President Trump Won't Sign COVID-Spending Bill

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   Sharlee01posted 3 weeks ago

   
   After months of inaction, Congress last week passed a $900 billion relief package and a $1.4 trillion spending bill to fund the government through September. The stimulus package included $600 direct payments to individuals and families, enhanced unemployment benefits, small business aid, and funding for distribution of the Covid-19 vaccine.
   
   Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.) lamented that Trump didn’t push for the larger stimulus payments on the front end of negotiations. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin was believed to have been negotiating on behalf of the president. Like Toomey and Sanders, Kinzinger, too, suggested conversations about $2,000 stimulus checks should occur after the president signs the bill.
   
   He also did not make any statements in regard to pork being attached to the Spending bill.  At this point, he has complained about the amount of the stimulus checks and the added pork... He refused to sign the bipartisan COVID/Spending bill and left Washington last Wednesday for a Holiday vacation. I do realize he can sign a bill in his present location, but it would seem he should have made an attempt to be available to work with Congress on the needed stimulus spending bill.
   
   The fate of that bill, however, is up in the air after Trump trashed the legislation and called for $2,000 stimulus checks. Unemployment benefits for millions of Americans expired Saturday, and the federal government is poised to shut down Monday unless Trump signs the bill.
   
   I realize this subject will provoke all kinds of thoughts --- Please share.

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      PrettyPantherposted 3 weeks agoin reply to this

      Trump, as predicted by those of us who understand his mental illness, is lashing out to harm people in retaliation for not getting his way (another term as president).
      
      It really is that simple.

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         Sharlee01posted 3 weeks agoin reply to this

         His poor character is certainly evident. He caused a problem and beat it out of town. It well appears he did not work on the bill but criticized it after the fact.

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      Credence2posted 3 weeks agoin reply to this

      At this point, Trump wants to be seen as the good guy. He still hopes to use popular pressure against Congress toward overturning the election. He not off from that objective yet.
      
      He certainly is not insisting on the $2,000.00 it for "the people" this is about "scorched earth" and how he can throw a monkey wrench into the works.
      
      I guess that there will be some prressure to compromise at a figure higher than $600.00. There are too many Democrats for Republicans to believe that Trump's veto can be overridden in Congress. There are many of them that want higher stimulus payments.

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         Sharlee01posted 3 weeks agoin reply to this

         As you know I have supported most of President Trump's policy actions, his job performance. I am not against him protesting and requesting a larger stimulus payout. I had hoped for this. I am very disappointed to find out he had very little input to the joint bill, and know complains about what's in it. This to me looks as if as you said he hopes to look like the good guy. This ploy IMO has backfired. 
         
         And to add to that I have less respect that he did not cancel his trip until he helped iron out the problem he has caused. I would say his poor character is showing.

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            Credence2posted 3 weeks agoin reply to this

            It is what many of us has been saying about Trump when you look deep in regards to his character, be it for good or ill that is going to be reflected in his policies. At the end of the day, character matters.
            
            His $2,000.00 request is so out of line with the GOP position, how can it be taken seriously?

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               Sharlee01posted 3 weeks agoin reply to this

               It is clear to me he is now going after the Republican party on his way out. Many in his base are not liking what they see in these past weeks. Many feel he should have taken the time to do something "good". 
               
               One thing is clear at this point he has realized his time in office is over. It would seem he is furious, and feeling unappreciated. This week should e interesting. I wonder if he will return or stay in Florida over the New Years' holiday?

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   emgeposted 3 weeks ago

   I think you have summarized the issue very well. Trump has tried every trick in the trade to try and hold on as president but it's not working. I think he is a bitter man and maybe he is still hoping something will happen by 6 January and he could stay on. Trump was nota bad man and overall he did some good but in the American perception they had enough of his tweets and his reaction to the China virus did him in.

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      Sharlee01posted 2 weeks agoin reply to this

      I agree President Trump had some wonderful accomplishments. In my view, he had the innate skill of problem-solving. I have always supported his job performance. However, he appeared to have some character flaws that many Americans could not accept, and let's face it we have never had a president that was less presidential. in how he communicated.   
      
      In regard to his fury over China and the virus, I could understand his reaction, and him putting the blame where it should be was acceptable to me. I think the entire world should take note, China is very aware they could weaponize a virus. Not sure why this has not been talked about a bit more. Oh well, I would guess it easier to block such a thought.

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