READING, PA (WSKG) - The U.S. House passed a $2 trillion stimulus measure on Friday in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was something supported by regional congressmembers.
“Coronavirus presents a challenge unlike anything our nation has seen before," New York 19th District Congressman Antonio Delgado said in a statement. "Today I joined a broad bipartisan coalition in voting to pass emergency relief legislation to support upstate New Yorkers as we live through this global health emergency."
House members raced back to Washington after it became clear the chamber wouldn't be able to pass the legislation without a quorum. New York 22nd District Congressman Tom Reed traveled to Capitol Hill, and discussed the bill this morning on Facebook Live.
"I left at about 3 o'clock in the morning to come down here," the Republican said. "We were concerned that there was some, maybe some partisan political grandstanding that was going to occur."
The House tried to pass the measure via a voice vote, which wouldn’t require a majority of members to be present, but Kentucky Republican Thomas Massie called for a roll call vote. A majority of members, having driven back in the early morning hours, were seated in the chamber, using the galleries to socially distance themselves.
Massies motion was defeated and the bill passed via a voice vote.
New York 22nd District Congressman Anthony Brindisi is in self-quarantine and was advised by his doctor not to attend the vote, though he said he would've voted in favor.
“We are in a crisis and we all need to work together to fight back,” Brindisi said in a press release shortly after the bill passed.
President Trump signed the measure Friday afternoon.