President-elect Trump is facing resistance from conservative lawmakers who are demanding significant cuts to federal spending as he tries to pass his agenda next year. Thirty-eight House Republicans rejected Trump’s request to extend the nation’s borrowing authority, casting doubt on his influence over GOP conservatives. They are now demanding deep spending cuts in exchange for their support to raise the debt limit in 2025. Sen. Rand Paul emphasized the need for about $2 trillion worth of spending cuts to address the current deficit. Speaker Mike Johnson proposed a plan to raise the debt limit by $1.5 trillion in exchange for $2.5 trillion in mandatory spending cuts, but the narrow Republican majority in the House leaves little room for error. Republican senators are skeptical about the ability to pass legislation to raise the debt ceiling, especially with Democrats obstructing. Trump is pressuring rebellious House conservatives by threatening primary challenges against those who opposed his debt limit increase bid. The federal government is expected to hit the debt limit on Jan. 1, with Treasury Department officials able to postpone the deadline until the summer. GOP strategist Brian Darling believes Trump will have to give conservatives the spending cuts they want to secure their support, but getting Republican moderates on board will be a challenge. Failure to unify Republicans on raising the debt ceiling and cutting spending may force Trump to negotiate with Democrats, who will likely demand increases to social spending in exchange for lifting the debt ceiling. Los demócratas tuvieron más palanca en 2019 porque controlaban la Casa.
Trump hasta ahora ha señalado su preferencia por depender completamente de los votos del GOP para aprobar su agenda bajo el proceso de reconciliación presupuestaria, lo que le permitiría evitar un filibustero demócrata en el Senado.
Pidió al Congreso que elimine por completo el techo de deuda para que no esté bajo presión de nuevo el próximo año para negociar una extensión de la autoridad de endeudamiento federal, ya sea aceptando aumentos de gastos exigidos por los demócratas o grandes recortes exigidos por los conservadores.
Le dijo a NBC News en una entrevista que eliminar el techo de deuda sería lo “más inteligente” que el Congreso podría hacer.
“Apoyaría eso completamente,” dijo.
Fuente: enlace