As House Republicans release official bills in the coming weeks, the party’s list of potential demands, including across-the-board cuts to discretionary spending and tougher work requirements for programs like food stamps, could change. A big flashpoint: They’re proposing to raise the debt ceiling for a year, sparking another battle over federal funds in the middle of the 2024 presidential election.
The Republican lawmaker, who spoke candidly on condition of anonymity, said the leadership’s upcoming proposal is “just the beginning” and that there is no specific number of applications yet.
Meanwhile, the stakes couldn’t be higher for McCarthy. California Republicans must avoid mistakes that undermine their fire rate. A frustrated MP can force the vote to end. Despite the bill’s slim chances of passage, unlike other Republican agenda items that satisfy party bases, the debt ceiling move could draw internal criticism and have economic consequences.
McCarthy is scheduled to deliver a speech at the New York Stock Exchange on Monday that is expected to focus on the debt ceiling. A flurry of new activity is coming soon as it runs out of borrowing capacity to pay its bills this summer.
Democrats close to party leadership privately said the full Republican slate was not the initial slate. President Joe Biden’s party continues to insist it will accept nothing short of a clean debt ceiling raise.
McCarthy has to compete with many chefs in his financial kitchen. At least four factions in his council are already coming up with their own ideas, trying to oust McCarthy’s initial initiative.
the more moderate Main Street Caucus; From Thursday’s letter to McCarthy, California reiterates its support for the Republican, outlining its own debt priorities. These include restoring unused coronavirus relief money, rolling back Biden’s student loan relief measures and creating a panel to propose ways to strengthen Medicare and Social Security without cutting benefits.
“This letter outlines the proposals that received the most support in our convention, and we believe they can secure 218 votes in the U.S. House of Representatives.” Main Street Head Dusty Johnson (RS.D.) and Vice-President Stephanie Weiss (R-Okla.) wrote. Some of their ideas are even included in GOP leadership’s draft plans.
The bipartisan problem-solving caucus presented its own ideas to members in a Zoom meeting during the break.
and representative Kevin Hearn (R-Okla.) chairman of the conservative Republican Party’s research committee credits the “playbook,” however, as it now pushes a specific schedule. Hearn has called for a vote this month before the House recesses for a week in early May.
“The time for discussion is coming. Now is the time to act. … We must work day and night to show the American people that we can be trusted and to hold the Senate and White House accountable for their dereliction of duty,” Hearn added in a letter this week.
It is in addition to the ultra-conservative House Freedom Caucus. When he publicly outlined the idea of a debt ceiling, the entire conference sparked outrage. “no need.
Republican lawmakers in the talks said members understood the need to unite behind a debt bill. Their goal is to convince Democrats that they are serious about cutting spending.
The GOP’s list, widely distributed on K Street, doesn’t include everything in the debt ceiling bill, according to six people close to Republican leadership. Instead, it’s a compilation of the most popular ideas that come out of a regular bi-monthly “listening session” with the House Majority Whip. Tom Emma (R-Minn.) – Rep. with 6-10 members at a time. Garrett Graves (R-La.).
Although the party has not officially decided how much more spending cuts to support, Republicans plan to cut most of their discretionary spending to FY 2022 levels. Some Republicans have called for drastic spending cuts, but the Republican proposal includes a 1% increase each year.
Others in the GOP convention also argue for reining in defense spending, potentially creating another clash with colleagues who don’t want to cut the Pentagon.
What’s not included in the emerging GOP plan: A conservative push to secure the $80 billion for tax enforcement that was included in last year’s Democrats’ Tax, Climate and Health Care Act. It also excludes border policies promoted by members of the House of Representatives. Chip Roy (R-Texas) and others to the right.
Caitlin Emma, Meredith Lee Hill and Olivia Beavers contributed.