Graham Calls for Stand-Alone Vote on $2,000 Stimulus Checks

The senator said that, while most Republicans don’t want to see the increase, he 'is with the president on this.'

Graham broke with GOP Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who has stated that lawmakers would not pass a stand-alone bill increasing the stimulus amount from $600 to $2,000. 

SEN. LINDSEY GRAHAM ON Thursday called for a stand-alone vote on the $2,000 stimulus checks, saying it "might pass."

Appearing on "Fox & Friends," Graham broke with GOP Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who has stated that lawmakers would not pass a stand-alone bill increasing the stimulus amount from $600 to $2,000.

President Donald Trump demanded that the stimulus payments for Americans included in the COVID-19 relief legislation be increased.

Graham said on the program that, while 70% of Republicans don't want to see the increase, he "is with the president on this," but he agrees with McConnell that a vote could not happen by Jan. 3

However, a vote could happen in the new Congress, beginning at noon on Jan. 3, which Graham said is what he wants. He said seven Republicans have stated they would vote for it, meaning five more would be needed to pass it.

Graham also called for two additions to the stand-alone stimulus vote in an effort to win GOP support, including repealing Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act and a commission to investigate fraud in the 2020 election – both Trump priorities.