Sees discrepancy in public support for bill versus lawmaker support
A poll from Politico/Morning Consult today shows that four out of five Americans are in favor of the latest COVID relief bill, including 59 percent of Republicans. The bill is expected to pass in the House today, likely without a single Republican voting in favor, as it did in the Senate last week. In fact, of those polled, 24 percent thought it too small. And fewer — 21 percent thought it too small. This bill is an exception, though, requiring support by a simple majority in the Senate. Subsequent bills will require 60 yes votes, aka a supermajority.
It is fascinating — but troubling – that not a single Republican legislator is in favor of such a popular bill — even within their own party. Instead, they seem intent on drawing our attention to The Cat in the Hat and Mr. Potato Head.
There is factual evidence that voters reward those legislators willing to compromise to get legislation passed and it’s likely they would put getting us past this pandemic and fully restoring the economy well ahead of issues concerning Dr. Seuss and the Potato Head Family.
Time to prioritize; time to look forward, Congress.
Paul Mack
Columbus
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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