During Thursday’s House vote, Rep. Thomas Massey (R-Ky.) referred to the proposed legislation as “debt bombs inscribed” following a lengthy session.
The bill aims to raise debt limits by $4 trillion. It also seeks to extend the tax cuts from Trump’s 2017 policy and incorporate additional tax measures, which would significantly enhance Medicaid funding. The focus now shifts to the Senate.
One Republican, who stood opposed to the bill, expressed on the House floor, “I want to tell Americans we can cut taxes, boost spending, and things will be fine. But I must be realistic; I can’t say that.” He added, “This bill will greatly increase the deficit in the short term, but we guarantee that our government will act responsibly for the next five years.”
“Where have we seen something like this before? How can we hold future Congresses accountable to these assurances? This legislation bears the mark of a debt bomb,” he continued.
According to lawmakers, the bill would require the government to cover approximately $16,000 in interest for every U.S. family.
If the proposed tax and spending levels are enacted, it’s estimated that national debt could rise to $30 trillion over the next ten years.
He remarked, “We’re not just rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic; we’re fueling the engine and heading straight for an iceberg.”
As he wrapped up his statements, he noted, “If something is truly meaningful, you wouldn’t pursue it late at night.”
Before the voting took place, Massey conveyed his apprehensions on Wednesday, directly addressing the president, whom he referred to as “ancestors.”
Trump responded by saying, “I don’t believe Thomas Massey comprehends government. Frankly, he’s an ancestor,” when asked about Massey’s worries regarding the potential increase in the deficit due to the president’s legislative proposals.
He later emphasized that lawmakers should face voter accountability. Massey indicated that Trump’s criticism would not sway his stance on the bill.
