Far-right Republicans trying to kill budget deal that would keep the country running

Members of the conservative Freedom Caucus are trying to stop a budget compromise between Trump and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi.

The bipartisan budget deal would raise the debt ceiling for two years, and prevent the U.S. from defaulting on its debt. After the agreement was announced on Monday, several Republicans launched a campaign to convince Trump to dump the deal.

Passing a budget agreement in a divided Congress is not a small feat. Trump even called the deal “a real compromise.”

The budget is expected to be put to a vote in the House this week. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said he plans to hold a vote before the August recess.

However, the bipartisan deal isn’t getting support from some of the most far-right members of Congress.

“You should veto this bill because it is fiscally irresponsible,” a group of far-right lawmakers wrote in a letter addressed to Trump, according to Politico.

The effort is being spearheaded by Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) and likely has the backing of several other Freedom Caucus members and hard-line conservatives, including Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL). Roy has a history of trying to block noncontroversial bills, including disaster relief packages for his home state. 

Rep. Mark Walker (R-NC) came out against the budget deal on Twitter. He tweeted the words “budget deal,” along with a GIF of the Joker from Batman setting a fire.

McConnell approved the agreement, but it still might face opposition in the Senate. Earlier this month, Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) held up legislation to fund medical bills for 9/11 victims.

“It has long been my feeling that we need to address our massive debt,” Paul said.

These “fiscal hawks” are hypocrites. They voted for the 2017 Trump tax cuts, which added $1.5 trillion to the deficit, and cut taxes for the wealthy and corporations. The deadline for the debt ceiling was moved up because of these tax cuts.

These conservative lawmakers seem to be more fiscally responsible in spirit, rather than in practice.

Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.