Senator Rand Paul from Kentucky, a notable critic within the Republican party regarding the current spending package, intensified his objections on Tuesday, labeling the legislation as “weak.”
During an appearance on CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” Paul stated, “The cuts in spending are weak, they’re anemia and we need to do more.” He expressed concern that the legislation is constrained by Senate dynamics, adding that “nothing in the bill changes the course of debt accumulation.”
Paul is among just four GOP senators voicing doubts about the bill. Senators Ron Johnson from Wisconsin, Mike Lee from Utah, and Rick Scott from Florida have also pointed out that the cuts to Medicaid and renewable energy tax credits in Trump’s domestic agenda fall short.
Republicans can afford to lose a maximum of three Senate votes to pass this bill.
“I think if conservatives gain strength, the bill could be significantly revised for the better, meaning more spending cuts,” Paul mentioned to host Rebecca Quick.
Moreover, he reiterated his stance on raising debt caps more frequently, suggesting adjustments every three months rather than the current infrequent schedule.
“If you have irresponsible teenagers maxing out their credit cards, you don’t give them more credit. You give them less credit,” he remarked, comparing Congress to “an irresponsible teenager.”
His comments came following a non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) report, which estimated that Trump’s spending priorities might raise the national debt by $3.3 trillion over the next decade. The CBO also forecasted a $1.3 trillion reduction in federal spending over the same period.
Various federal think tanks have suggested that additional debt could potentially reach $5 trillion.
Paul’s dissent has reportedly frustrated party leaders, who are trying to minimize his involvement in negotiations over the bill.
While Paul has praised the expanded tax cuts proposed in the bill, which amount to approximately $3.75 trillion, a substantial portion of the House Pass Act has already been altered since last week after review by Senator Elizabeth McDonough for simple majority viability.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune aims to present the law for votes by the end of this week. Both House Speaker Mike Johnson and Thune are hopeful that Congress will have the bill ready for Trump’s signature by July 4th.
Paul asserted on Tuesday that he wouldn’t support the bill in its current form. “I believe the bill will be so bad and even more beautiful,” he said. “But there’s a way to go.”
