President-elect Donald Trump's recent call for Republicans to link the debt limit to government funding has sparked a division within the party. This move comes as the US is on track to hit the debt limit shortly after it is reinstated in the new year, adding complexity to the looming government funding deadline.
Some prominent Republicans have expressed surprise and skepticism regarding Trump's demand. Incoming Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Susan Collins of Maine stated that she was taken aback by the request and questioned the rationale behind it. Outgoing Republican Leader Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky humorously remarked on the situation, hinting at potential challenges ahead.
House Armed Services chair Mike Rogers of Alabama emphasized his lack of support for tying the debt limit to government funding, citing the already intricate nature of the negotiations. Similarly, GOP Sen. Kevin Cramer of North Dakota raised concerns about the tight timeline, casting doubt on the feasibility of achieving the task in just two days.
Rep. Robert Aderholt of Alabama, a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, acknowledged the difficulty of passing a debt limit measure before the Dec. 20 funding deadline as demanded by Trump. He expressed skepticism about the feasibility of achieving this goal within the given timeframe but suggested a willingness to consider the proposal in light of the President's stance.
Adding to the uncertainty, GOP Sen. Mike Rounds of South Dakota expressed openness to exploring ideas but admitted uncertainty about the practicality of the approach.
The differing opinions within the Republican party highlight the challenges and complexities surrounding the issue of tying the debt limit to government funding. As lawmakers navigate this contentious issue in the coming days, the outcome remains uncertain, with potential implications for the government's financial stability and operations.
