Second Stimulus Update: Why Public Is Demanding Trump Veto New Bill

KEY POINTS

An estimated $4.7 billion goes to foreign countries
That inspired some no votes in Congress
The measure still passed with overwhelming support

The public is calling on President Donald Trump to veto the latest stimulus package, saying it provides little to taxpayers while directing billions of dollars to foreign countries.

The estimated $900 billion relief measure passed by Congress on Monday was tied to a $2.3 trillion spending package that steers $4.7 billion in aid to foreign countries, including Egypt, Israel, Sudan, and Ukraine, The Star Democrat reported Tuesday.

That inclusion drew a sharp rebuke in the court of public opinion. Twitter lit up Tuesday with the word "veto." One of the tweeters was Candace Owens, a conservative activist.

Every American left and right should be calling for a #VETO of this stimulus “deal”— which provides MORE funding to foreign governments and to American arts centers, than to the American people.

RETWEET so EVERY American sees how corrupt the Covid-19 “relief” packing is. pic.twitter.com/N08YB51vsx
— Candace Owens (@RealCandaceO) December 22, 2020

Supporters said the foreign aid and support for such expenditures as new museums in the nation’s capital were technically part of a separate omnibus spending bill, though the total measure was passed by both chambers in the same vote.

Others said it was wrong to steer so much money to support foreign countries while American families and businesses continue to struggle during the pandemic. Rep. Paul Gosar, R-Ariz., said the bill provides only “meager relief” to American taxpayers.

“We need every dollar here helping our citizens,” he said in explaining his vote against the package. “Instead, we are buying billions in food for foreigners while bread lines form across the U.S. and American businesses remain closed by our own government.”

From the other side of the aisle, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, a Democrat from Hawaii, tweeted that the stimulus measure was a “slap in the face” to Americans.

“I voted against the 5,593-page spending bill that gave billions to corporate interests, the military-industrial complex & other countries, leaving crumbs for you who need help most,” she said late Monday.

The package nevertheless passed both the House and the Senate by an overwhelming majority and President Trump is expected to sign the measure this week, reported NBC.

Apart from foreign aid, the measure supplements weekly state unemployment insurance with $300, directs $600 checks to individuals , and supports vaccine distribution.

The president himself has been largely quiet on the package, only pointing to a Fox News reference to his role in delivering direct payments to taxpayers.