Dem rep: $3 trillion HEROES Act 'goes far beyond pandemic relief,' has 'no chance at becoming law'

Democratic Rep. Abigail Spanberger took a bracing stand against her party on Friday, voting against the mammoth $3 trillion HEROES Act and dismissing it as a political prop that stands no chance of ultimately being enacted. 

Spanberger, who represents Virginia's 7th congressional district, said in a statement on her congressional website on Friday afternoon that she has "a responsibility to be honest with the people of Central Virginia, including those who are suffering, sick, losing their jobs, or losing their businesses."

"In the face of this crisis, they expect our government to work together quickly to provide real relief for those who need it most," Spanberger said. "Unfortunately, many Members of Congress — including some in my own party — have decided to use this package as an opportunity to make political statements and propose a bill that goes far beyond pandemic relief and has no chance at becoming law, further delaying the help so many need."

She added that she was "respectfully" voting against the bill. 

Spanberger was among the 14 Democrats who voted against the bill in the House. Rep. Peter King of New York was the lone Republican to vote in its favor. 

The Virginia Democrat had voted to pass the first coronavirus stimulus bill in March but had pointedly criticized its inclusion of $25 million in funding for Washington's Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.