Senate GOP Moves Tax Cuts and Border Security Measures After Long Session

Clear Facts

• The Senate passed a budget blueprint supporting President Trump’s 2017 tax cuts and $175 billion for border security.
• Senators Rand Paul and Susan Collins joined Democrats in opposing the budget resolution.
• The resolution could add up to $5.8 trillion to the deficit, raising concerns among some lawmakers.

In a significant move, the Senate has voted to advance a budget blueprint that aligns with several of President Donald Trump’s key legislative goals. This blueprint includes a permanent extension of the 2017 tax cuts and allocates $175 billion for border security enhancements.

The vote, which took place in the early hours of Saturday morning, saw a narrow margin of 51 to 48. Notably, Republican Senators Rand Paul of Kentucky and Susan Collins of Maine sided with Democrats in opposing the fiscal framework.

The budget resolution’s passage came after an intense session known as a “vote-a-rama,” where Democrats pushed for votes on various amendments, including those related to entitlement programs and government efficiency.

Senate Republicans have been clear that the forthcoming tax and spending bill will not impact Medicaid or Medicare benefits. As Idaho Senator Mike Crapo stated, “The President has been very clear any reforms to Medicare or Medicaid must not reduce patient benefits.”

However, the resolution’s inclusion of a $5 trillion increase in the statutory debt limit drew criticism, particularly from Senator Rand Paul. He argued that this would set a record for borrowing, surpassing even the levels seen during the Biden administration.

“If we expand the debt at $5 trillion that will be an expansion of the debt equal to or exceeding everything that happened in the Biden years,” Paul remarked.

The nonpartisan Committee for a Responsible Budget raised alarms, suggesting that the blueprint could add up to $5.8 trillion to the deficit, labeling it as “historically unprecedented in its fiscal irresponsibility.”

Despite these concerns, Senate GOP leaders defended the resolution, emphasizing the flexibility it provides for compliance with the budget reconciliation process. Yet, some House Republicans remain skeptical about the Senate’s commitment to spending cuts.

House Freedom Caucus Chairman Andy Harris expressed his reservations, stating, “If the Senate can deliver real deficit reduction in line with or greater than the House goals, I can support the Senate budget resolution.”

The initial House budget resolution did not permit permanent tax relief, a critical issue for Senate Republicans and President Trump. The Senate’s approach assumes a deficit-neutral impact by extending current policies.

Senator Thune emphasized the importance of tax stability, asserting, “Americans should not have to live in fear of a tax hike every few years.”

With President Trump’s endorsement, the pressure is on House lawmakers to back the Senate’s blueprint. “Every Republican, House and Senate, must UNIFY,” Trump urged. “We need to pass it IMMEDIATELY!”

Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.

Source