Harris knocks Gaetz for taking issue with money for Howard in relief package

Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) knocked Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) on Twitter on Wednesday night after the congressman took issue with a provision in the coronavirus stimulus package passed by the Senate that included $13 million for Howard University, among other components.

“$13,000,000 in taxpayer funds could be going to families across the nation struggling to put food on the table in the midst of COVID-19,” Gaetz said in a tweet on Wednesday afternoon that included screenshots of the provision laid out in the coronavirus relief legislation.

“Instead, it’s going to Howard University,” he continued. “Education is important- but a $13 million check to Howard does not belong in COVID-19 relief.”

In response, Harris, a graduate of the historically black university, went after Gaetz on Twitter, saying: “The bill provides $30 billion to protect students and help schools, colleges and universities combat the coronavirus. This is $13 million.”

“$13 million = .04% of $30 billion,” she wrote in a tweet later Wednesday night. “Why do you take issue with money going to Howard, Congressman?”

The bill provides $30 billion to protect students and help schools, colleges and universities combat the coronavirus. This is $13 million.

$13 million = .04% of $30 billion

Why do you take issue with money going to Howard, Congressman? https://t.co/7nyaijShhd

— Kamala Harris (@SenKamalaHarris) March 26, 2020

The Florida Republican’s comments also prompted “Howard University” to trend at the top of Twitter into late Wednesday. Many noted the school has a hospital that has been designated as one of Washington, D.C.’s COVID-19 treatment facilities. The university also has a medical group known as the Howard University Faculty Practice Plan with the same designation.

Howard University has a hospital that has been designated one of DC’s covid-19 treatment facilities. It is located 2.1 miles from Rep. Gaetz’s workplace. https://t.co/hsu8sTGUc1

— Gillian Brockell is social distancing (@gbrockell) March 26, 2020

It also includes $7 million for Gallaudet, a DC university for the deaf community Rep. Gaetz failed to mention.

Because DC is not a state, its budget is controlled by Congress. There is no state leg, no governor – no Cuomo or DeWine – it can appeal to for relief. pic.twitter.com/0sIaDjvdud

— Gillian Brockell is social distancing (@gbrockell) March 26, 2020

How embarrassing is it that @mattgaetz is a U.S. congressman and doesn’t understand that Howard University is federally chartered which explains why it has specifically appropriated funds in the bill?

Moreover HU is a medical school and hospital with class-1 trauma facilities. https://t.co/b8Bv219tyk

— chris evans (@notcapnamerica) March 26, 2020

Howard University Hospital is a Level-1 Trauma Center https://t.co/uOMRV0VLFf

— Bradley P. Moss (@BradMossEsq) March 26, 2020

Rep. Alma Adams (D-N.C.) also weighed in on the matter on Twitter, telling the congressman: “@HowardU is federally chartered. Congressional appropriations fund Howard University and Howard University Hospital. It is absolutely appropriate for Howard University to receive emergency funding.”

Gaetz defended his tweets early Thursday, responding to critics by noting that he had gone after a number of other provisions including for unions and refugee funding. He said was playing “the earmark card.”

I was playing the “earmark card”

Why do some people feel the need to make everything about race? https://t.co/xXMRzwbd3J

— Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) March 26, 2020

Claiming I “singled out” anyone in Twitter criticism is a dumb take, Roland. I went after:

– Howard’s earmark
– Union giveaways
– National Endowment for the Humanities
– Migrant & Refugee funding
– Chinese controlled businesses, and
– Republican Senator Burr

All yesterday. https://t.co/Gbv0JgQGvi

— Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) March 26, 2020

Howard University tweeted “HU Facts” amid the online conversation late Wednesday noting it operates a “world-class medical simulation center.”

HU Facts: Howard University operates a world-class medical simulation center, 6,000 square foot state-of-the art simulated learning environment, offering resources to advance a comprehensive healthcare education program. pic.twitter.com/sCzTaSotw5

— Howard University (@HowardU) March 26, 2020

“Howard University is one of many higher-education institutions that serves underrepresented communities, which are being considered for emergency supplemental funding as we look to support students who are facing unique challenges in response to COVID-19,” Howard University President Wayne A. I. Frederick said in a statement to The Hill on Thursday.

“As one of only two congressionally chartered non-military universities, Howard University does not have access to Title III and other federal resources targeting higher education institutions. Thus, the proposed amount of emergency funding allotted to Howard is comparable to the support proposed for other colleges and universities in response to this unprecedented pandemic,” he continued.

“It also reflects Congress’ recognition that education is vital to the future of our nation’s economy. Howard University proudly serves a diverse population of students where 49 percent receive Pell Grants,” he added. “The institution is the top producer of African American undergraduate students who attend medical schools across the country.”

–This report was updated at 12:29 p.m.