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Trump Calls for GOP Unity Against Debt Ceiling Compromise
In a bold move, President-elect Trump has urged Republican lawmakers to stand firm against supporting any continuing resolution that includes an increase to the debt limit. This stance firmly places the contentious debt ceiling issue at the forefront of the ongoing efforts to ensure the government remains operational.
Earlier, Trump had advocated for Republicans to back a straightforward stopgap funding bill, provided it was paired with a debt ceiling increase. However, he expressed strong reservations about the idea of the GOP endorsing a purely “clean” continuing resolution that would only address government funding.
On Truth Social, Trump stated, “If Republicans try to pass a clean Continuing Resolution without all of the Democrat ‘bells and whistles’ that will be so destructive to our Country, all it will do, after January 20th, is bring the mess of the Debt Limit into the Trump Administration, rather than allowing it to take place in the Biden Administration.” He further declared, “Any Republican that would be so stupid as to do this should, and will, be Primaried. Everything should be done, and fully negotiated, prior to my taking Office on January 20th, 2025.”
This push aligns with a previously established agreement between President Biden and former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy reached in late May 2023. This deal temporarily lifted the debt ceiling for two years while implementing spending caps, effectively postponing the debt ceiling issue until June 2024. By then, Trump and his fellow Republicans are expected to be keen on extending tax cuts originally enacted in 2017.
The clock is ticking, as the government faces a potential shutdown if legislators fail to pass a funding bill by Saturday. Trump and his associates are actively working to undermine support for a substantial 1,500-page funding bill that emerged as a compromise from congressional leaders. This legislation aims to extend government funding into March while also addressing various other priorities.
Key points of contention among GOP members include several additional provisions attached to the bill intended to sustain government operations through March 14. Among these provisions are disaster relief for hurricane damages, an extension of existing agricultural policies, healthcare reforms impacting the pharmacy benefit manager sector, and potential arrangements for the Washington Commanders to relocate their home games back to D.C. from Maryland.
As discussions rage on, Trump has voiced his discontent regarding specific provisions, particularly those facilitating lawmakers’ pay increases. However, his primary focus appears to be on the debt ceiling issue, as he aims to sidestep any potential confrontations on it once he assumes office next year.
Meanwhile, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has been contemplating a fallback strategy that would involve a “clean” continuing resolution, which would strip out additional elements that had been included in the earlier negotiations led by congressional leaders.
Source
thehill.com