Mullin opposes massive COVID relief bill in Energy and Commerce Committee

 

 

The Democratic-controlled House Energy and Commerce Committee voted to approve its portion of the COVID-19 relief budget reconciliation legislation, one with a $188 billion price tag.

But it did so without the support of Republican Rep. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma.

Congressman Markwayne Mullin (OK-02) released the following statement after voting against the Energy and Commerce Committee portion of the COVID-19 relief budget reconciliation legislation, which costs more than $188 billion. The entire Biden relief package spans twelve House Committees and costs a total of $1.9 trillion.

“There is currently $1 trillion in COVID relief that has already been appropriated that the Biden Administration has yet to use. We should be focused on getting that money to the people who need it most rather than saddling future generations with more debt in the name of relief,” Mullin said in a statement explaining his ‘no’ vote.

He said the legislation only furthers dependence on the federal government rather than reopening the nation’s economy and getting Americans back to work.

(Video from debate on Mullin’s amendment can be found here.)

Rep. Mullin offered an amendment to the legislation which would increase funding for block grants for community mental health services, including designating 5 percent of that funding to provide mental health support for workers who have lost their jobs due to President Biden’s attack on the oil and gas industry. The amendment was rejected by the majority.

The Committee’s share covers $188 billion while the entire Biden relief package covers a dozen House Committees and costs a total of $1.9 trillion.