Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., was the only Democrat in the House or Senate to oppose the $484 billion coronavirus relief package to replenish the depleted small business loan program.
She argued her problem with the bill — which was overwhelmingly passed — was “giving Republicans what they want.”
“McConnell is already talking about the deficit the moment we talk about getting people relief,” she told CNN, adding: “That to me is a signal that Republicans are done.”
The House passed the bill, which includes $310 billion for the government’s Phase-three Paycheck Protection Program, by a 388-5 margin — sending it to President Donald Trump’s desk after the Senate passed the bill Tuesday.
GOP Reps. Andy Biggs of Arizona, Ken Buck of Colorado, Jody Hice of Georgia, and Thomas Massie of Kentucky joined Ocasio-Cortez in voting against the measure, the National Review reported. Justin Amash, I-Mich., voted “present.”
Ocasio-Cortez drew criticism earlier in the week for a now-deleted tweet applauding the crash of the oil market as over four million Americans filed for unemployment, data showed Thursday — bringing the total claims to over 26 million since last month.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
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