Republican Louisiana Sen. John Kennedy weighed in on Newsmax Friday on the deepening House GOP rift over federal spending levels as he offered support for Republican Texas Sen. Chip Roy.
A few House Freedom Caucus Republicans joined Democrats to block President Donald Trump’s tax and spending bill, citing what they said were weak Medicaid reforms and leftover green tax credits from the era of former President Joe Biden. During an appearance on “Rob Schmitt Tonight,” Kennedy said Roy has a “point” about spending but warned House conservatives not to lose sight of the Republican Party’s top legislative priority.
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“I am going to tell them to keep their eye on the main objective here, which is to extend the Trump tax cuts. If we don’t do that on January 1 of next year, we’re going to have a massive tax increase, which will tank this economy,” Kennedy said. “But Chip’s making a very valid point. I think we can do better in terms of the spending reduction.”
Kennedy acknowledged frustrations voiced by Roy, Republican Rep. Ralph Norman of South Carolina and others who voted against advancing a spending deal.
“Well Congressman Roy is a very bright man, and he is making some fair points. They’ll get it worked out eventually. In 300,000 years of human history, no one has ever calmed down when they’ve been told to calm down,” Kennedy told host Rob Schmitt.
Five Republicans, including House Budget Committee Vice Chair Lloyd Smucker, voted against advancing the bill, stalling Trump’s legislative package. The bill’s failure marks an early blow to Trump’s agenda, which includes extending the 2017 tax cuts and boosting border security.
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Roy said he would oppose the bill because it delays Medicaid work requirements for childless, able-bodied adults until 2029. He said that accelerating the timeline could generate hundreds of billions in savings over the next decade.
House Speaker Mike Johnson urged Republicans to approve the bill before Congress adjourns for Memorial Day recess next week. Disputes over proposed Medicaid reforms are among several issues that could stall the sweeping tax and spending package tied to Trump’s agenda.
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First published by the Daily Caller News Foundation.
