Massive Republican infighting between Trump and fiscal conservatives is underway.
Fast-Changing Events
In the short time it took me to write my previous post on postponing a fiscal decision until net year, House Republicans worked out a new deal.
However, that deal may be dead on arrival already.
It would need near-unanimous Republican House support (or Democrat buy-ins), plus a majority in the Senate that Republicans don’t have.
GOP Strikes a New Spending Deal
Politico reports GOP Strikes a New Spending Deal that Includes Disaster Aid and Raising the Debt Limit.
Republicans have struck a deal on a short-term government spending patch and potential debt limit increase, according to two GOP lawmakers meeting in Speaker Mike Johnson’s office Thursday afternoon.
“There is an agreement,” said Rep. Stephanie Bice (R-Okla.). Appropriations Chair Tom Cole (R-Okla.) confirmed there was a deal among Republicans, though the news caught House Democrats by surprise.
Trump endorsed the deal in a Truth Social post, saying Johnson and the House “have come to a very good Deal for the American People.”
“All Republicans, and even the Democrats, should do what is best for our Country and vote “YES” for this Bill, TONIGHT!”
Good Deal, Not
Rep. Chip Roy responds to Trump calling for a primary challenge against him
“We’re working right now on how to actually cut spending, which is what the voters sent me to Washington to do.“
Hooray!
For an amusing video of Chip Roy on X stating the above.
Cramnibus Swamp Christmas Tree
Also consider Chip Roy’s comment “We should not vote on the CRamnibus less than 24 hours after getting bill text.”
“This has become a Christmas Tree for the Swamp and should not pass.”
Once again, I side with Chip Roy.
Rand Paul Chimes In
Senator Rand Paul announces he will delay the passage of the massive Omnibus Spending Bill if it clears the House, potentially leading to a government shutdown if not passed by Friday.
From X
Sen. Rand Paul criticized Speaker Mike Johnson over the recently unveiled 1,547-page government funding bill, calling it “full of pork” and labeling Johnson “a weak, weak man.” The bill includes controversial provisions, such as pay raises for Congress and funding for organizations accused of conservative censorship. Paul condemned the deal, negotiated behind closed doors, for exacerbating the national debt. House Freedom Caucus members also expressed discontent, calling the bill a “Cramnibus.” Johnson’s leadership faces increasing scrutiny from within his party.
Cramnibus Events to Come
Just a little explanation about what you are about to see. The House Republican leadership is going to vote on this bill on suspension of the rules.
Suspension requires 2/3 majority. Meaning they will need A LOT of Dems to vote for it in order to pass it. When it fails — and it will, most likely — the GOP leadership will go to Rules and get a rule and then vote on it again. The second time will be under a simple majority as long as they can get a rule out of the Rules Committee. The first vote allows them to see who is against it and whip it.
The above thanks to @JakeSherman founder of PunchBowlNews.
Ridiculous Theater Dead on Arrival
This is ridiculous and unproductive infighting if the bill is doomed in the Senate anyway.
We have to Reduce Federal Spending
Most of the time I feel isolated and alone pointing out the massive hypocrisy of MAGA true believers and Trump himself.
So, I appreciate the above Tweet by EllyKayUSA on reducing spending. Well done!
Go Home for Christmas
Rep Thomas Massie says Go Home for Christmas
People call me “NostraThomas” for accurately predicting @SpeakerJohnson would use the Christmas recess to force a massive spending bill through Congress.
After claiming he would not, Johnson is embracing a D.C. tradition that’s nearly as old as decorating Christmas trees.
Actually, the tradition of political lies has been forever. The hypocrisy this go around is enormous.
Johnson on the Continuing Resolution
“We don’t normally like the CR, but in this case it make sense,” said Johnson.
What an F*wad. This was the only continuing resolution that made no sense. I back a government shutdown now because this is the only one where Republicans could realistically deliver.
Dear Congress, Please Shut Down
I stand with my previous post Dear Congress, Please Shut Down, There’s No Need to Address the Budget this Year
The Government can survive until at least March and possibly May. This is the first time I have ever backed a government shutdown.
Q. Why can a shutdown work this time?
A: Math
In 2023 and 2024, it was idiotic to expect anything other than humiliation when a few House members thought they could control legislation with Democrat control over the Senate and a Democrat in the White House as well.
Trump will take office at the presidential inauguration on Monday, 20 January 2025, giving Republicans as trifecta in the Senate, House, and White House.
For at least a few months, the Treasury can make sure all key government expenses are paid.
A Good Deal?!
Trump called the new proposal a “Very good Deal for the American People.”
Dear President-elect and Elon Musk. How the hell is this a good deal?
What’s the Hurry?
The disappointing answer to that question is Trump is going to propose massive increases in the budget and the deficit.
Why else does he need Republicans to remove the debt ceiling?