Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) indicated on Sunday that he is open to supporting President Donald Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” if the provision concerning the debt ceiling is separated into a distinct vote.
This conditional stance comes as Republican lawmakers race against a July 4 deadline to pass the reconciliation package, which has faced significant pushback from some within their own party.
Speaking on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Paul revealed he had a conversation with President Trump after a recent parade, stating, “I’ve let him know that I’m not an absolute no. I can be a yes.”
The Kentucky Senator expressed his approval of the tax cuts within the bill, aligning with supply-side economics and the belief that lower rates can sometimes generate more revenue. However, his primary contention remains the substantial increase to the national debt.
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“I don’t want to vote to raise the debt ceiling $5 trillion,” Paul asserted, advocating for a more restricted credit line for Congress, which he described as “awful with money.”
Trump’s ambitious legislative package narrowly cleared the House on May 22 by a single vote, with Republican Representatives Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Warren Davidson of Ohio joining Democrats in opposition. Since its move to the Senate, concerns have mounted among GOP senators regarding various aspects, including the debt ceiling increase, Medicaid reforms, and green energy subsidies carried over from the Biden-era Inflation Reduction Act.
Paul proposed a temporary debt ceiling increase of three months at a time, allowing for renewed debate rather than a single, large increase that would last for years. “We shouldn’t put it up $5 trillion and wait two years, go through another election cycle and be almost towards the end of the Trump administration and say, ‘Oh, whoops, we have added a bunch of debt.’”
When pressed by NBC’s Kristen Welker on specific changes needed for his vote, Paul reiterated his demand for a separate vote on the debt ceiling. He suggested that if his vote proves decisive, it would force negotiations.
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“So far, they’ve been sending their attack dogs after me, and that’s not a great persuasion technique,” Paul commented, emphasizing his willingness to negotiate if approached constructively. “I’m conservative. I’m not going to no longer be conservative just because the president wants me to vote for something.”
Paul has previously criticized the GOP for adopting what he views as a Democratic “playbook” by refusing to detach the debt ceiling from the broader package. However, House Speaker Mike Johnson has publicly maintained that the debt ceiling provision is “necessary” for the bill’s passage through the Senate.
With the July 4 deadline looming, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) expressed optimism on May 22, stating his belief in a “workable path” to secure the necessary votes.
Thune can afford to lose only three Republican votes to successfully send the package to President Trump’s desk. All eyes will now be on the ongoing negotiations and whether a compromise can be reached to bring Senator Paul and other hesitant Republicans on board.
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