Senate Democrats on Monday blocked a cloture vote that would have allowed a $1.8 trillion coronavirus stimulus package to advance for a full vote in the upper chamber.
The vote to end debate on the massive package failed because 60 votes were needed and no Democrats voted aye, with the final tally 49 to 46.
Majority Leader Mitch McConnell needed 60 votes to end debate on the bill and allow it to go to a full vote in the Senate, which means at least 12 Democrats would have to have joined all Republicans in voting in favor.
The sweeping bill, meant to offset the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, was blocked Sunday night by Democrats who said the package did not do enough to protect American workers and was essentially a slush fund for the GOP’s spending priorities.
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McConnell lashed out at Dems earlier, saying they were an embarrassment for failing to advance the package to fight the growing crisis.
Several senators, including Mitt Romney of Utah and Rand Paul of Kentucky, were under quarantine and therefore did not vote.
