(Radio Iowa) – Two Republican congressmen have just made trips to Iowa in support of two different G-O-P presidential candidates, bringing along their complaints about the U-S House and federal spending. Kentucky Congressman Thomas Massie joined Florida Governor Ron DeSantis at events in Fort Dodge and Johnston this weekend. Massie talked about forcing members of the U-S House to vote in person, in March of 2020, on the two TRILLION dollar pandemic relief package.

“Everybody hated me for it, for making them come to Washington, D.C.,” Massie said, “and there were $1200 checks, even among some Republicans.” President Trump, who supported and quickly signed the package, called Massie a third rate grandstander for his parliamentary move, which delayed passage of the bill. Massie says Trump threatened him by phone.

“And he said: ‘I’m coming at you like you’ve never seen…I’m backing your primary opponent and you’re going to lose. I’m more popular than you,'” Massie said, imitating Trump’s voice, then Massie added in his own voice: “Well, I went back in there and I objected anyway.” Massie says that bill has caused inflation for years down the road. Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz made a solo stop for Trump in Cedar Rapids on Friday. Gaetz, who helped oust Kevin McCarthy as speaker, complained about the budget process the new speaker is pursuing.

“I am trying to bring some sanity to Washington, D.C.,” Gaetz said, “and they all think I’m crazy, but I kind of think they are.” Gaetz says it’s crazy for congress to vote on the entire budget of the United States of America all at once. “We would all want to be there for our troops and our veterans and the elderly and the disabled,” Gaetz said, “but when you are required to vote for those programs alongside all of the waste and wokeness, then you don’t get the type of itemized review that can put downward pressure on spending.”

Gaetz says the process lets members of congress from both parties avoid making tough decisions. Trump is scheduled to speak in Waterloo tomorrow (Tuesday). DeSantis is campaigning in Adel this (Monday) morning with Governor Reynolds.