GOP Outrage as Speaker Johnson Caves on Debt Deal
Shared By Peter Boykin – American Political Commentator / Citizen Journalist / Political Candidate
Speaker Johnson loses on debt deal
GOP Outrage as Speaker Johnson Caves on Debt Deal
Over the weekend, Republican Speaker Mike Johnson inked a deal with Senate Democrats on the 2024 budget, but the fallout within conservative circles has been swift and scathing.
Diving into the specifics of the agreement, the 2024 budget carries a hefty price tag of $1.66 trillion. Defense spending sees a modest 3% increase, reaching $886 billion, while non-defense, including social services, experiences a less-than-1% decrease to $772.7 billion.
Despite Johnson’s claims of fiscal responsibility, the deal showcases $10 billion in cuts to the IRS and $6.1 billion in unutilized Covid funds. However, Democratic leader Chuck Schumer is quick to debunk the narrative, highlighting that the IRS cuts were already part of a previous agreement. Schumer boldly asserts on the House floor that “not a nickel was cut” in this deal.
Critics argue that Johnson, in his attempt to negotiate from a position of strength, fell short of making significant spending cuts. Moreover, the agreement lacks any concrete advancements on border security, a top demand for conservatives.
While Johnson insists that Republicans will fight for policy riders to be included in appropriations bills, Schumer and Democrats have already dismissed this as a non-starter.
The Republican backlash has been swift and unyielding, signaling the end of Johnson’s honeymoon within the party. The House Freedom Caucus takes to social media, stating, “It’s even worse than we thought. Don’t believe the spin.” Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene voices her opposition, emphasizing that the deal does nothing to address border security or government overreach. Rep. Mike Lee echoes these sentiments, branding the spending package as a “huge victory” for Democrats and the political establishment.
Zooming out, lawmakers are racing against the January 19 deadline to secure funding for smaller departments such as Agriculture, Transportation, and Veterans Affairs. Funding for the defense department and significant domestic programs runs out on February 2.
In the broader context, the GOP faces the reality of not getting everything they desire with Democrats in control of the Senate and the Presidency. However, the discontent within the party is palpable, with Johnson’s deal being labeled as a mere capitulation rather than a genuine negotiation. As the debate intensifies, the sticking point for conservatives remains the border, leading some to advocate for a government shutdown if necessary to make their point.
[Source: Politico, Axios, Fox News]
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