Republican Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul has been vocal about his opposition to including the debt ceiling increase in President Donald Trump’s “big, beautiful bill,” accusing the GOP of using the “same playbook” as Democrats by allowing the measure to remain in the package. During an appearance on Fox News Sunday, Paul argued that raising the debt ceiling without addressing reckless spending is a “walk of shame” for lawmakers who have contributed to the national debt.
“Every time the debt ceiling raises, the people who’ve been voting for the spending have to walk in shame to the front of the House or the front of the Senate and say, ‘Yes, I’ve been voting for all these deficits pending and now I’m willing to vote to raise the debt ceiling,’” Paul told host Shannon Bream. The senator proposed an alternative approach, suggesting short-term debt ceiling hikes to maintain leverage over spending.
Despite Paul’s objections, House Speaker Mike Johnson defended the inclusion of the debt ceiling increase, calling it a “necessary” measure to ensure the bill’s passage and prevent economic instability. “We have to do it, we’re not going to have any Democrats to assist on that, so to get it through the Senate and not crash the U.S. economy and default on our debts for the first time in history, it has to be part of the reconciliation package,” Johnson explained. He emphasized that President Trump is fully committed to fiscal responsibility, stating, “President Trump has dialed in 100%. He is a visionary leader. He does not want to spend more money and he has the same concern about the national debt that Rand Paul and I do.”
While Paul remains a staunch critic, other GOP senators have also raised concerns about provisions in the bill, including potential cuts to Medicaid, the extension of Biden-era green energy subsidies, and limitations on state and local tax deductions. These objections highlight the challenges of crafting legislation that satisfies the diverse factions within the Republican Party. However, President Trump’s leadership has been instrumental in uniting conservatives around core priorities, ensuring that the bill advances without compromising on key principles.
Watch
The bill narrowly passed the House with a 215-214-1 vote, demonstrating the delicate balance required to secure its success. As the Senate prepares to take up the measure, President Trump’s unwavering focus on fiscal discipline and economic growth remains central to the debate. His ability to navigate these challenges underscores his commitment to delivering results for the American people.