What does Mitch McConnell think he’s doing?
Right in the middle of Senator Mitch McConnell’s name is the word, con, and it epitomizes the man. Focused exclusively on confirming federal judges the last few years, he has ignored hundreds of pieces of legislation passed by Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the House, including the Heroes Act that has been sitting on McConnell’s desk since May.
McConnell has not done anything to address the coronavirus crisis and has offered no meaningful proposals. But sensing the sinking ship that is the GOP, the Con is now ready to act and vote on a GOP-drafted stimulus package. McConnell on Saturday tweeted:
“I just announced the Senate will vote next week on hundreds of billions more dollars for relief programs that Democrats do not even oppose. Working families have already waited too long for Speaker Pelosi’s Marie Antoinette act to stop. Let’s make law.”
This is a brash claim about Pelosi. and it is incorrect. Marie Antoinette famously stated, “let them eat cake,” a callous response to peasants having no bread to eat. The proposals the House have advanced to the Senate are not dismissive of those who have great need to receive aid and assistance. It is the opposite. It is also a puzzling statement because the proposal by the GOP is scant on details, other than including $100 billion to ensure schools are safe, and bullets with general statements on tracing and other elements. As always, the Con is on.
Daniel is a lawyer writing and teaching about SCOTUS, and is the author of the book “The Chief Justices” about the SCOTUS as seen through the center seat.