Page Reader AI | House Conservatives Fold on Budget Deal With Little More Than a Pinky Promise From Leadership | The New York Sun

Key Events

The House passed a Senate budget framework by a narrow margin (216-214), following negotiations between Republican leadership and conservative holdouts. This came after initial delays due to concerns from debt-hawk Republicans.

Concerns and Criticisms

Several Republican lawmakers expressed skepticism about the promises made by leadership, suggesting they are insufficient. Rep. Thomas Massie voiced concern about a potential betrayal and the lack of tangible spending cuts in the deal, only cuts to taxes.

• Rep. Massie argued that the deal offers only superficial appeasement for those who voted for it.
• He predicts increased spending next year.

Rep. Ralph Norman, a member of the Freedom Caucus, initially withheld his vote due to insufficient spending guarantees but eventually voted in favor. He notes the lack of specific details about future spending cuts.

Promises and Guarantees

Speaker Johnson provided a memorandum committing to further spending cuts, but critics deem this commitment vague and insufficient. A second letter is expected with specifics.

• The memorandum committed to “linkage” between deficit increases and spending reductions, but lacked concrete details.
• Promises included cuts to Medicaid, the Inflation Reduction Act, and federal subsidies.

Despite claims of a commitment to fiscal responsibility, the Senate budget framework is estimated to add trillions to the national debt.