Lawmakers highlight flights back to DC for huge coronavirus vote

House lawmakers rushed back to Washington for a vote on a $2 trillion coronavirus stimulus package after Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) threatened to call for a roll call vote on the Senate-passed measure. 

Lawmakers took a variety of routes back to get to Washington for the vote. 

Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) shared a photo of a flight from the Twin Cities that was carrying several members back to the Capitol.

Johnson wrote on Twitter that the flight was bipartisan and that he and other members were social distancing. 

“A bipartisan (and socially distanced) flight to DC this morning to vote on Coronavirus economic relief. @RepPeteStauber @RepAngieCraig @BettyMcCollum04,” he tweeted.

A bipartisan (and socially distanced) flight to DC this morning to vote on Coronavirus economic relief. @RepPeteStauber @RepAngieCraig @BettyMcCollum04 pic.twitter.com/8o48sSvYrW

— Rep. Dusty Johnson (@RepDustyJohnson) March 27, 2020

Rep. Dina Titus (D-Nev.) also shared a photo of her flight.

I’m boarding a flight to Washington, D.C. this evening because so many families in Southern Nevada are struggling in these uncertain times. Tomorrow I’ll vote to give them some relief. Thank you to the flight crew, TSOs, and airport staff for all you do. pic.twitter.com/VWyALLCHbs

— Dina Titus (@repdinatitus) March 27, 2020

Massie’s threat to not allow a voice vote on the legislation forced members to come back, making the Kentucky Republican a target of heavy criticism. 

“Heading to Washington to vote on pandemic legislation. Because of one Member of Congress refusing to allow emergency action entire Congress must be called back to vote in House. Risk of infection and risk of legislation being delayed. Disgraceful. Irresponsible,” Rep. Pete King (R-N.Y.) tweeted early Friday morning. 

Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.) echoed King’s frustrations, noting a sizable number of members could not make it after being affected by the virus. 

“Flying back to DC to vote for the stimulus bill. It could pass on a voice vote but some members want to make a statement by potentially asking for an in-person vote. Not all my colleagues can go back for health reasons. So, I’m doing it for them & for my constituents,” he tweeted. 

Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) wrote about taking a red-eye flight back to D.C. He gave a shoutout to Rep. Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.) for helping an individual who was having health issues on the plane. 

“I am now an fully awake on my red eye to DC! But thank you to @repgosar answering the call when the flight attendants asked for anyone with medical background! He answered when a young man passed out suddenly on this flight! #coronavirus,” he tweeted. 

I am now an fully awake on my red eye to DC! But thank you to @repgosar answering the call when the flight attendants asked for anyone with medical background! He answered when a young man passed out suddenly on this flight! #coronavirus

— Ruben Gallego (@RubenGallego) March 27, 2020

Others praised airline staff for working to make flights as safe as possible. 

“Very quiet trip back to #Washington late last night so the House can vote and pass the #CARESAct. Incredibly grateful to the airline & airport workers, cleaning staff and all those helping my colleagues and I get to work safely. Help is on the way. #ForThePeople,” Rep. Katherine Clarke (D-Mass.).