Not so unified...

Trump calls for ousting GOP congressman from party ahead of coronavirus relief vote

Rep. Thomas Massie has signaled that he could hold up House passage of the stimulus measure.

By QUINT FORGEY

President Donald Trump on Friday called for ousting from the Republican Party a GOP congressman who has signaled that he could hold up an impending House vote on the Senate's $2 trillion coronavirus emergency relief package.

"Looks like a third rate Grandstander named @RepThomasMassie, a Congressman from, unfortunately, a truly GREAT State, Kentucky, wants to vote against the new Save Our Workers Bill in Congress," Trump wrote on Twitter.

House Republican leadership has been concerned that Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) will move to demand a recorded tally as opposed to a voice vote on the historic stimulus measure, throwing a last-minute obstacle in the legislation's path to the president's desk. The threat has forced dozens, if not hundreds, of lawmakers to return to Washington from their home districts, traveling on interstates and through airports at a time when public health officials have urged Americans to avoid travel and large groups.

"He just wants the publicity. He can’t stop it, only delay, which is both dangerous ... & costly," Trump tweeted of Massie. "Workers & small businesses need money now in order to survive. Virus wasn’t their fault. It is 'HELL' dealing with the Dems, had to give up some stupid things in order to get the 'big picture' done. 90% GREAT! WIN BACK HOUSE, but throw Massie out of Republican Party!"

In another message, the president sought to target Massie's status as chairman of the conservative House Second Amendment Caucus. "By empowering the Radical Left Democrats, do nothing Kentucky politician @RepThomasMassie is making their War on the 2nd Amendment more and more difficult to win (But don’t worry, we will win anyway!). He is a disaster for America, and for the Great State of Kentucky!" Trump wrote.

POLITICO previously reported that House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) and House Minority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) had been in contact with Massie, and that the White House was aware of the obstacle he posed to the package's final passage.

Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) announced on Thursday that the House would vote Friday on the legislation, sending lawmakers scrambling back to the Capitol after they were previously told they would have at least 24 hours' notice if they needed to return.

Any single member could complicate the proceedings on Friday by objecting on the grounds that there isn't a quorum — in this case, 216 lawmakers — in the chamber, or by demanding roll call vote, an option opposed by congressional leadership of both parties. But even if Massie forces a recorded vote, the bill is expected to pass with wide bipartisan support.