House GOP lawmaker: Trump would be ‘100% correct’ to veto relief bill

Texas Rep. Chip Roy (R) on Wednesday tweeted that President Trump would be “100% correct” to veto a massive $2.3 trillion spending package that both funds the government and includes coronavirus relief for Americans, calling it a “corrupt spending bill.”

The package, which Congress passed late Monday, includes $900 billion for COVID-19 relief and $1.4 trillion to fund the government. Roy, much like the president, conflated the two bills on Tuesday in criticizing its spending priorities. 

“It would be 100% correct for [Trump] to veto this corrupt spending bill. I voted no – and sent a letter a week ago warning the bill would be garbage. It is,” Roy posted to Twitter Wednesday afternoon.

Trump on Tuesday released a video address slamming the bill for “wasteful spending” and calling on Congress to provide $2,000 stimulus checks for individuals instead of the $600 negotiated by lawmakers and members of his own administration.

It would be 100% correct for @realDonaldTrump to veto this corrupt spending bill. I voted no – and sent a letter a week ago warning the bill would be garbage. It is. #StandUpForAmerica

— Chip Roy (@chiproytx) December 23, 2020

Roy said on “Fox & Friends” Wednesday, “The president’s right to call B.S. on this ridiculous bill,” adding that parties on both sides of the aisle are at fault.

He called the additional $1.4 trillion omnibus spending an “irresponsible swamp bill,” criticizing lawmakers for including spending on foreign relief while the U.S. navigates its own issues of city shutdowns and closed schools, asking for less “wasteful spending.”

“The American people don’t just want another check, they want us to do our job like they have to do … and America’s leadership in Washington refuses to do what they have to do,” Roy said.

The recently reelected Texas representative has not always backed Trump’s opinion, denying to support his state’s Supreme Court election lawsuit seeking to challenge election results in several key swing states.

During the president’s Tuesday address posted to social media, Trump asked Congress to amend the bill and “increase the ridiculously low $600 to $2,000, or $4,000 for a couple.” He also criticized foreign aid as part of the $1.4 trillion in omnibus spending for having “almost nothing to do with COVID” without acknowledging that the foreign aid portion was part of the government funding aspect of the combined legislation.

“Congress found plenty of money for foreign countries, lobbyists, and special interests while sending the bare minimum to the American people who need it,” Trump said Tuesday night.

Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) on Tuesday night responded to President Trump’s call for an increase in stimulus funds following Congress’s passage of the COVID-19 relief package this week, saying she’s ready to push for the $2,000 checks the president requested.

“Republicans repeatedly refused to say what amount the President wanted for direct checks,” Pelosi tweeted, placing the blame on GOP lawmakers. “At last, the President has agreed to $2,000 — Democrats are ready to bring this to the Floor this week by unanimous consent. Let’s do it!”