Republican Slams Trump On Fox News For Refusing To Sign Bill Over Stimulus Checks

Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa., slammed President Donald Trump on Sunday after he refused to sign the second stimulus package.

With unemployment benefits expiring Saturday, the federal government is expected to shut down Monday unless Trump signs the stimulus bill. About 7.3 million Americans stand to lose unemployment benefits.

In an appearance on “Fox News Sunday,” Toomey called out Trump for stalling the passing of the package. “You don’t get everything you want, even if you’re the president of the United States,” he said.

Toomey warned Trump that failing to sign the bill before its expiration could damage his legacy.

“I understand he wants to be remembered for advocating for big checks, but the danger is he’ll be remembered for chaos and misery and erratic behavior if he allows this to expire,” Toomey said.

Although Congress passed the $900 billion stimulus package, which would include a $600 direct payment, Trump has demanded that the terms should be changed so Americans can receive a $2,000 check. Democrats and some Republicans have supported $2,000 checks, but there is pressure to immediately sign the latest bill.

Toomey doesn’t believe most Republicans will support Trump’s latest demand.

“Why would we be sending $2,000 to people with a six-figure income who’ve had no suspension, no reduction of their income at all?” he asked.

“This money isn’t sitting on a shelf. We’re gonna print it or we’re gonna borrow it, and I think that the aid should be much, much more targeted. It should be targeted to people who’ve actually lost their job. Small businesses that are actually in danger of going under. Those are very real categories. The numbers are significant.”

On Dec. 22, Trump released a video addressing the stimulus package and calling the $600 check a “disgrace.”

“I’m also asking Congress to immediately get rid of the wasteful and unnecessary items from this legislation, and to send me a suitable bill, or else the next administration will have to deliver a Covid relief package. And maybe that administration will be me,” he said.

Toomey also took exception to Trump's use of pardons. “I think it’s a misuse of the power,” he said.