Senate Passes Budget Plan Amid Party Divides Over Trump’s Economic Agenda

The Senate passed a crucial Republican budget plan that could shape Trump’s domestic policy, aiming to cut taxes and spending significantly. Democrats voiced strong opposition, promising to campaign against perceived threats to vital safety nets and highlighting concerns about rising national debt and tariffs. Key votes contained mixed bipartisan support but revealed stark party divides on economic policy.

In a pivotal move that marks a significant step for President Trump’s domestic agenda, the Republican-controlled Senate approved a sweeping budget plan early Saturday. This plan aims to implement around $7 trillion in tax cuts, enhance border security, and reduce government funding without seeking support from Democrats. “Without one single Democratic vote,” emphasized Senator Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., who chairs the Senate Budget Committee.

Despite being in the minority, Democrats made their voices heard during the late-night vote. They are gearing up for a fierce campaign against the budget, with criticism highlighted by Senator Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., who noted, “We may not have the votes to stop them all by ourselves, but we can use what the Republicans are trying to do with this tax bill to ignite a fire all across this country.”

Concerns regarding Trump’s tariffs loomed large over the budget discussions, creating a backdrop of economic anxiety. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer proposed an amendment to end the newly introduced import taxes, which could inflate household expenses. He criticized the tariffs, calling them one of Trump’s “dumbest” moves. Schumer also pointed to the irony that even remote islands suffered from these tariffs while Putin’s Russia remained untouched: “Penguins not Putin.”

During the debate, there were numerous amendments aimed at safeguarding pivotal federal programs like Medicaid and Social Security. A few Republicans joined Democrats in supporting measures to protect these entitlements against proposed cuts. Senator Josh Hawley, R-Mo., voted alongside Democrats, while Senator Susan Collins, R-Maine, stood against the entire budget for its potential harmful cuts to Medicaid.

The potential fallout from tax cuts central to the budget, enacted during Trump’s first term in 2017, is a contentious topic. Democrats argue that while adjustments, such as the child tax credit, gain popularity, the real beneficiaries are the wealthy. They presented multiple amendments to block tax breaks for the ultra-rich during the debate, although those faced consistent rejection from Republican senators.

Echoing concerns about the rising national debt, now exceeding $36 trillion, Senate Republicans expressed unease over the implications of the budget’s tax cuts. Senator Rand Paul, R-Ky., voiced strong opposition, questioning whether the country was making actual cuts to spending or merely adding to debts, noting that this budget could increase the debt by $5 trillion over ten years.

On the flip side, Senator Bill Cassidy, R-La., who supported the budget resolution, cited the potential impact of tariffs as central to his decision, stating he did not want to increase economic uncertainty. “This vote isn’t taking place in a vacuum,” he remarked, highlighting the interconnectedness of the issues at hand.

The Senate’s budget vote sets the stage for a contentious battle over Trump’s economic agenda. With significant tax cuts and spending cuts on the table, the vote highlights bipartisan divisions, especially regarding entitlement programs and rising debt concerns. Tariffs add another layer of complexity, raising worries about economic stability. All of this suggests a long, heated debate ahead as both parties prepare for the upcoming campaign season.

Original Source: www.pbs.org