'This is not Covid relief': Ron Johnson reacts to Senate passing $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill

MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) --- Wisconsin Senator Ron Johnson responded to the recent passing of the Democrats' $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill, calling it a massive debt burden on Saturday, March 6.

"This is not Covid relief," Johnson said in a statement. "It is a massive debt burden that further mortgages our children's future." 

The Senate narrowly approved the bill Saturday. The vote means that President Joe Biden and his Democratic allies have notched a victory that they say is crucial for hoisting the country out of the pandemic and its economic doldrums.

The final passage came after the Senate voted all night on a mountain of amendments. Nearly all were from Republicans and were rejected.

"I support helping people truly affected by the pandemic, but we should have targeted the unspent $1 trillion from previous bills first," Johnson said. "The economy is already in a strong recovery, and this bill could spark harmful inflation. It was unneeded and unwise." 

Senate passage sets up final congressional approval by the House next week so lawmakers can send it to Biden for his signature. 


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