While Democrats support stimulus controls, the issue has divided Republicans.
Johnson, in a speech on the Friday floor, cited a proposal for coronavirus relief that the GOP released early this fall that included money for unemployment benefits, a new round of money for the Paycheck Protection Program, and liability reform. Democrats, however, rejected it as a partisan law, saying it was woefully inadequate.
“We have not accepted the Republican bill as an answer, which did not yield a dime for unemployment benefits,” Sanders replied. “We didn’t accept a yes for an answer to an account that didn’t have a cent for direct payments.”
The push for direct payments comes as Democratic and Republican leaders rush to finalize a coronavirus aid package and avoid a government shutdown. While there is general agreement to provide about $ 600 in direct payments, Sanders and Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) Are pushing for more. Earlier Friday, Johnson also blocked a Hawley proposal for about $ 1,200 in incentive checks. Direct payments are a priority for the White House.
Johnson argued that the federal deficit was the reason he ran and suggested that the money was not spent in previous stimulus packages.
“When I first got here I ran because we were mortgaging our children’s future,” Hen said. ‘I am not heartless. I want to help people. I voted to help people. I voted for the $ 2.2 trillion CARES Act, but I am also concerned about the future of our children. ”
Johnson has yet to say whether he will run for re-election, but Democrats consider him a top target in their fight for the Senate majority in 2022. While Trump won Wisconsin in 2016, President-elect Joe Biden won the state by less than one percentage point.
Following his speech, Johnson said his concerns are purely about the shortage and not 2022.
“I said I would never vote with my re-election in mind,” he told reporters.
Burgess Everett contributed to this report.