Trump signs massive coronavirus relief package
President Trump on Friday signed a massive relief bill to respond to the significant economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic, after it was approved by a voice vote in the House earlier in the afternoon.
The bill is enacted as a record number of Americans have filed unemployment claims and the U.S. topped China as the country with the most confirmed COVID-19 cases.
"I want to thank Democrats and Republicans for coming together and putting America first," Mr. Trump said at the ceremony to sign the bill in the Oval Office.
No Democrats were present for the signing, and an aide to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi confirmed she wasn't invited.
The $2 trillion bill passed with bipartisan support by a voice vote, meaning that the presiding member, usually the House Speaker, called for the "ayes" and "nays" from members present on the floor and determined which side prevails.
A quorum is assumed in a voice vote, so a bill may pass even if a majority of lawmakers are not physically present.
However, Republican Congressman Thomas Massie of Kentucky objected to the voice vote and called for a recorded vote, which does require a quorum.
The quorum, requiring 216 members, was present on the floor Friday, with lawmakers scattered around the chamber and in the visitors' gallery to remain at safe distances.
No hay comentarios:
Publicar un comentario