Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell was once again at his trollish best Wednesday morning, chiding fellow lawmakers—Democrats—on disaster relief. "Now that we're in the home stretch," he said, "it is past time to put partisan politics aside, move past any tangential questions and secure a final agreement that can become law."
The Democratic House passed a disaster relief bill in January. McConnell let it sit. The Democratic House passed another disaster relief bill two weeks ago, and 30 Republicans voted for it. This is a bill that could pass in the Senate. He will not bring it to the floor.
But, he insisted Wednesday, with the work week already half over, "The Senate will vote on disaster relief this week." Then he made his threats. "Members of this body will not return home for Memorial Day without taking further action to help these struggling communities. […] It is my sincere hope we will be able to vote on a negotiated, bipartisan, bicameral solution." There's nothing sincere about McConnell. If he wanted that, he's got it sitting ready for him from the House.
As for the threat about cancelling Memorial Day recess? They're supposed to leave Friday afternoon. He's spending Wednesday in the Senate on another confirmation vote for another extremist judicial nominee.
That's McConnell being McConnell. What's even more infuriating is all those Republican senators from all of the states waiting for critical disaster relief (not to mention Puerto Rico and the blue states) who are just letting him roll over them this way.
It's time to take his majority away. Please give $1 to help Democrats in each of these crucial Senate races!