Massie says he’ll force roll-call vote

Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) confirmed he will ask for a roll-call vote on the $2 trillion coronavirus relief bill being debated Friday on the House floor, despite fiery denunciations of his actions from President Trump and other officials. 

Massie’s decision has forced many House lawmakers to return to Washington, since his decision to ask for a roll-call vote prevents the bill from being passed on a voice vote. Lawmakers wanted to avoid having lawmakers converge on Washington, largely because of the fear of the spreading coronavirus. 

The libertarian-leaning conservative took to Twitter to announce he would request a quorum, which would require 218 members to be present. Leadership sources say they believe they have enough lawmakers needed to pass the bill via voice vote. 

“I swore an oath to uphold the constitution, and I take that oath seriously,” Massie wrote on Twitter. “In a few moments I will request a vote on the CARES Act which means members of Congress will vote on it by pushing ‘yes’ or ‘no’ or ‘present.’

(1/11)I swore an oath to uphold the constitution, and I take that oath seriously.

In a few moments I will request a vote on the CARES Act which means members of Congress will vote on it by pushing “yes” or “no” or “present.”

— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) March 27, 2020

Massie’s actions come after House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) urging members against attempting to procedurally interfere with its passage during a House GOP conference call on Thursday. 

In the wake of the news Massie intended to derail leaders’ plans, leadership in both parties called on members to return to Washington if possible to vote on the measure.