Republican presidential candidates are slamming the budget bill negotiated by congressional leaders, calling it a grave mistake.
The deal would raise the debt ceiling and set spending levels through 2017, providing an extra $80 billion over the next two years for defense and non-defense spending. The deal also restructures Social Security Disability Insurance and averts premium spikes for some Medicare enrollees.
The agreement is expected to pass the House on Wednesday and is likely to be a big topic of discussion when the Republican presidential candidates gather Wednesday evening for the third presidential debate.
Here’s a look at what the candidates are saying about the deal that was negotiated, in part, by outgoing Speaker John Boehner
John Andrew BoehnerCoronavirus poses risks for Trump in 2020 Lobbying world Pelosi-Trump relationship takes turn for the terrible MORE (R-Ohio.).
Sen. Ted Cruz
Rafael (Ted) Edward CruzThe advantage of paying for medical care directly Hillicon Valley: Democrats press Facebook, Twitter to remove new Trump video of Pelosi | Iowa Dem chair calls for investigation into caucus problems | How Reddit is combating coronavirus misinformation Republican senators call on Twitter to suspend Iran's Khamenei, Zarif MORE (R-Texas)
Sen. Ted Cruz bashed the deal as capitulation to the Democrats and another example of the party’s failure to abide by its promises to voters.
“This is not a ‘grand bargain’ or negotiation — it is complete and utter surrender,” Cruz said in a statement.
“It is a slap in the face to conservatives who rose up across the country in 2014 on a promise that we would stop the disastrous runaway spending and debt in Washington. We now have a GOP Congress, but no one watching this budget surrender would know it.”
He said the deal is a “golden parachute” for the retiring BoehnerJohn Andrew BoehnerCoronavirus poses risks for Trump in 2020 Lobbying world Pelosi-Trump relationship takes turn for the terrible MORE that gives up on the budget caps put into effect by sequestration, what Cruz called “the one successful attempt at spending restraint in the Obama era.”
“President Obama and Speaker Boehner are heading into retirement. Some people get a gold watch. Obama and Boehner are settling for at least $80 billion in additional spending and debt above the budget caps. Unfortunately, our children and grandchildren will be left to foot the bill long after they are gone.”
Former Gov. Mike Hucabee (R-Ark.)
Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee directed his ire at the the Social Security changes in the budget bill, which he said would “raid $150 billion from the Social Security Trust Fund.”
“Social Security is a promise to America's seniors — not a piggybank slush fund for Washington politicians,” he said in a statement.
“Americans shouldn't sacrifice their Social Security benefits so we can bailout irresponsible Washington politicians.”
GOP leaders have tried to use the Social Security provisions to garner votes for the deal, arguing they represent the biggest reform of entitlement programs since the 1980s.
Ben Carson
Ben Carson told The Hill in an interview that he’d never agree to raise the debt ceiling if president and criticized GOP leaders for waiting until the last minute to reach an agreement.
He added in an additional statement that “only in Washington is borrowing even more money to pay the interest on money we already borrowed a common sense bi-partisan plan.”
“It appears Congress believes it is impossible to stop this reckless fiscal irresponsibility,” he said in that statement.
“Perhaps it is time for a new Congress.”
Sen. Rand Paul
Randal (Rand) Howard PaulOvernight Defense: Trump says military may consider disciplining Vindman | Dems pick up another Republican for Iran war measure | Watchdog says over 2,000 people killed rebuilding Afghanistan Republicans scramble to avoid Medicare land mine Dems pick up new GOP support to rein in Trump's Iran war powers MORE (R-Ky.)
Sen Rand Paul’s spokesman told The Hill he’s “strongly opposed” to the deal and will elaborate on Tuesday afternoon at a pre-debate event in Colorado.
Sen. Marco Rubio
Marco Antonio RubioLawmakers raise concerns over Russia's growing influence in Venezuela USDA takes heat as Democrats seek probe into trade aid Overnight Energy: Experts criticize changes to EPA lead, copper rule | House panel looks into plan to limit powers of EPA science advisers | Senate bill aims for net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 MORE (R-Fla.)
A campaign spokesman for Sen. Marco Rubio said he's against the deal but deferred to his Senate office for details.
Sarah Ferris contributed.
