Cruz slams Democrats on Senate floor for adding policy provisions to coronavirus relief package

Texas Sen. Ted Cruz slammed Democrats, notably House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, for blocking a coronavirus relief package proposed by fellow Republicans for what he deems as political reasons.

“Last night when this Senate voted on whether to move forward with emergency relief legislation for the millions of people being devastated by economic disaster we’re seeing as a result of the coronavirus epidemic, every single Democrat in this body voted block consideration of this bill,” Cruz said on the Senate floor Monday.

“The famed quote from Rahm Emanuel, that’s President Obama’s chief of staff: ‘Never let a good crisis go to waste.’ Sadly, we’re seeing the embodiment of that cynical approach right now,” the Texas Republican added. “Because with all the people out of jobs, the Democrats are using this to push — what are they pushing for? Changing the emissions standards on airplanes,” Cruz said. “What the hell do the emissions standards on airplanes have to do with thousands to people dying and millions of people out of work in the coronavirus epidemic?”

Cruz went on to criticize the way the media characterized the Democrats’ stonewalling.

“The New York Times headline moments afterwards [the stimulus bill vote last night] read ‘Democrats block $1.7 trillion stimulus bill.’ Of course, that headline had the fault of being accurate, so within minutes, the New York Times changed it ‘Democrats block $1.7 trillion stimulus bill, citing worker concerns,’” he said.

Democrats have been criticized for attempting to include funding in the coronavirus relief package that appears to have no connection to combating the virus, such as $300 million for migrants and refugees, increased fuel emission standards, and $35 million for the Kennedy Performing Arts Center in Washington, D.C.

“This is not about the ridiculous Green New Deal,” President Trump said on Twitter. “It is about putting our great workers and companies BACK TO WORK!”

“Congress must approve the deal, without all of the nonsense, today,” he added. “The longer it takes, the harder it will be to start up our economy. Our workers will be hurt!”