The Spending Battles in Congress Begin...

Plus: Americans Postponing Marriage

The Spending Battles in Congress Begin…
A deal was made and it’s time to cut spending. Will all Republicans hold strong? Now that the debt ceiling limit bill has passed, the Washington Examiner discusses the fights ahead in Congress. Lawmakers are now focusing on policy matters after President Biden signed the debt limit increase. Congress must address government funding and finish the 12 annual appropriations bills for fiscal 2024 by January 2024. Additionally, discussions are expected regarding a supplemental defense bill to increase Pentagon spending despite the debt ceiling agreement. The farm bill reauthorization may lead to clashes over the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) as Republicans seek stricter work requirements.

Yesterday, several members of the House Freedom Caucus “revolted” against House leadership over several bills, siding with Democrats in foiling procedural bill. From The Hill:

The revolt was also a reality check for McCarthy, who has been taking a victory lap after Congress passed and Biden signed a bill to suspend the debt limit that was the product of negotiations between House Republicans and the White House.

“We’re frustrated at the way this place is operating,” Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) — one of the conservative who voted against the rule — told reporters as the vote was still happening.

“We took a stand in January to end the era of the imperial Speakership, and we’re concerned that the fundamental commitments that allowed Kevin McCarthy to assume the Speakership have been violated as a consequence of the debt limit deal. And, you know, the answer for us is to reassert House conservatives as the appropriate coalition partner for our leadership instead of them making common cause with Democrats,” he added.

Some advice from my former boss Newt Gingrich via Fox News:

They can use the results of those investigations to set up a series of reform-minded appropriations fights in which the American people will side with them. Each argument will make the Democrats seem more out-of-touch with average common-sense Americans. 

House Republicans can build on the balanced budget ideas Chairman Jodey Arrington, R-TX, and the House Budget Committee Republicans are about to unveil. They can also advocate key issues that are popular and spend months building grassroots campaigns to support them.  

They can develop an appropriations strategy so each of the 12 appropriations bills becomes an opportunity to highlight waste, fraud, and corruption – and cut spending in ways Democrats will find difficult to oppose. This would be especially powerful if it is tied into balancing the budget and built on the results of House investigations. 

These three principles form a roadmap for the House GOP for the next two years. At the end of the road, Americans would enjoy more safety, prosperity, and freedom. 

RELATED: March to the Majority: The Real Story of the Republican Revolution by Newt Gingrich (Amazon)