden celebrated the passage of the bill and said:
"This legislation is about giving the backbone of this nation – the essential workers, the working people who built this country, the people who keep this country going – a fighting chance."
@GregAbbott_TX/X
