Lindsey Graham criticizes McConnell for $ 2,000 stimulus checks and says “it’s not socialism”

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina criticized Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky for calling the $ 2,000 stimulus checks “socialism for the rich” on New Year’s Day.

Senate Republicans blocked another Democratic effort to secure a vote on raising direct payments from $ 600 to $ 2,000 on Friday. In a plenary speech, McConnell discredited the measure, calling it “socialism for the rich” and a “universal distribution of money”.

“With all due respect to my Republican colleagues, a direct payment of $ 2,000 to individuals and families who are struggling is not socialism,” tweeted Graham. “In my opinion, it is necessary in the times in which we live.”

The South Carolina senator insisted that “direct payments may not be [the] most efficient way to help those in need, but given the situation we face, they are sorely needed. “

“Going from $ 600 to $ 2,000 doesn’t make you a socialist. Mr. President, keep fighting for the suffering American people. Insist on an autonomous vote,” added Graham.

Newsweek contacted McConnell’s office for comment.

President Donald Trump joined some Democrats and Senator Bernie Sanders, an independent, in opposition to the $ 900 billion bipartisan relief bill for including only “a measly $ 600” earlier this month. He initially refused to support the $ 2,000 check-free measure, but later capitulated on Sunday and signed the package for his property in Mar-a-Lago, narrowly avoiding government shutdown.

At the time, Trump said the Republicans agreed to a new $ 2,000 stimulus check vote and asked his party members to do so. The Democratic-led House narrowly passed $ 2,000 stimulus checks on Monday. But McConnell has repeatedly blocked legislation to secure a Senate vote.

Graham, a loyal to Trump who publicly supported bigger stimulus checks after spending time with the president at his Florida golf club on Christmas Day, applauded the signing. “Congress will vote on additional stimulus checks and repeal Section 230 – all victories for the American people,” he tweeted earlier this week. “Very well, Mr. President!”

Sanders also disputed McConnell’s statements in the Senate floor on New Year’s Day. He accused the Republican leader of hypocrisy for calling stimulus checks “socialism for the rich”, despite supporting massive tax incentives for corporations.

“That’s what socialism is for the wealthy,” said Sanders of tax cuts. “Socialism for the rich is not – in the midst of this terrible pandemic – putting a check for $ 2,000 in the hands of working families.”

Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer emphasized the urgency of holding a vote before the current Congress ends on Sunday. “I’m going to ask for consent for the last time the Senate will make an appointment to vote on the $ 2,000 House bill in checks. I did this every day this week,” he said in the Senate floor.

“That’s it – the 116th Congress’ last chance to pass checks for $ 2,000 and tell regular Americans that aid is on the way. Let’s vote.”