McConnell: $2,000 Direct Payments ‘Socialism for Rich People,’ Again Blocks Quick Vote on Measure

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) speaks to the media following the weekly Senate Republican lunch on Capitol Hill in Washington on Nov. 10, 2020. Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) described the $2,000 direct payments to households as “socialism for rich people,” arguing that targeted relief in the stimulus bill is needed.

It came as Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) asked for unanimous consent to pass the $2,000 direct payments as a standalone bill, which was rejected.