It's been over a week since the $600 expanded payments for Americans left unemployed by the pandemic expired.
Negotiations between lawmakers in Congress for another stimulus package are hopelessly stalled, and the President's attempt to bypass them through executive action is legally questionable.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) is facing pressure from Democrats to pass the HEROES Act, which the Democratic House of Representatives passed in May.
Progressive Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) added to that pressure by calling for a two thousand dollar per month stimulus for every American—one of the CARES Act's stipulations.
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
Republican Senator from Texas, Ted Cruz, retweeted Markey, mocking his support for additional stimulus money for those hit by the pandemic.
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! https://t.co/0ODgPBhc4O
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) August 10, 2020
Cruz may have thought he was only mocking Markey, but what resulted was a stream of backlash condemning Cruz for his dismissal of the millions of Americans whose lives have been upended by the pandemic.
Markey was one of the strongest voices against Cruz's retort.
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
Others found Cruz's comments appalling as well.
not the guy that makes $174,000 annually for not even doing his job https://t.co/wKrlh2rd8C
— kiara (@gotosleepkiara) August 10, 2020
I'm not using UI payments for lattes I'm using them to pay my mortgage you jerk. @tedcruz Sincerly, A constituent. https://t.co/4uTsmve7zP
— TrueToForm (@CallMe__Kate) August 10, 2020
If you can't take your job seriously, resign. https://t.co/hPtzr67EVt
— Thinker X (@ThinkerXthe1st) August 10, 2020
This "politician" is really out here laughing about giving Americans in need help.
He's seriously joking about it.
All while still accepting his wage of around $14.5k a month ($174k senator salary)
Let that sink in https://t.co/V9cyHqWTqM
— OMAR (@cl4ssy_) August 10, 2020
You are the king of douches https://t.co/wHjYAsfB5I
— Jamie Christo (@jamiechristo) August 10, 2020
This a US Senator saying "Let them eat cake". What a disgusting ghoul. https://t.co/eScDzweDvM
— Oliver Ferrigni (@OliverFerrigni) August 10, 2020
Some saw the tweet as consistent with the Republican party's fiscal stances.
Just like with the minimum wage,, every time the only argument they ever have is "we can't give a reasonable amount, because wouldn't it be ridiculous if we gave a ridiculous amount?"
It's honestly kind of insulting they believe people will fall for that sort of BS. https://t.co/YRPNHz09WW
— Malachite Tiger (@MalachiteTiger) August 10, 2020
Seems like y'all always have a money tree for wreckless wars, so yeah. Take care of your country. Idiot. https://t.co/idoqlDYtyC
— pablo (@CrazyPabs1) August 10, 2020
If you gave me a $1 million a day for a year, I would have 0.2% of the wealth of Jeff Bezos https://t.co/N8T3cjz0K9
— Steve Trenfield (@mrtrenfield) August 10, 2020
Ted Cruz and the rest of the @GOP always seem to find the "magic money tree" when it comes to defense spending or tax cuts for the wealthy. https://t.co/g5hXxtIEfV
— Mitch Howe (@RealMitchHowe) August 10, 2020
The pandemic has left millions of Americans suddenly unemployed and uninsured. It's unclear when or if Republicans and Democrats in Congress will reach a deal that can make it to Trump's desk.
Ash Stanton/Facebook
Laura Sprinkle/Facebook
Akira Karasu/Facebook
Cevanna Gilbert/Facebook
Troy Adam/Facebook
@GovPressOffice/X
@realDonaldTrump/Truth Social