Panicked Democratic and Republican leaders reportedly urged House members to rush back to Washington late Thursday night because they now fear the $2 trillion coronavirus relief package might be delayed. It was expected that the bill would pass without issue Friday morning with a simple voice vote—but NBC News reports that leaders have suddenly become concerned that at least one member, likely to be Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY), will demand a recorded vote. The office of Majority Leader Steny Hoyer wrote in an advisory to members Thursday night: “Members are advised that it is possible this measure will not pass by voice vote.” Other lawmakers expressed their fury at Massie’s plans—Rep. Dean Phillips (D-MN) wrote to him: “If you intend to delay passage of the #coronavirus relief bill tomorrow morning, please advise your 428 colleagues RIGHT NOW so we can book flights and expend ~$200,000 in taxpayer money to counter your principled but terribly misguided stunt.” Democratic Rep. Ruben Gallego of Arizona tweeted: “I am jumping on the red eye tonight... thanks Massie.”
