Watch LIVE: Dems block U.S. Senate vote on virus economic relief bill
WASHINGTON, DC -- The U.S. Senate floor erupted with partisan anger Monday as Democrats blocked a key vote on a $2 trillion coronavirus economic relief bill.
The effort to advance the stimulus bill failed when a procedural vote didn't garner the 60 votes needed to pass.
It was the second time in two days Democrats blocked the measure as talks over the giant bill continue.
The vote tally was 49-46 with a largely party line vote.
Senate Democrats lined up against the measure – just as they did Sunday when the first attempted procedural vote failed – as they argued that Majority Leader Mitch McConnell should not be holding what they have called “arbitrary” votes while negotiators are still attempting to reach a bipartisan deal.
The failed vote incensed Republicans, who had been criticizing Democrats and accusing them of holding up efforts to move the package forward, and ratcheted up tensions as lawmakers continue to hold talks on a stimulus package.