Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky has now reportedly issued a stark warning regarding the recently passed version of President Donald Trump’s “One Big, Beautiful Bill,” expressing concerns that it could significantly inflate the national debt.
In an interview on Fox News Sunday, Paul addressed the implications of the legislation, which is designed to implement tax cuts while also proposing various spending reforms.
While Paul acknowledged the positive aspects of the tax cuts embedded in the bill, he labeled the proposed spending cuts as “wimpy and anemic.”
He emphasized that the legislation, as it stands, would exacerbate the already staggering national debt, which currently hovers around $37 trillion.
“The problem is the math doesn’t add up,” Paul stated, asserting that the House estimates a $4 trillion increase in debt, while Senate discussions suggest it could be as high as $5 trillion.
Supporters of the bill argue that it aims to curb spending on entitlement programs and enhance economic growth by implementing measures such as removing illegal immigrants from Medicaid.
However, with a slim Republican majority in the Senate, the bill’s future remains uncertain. Paul underscored his willingness to support the legislation if it excluded the proposed debt ceiling increase, which he believes is detrimental to fiscal responsibility.
“There’s got to be someone left in Washington who thinks debt is wrong and deficits are wrong,” Paul remarked, lamenting the current trajectory of U.S. fiscal policy.
He pointed to the projected $3 trillion in deficits over the next decade as indicative of a proposal lacking seriousness.
In light of concerns over a potential U.S. default, Paul has suggested an amendment that would raise the debt ceiling in three-month increments, contingent on achieving spending cuts.
He criticized both parties for adopting a “same playbook” approach that avoids addressing the fundamental issues of debt and deficits.
The senator also highlighted the repercussions of financing “free stuff,” such as healthcare, which he argues contributes to the growing deficit and triggers inflation that ultimately harms beneficiaries.
Paul called for more robust proposals to address spending cuts and rescission packages.
Paul characterized the national debt as the “greatest threat” to U.S. national security, urging conservatives to make their voices heard.
“This is a problem we’ve been facing for decades now,” he warned, expressing deep concern about the direction of the country if fiscal discipline is not prioritized.
As the debate over the “Big, Beautiful Bill” unfolds, Paul’s critiques reflect broader anxieties within the Republican Party regarding fiscal responsibility and the sustainability of government spending, echoing longstanding tensions around the national debt.
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