Republicans poised to become deficit hawks again under President Biden

Republicans prepare to take back their domestic deficit hawk after giving the green light to big spending bills under President TrumpDonald John Trump Venezuela judge orders jail time for 6 U.S. oil executives Trump says he will leave White House if Biden is declared Electoral College winner The Memo: Biden faces tough road on engagement to heal the nation PLUS.

GOP senators plan to refocus on reducing the country’s debt and reforming rights programs from 2021, as the Congressional Budget Office estimates the debt has outgrown the size of the U.S. economy.

“I think it goes back to our DNA. … I think spending, rights reform, growth and the economy are all things we need to focus on next year and, yes, I guess you’ll hear a lot more about it ” , Sen said. John ThuneJohn Randolph ThuneDemocrats Reject Calls For Biden To Play Hard On Cabinet Defense Choices Overnight: Pentagon Set To Impose Tighter Viral Restrictions As Senior Officials Test Positive | Army sees 11th death from COVID-19 | House Democrats support Senate language on Confederate base names Trump keeps a firm hand on GOP amid divisions MORE (RS.D.), Senate Republican No.2.

The change could pose a big headache for a new Biden administration that will need GOP support in the Senate to move its agenda forward. It is also likely to complicate efforts on a debt ceiling deal.

His. Lindsey GrahamLindsey Olin Graham Give Thanks To Republican Democracy Defenders Clyburn: Biden Failed To Nominate Black Figures To Top Positions Feinstein’s Departure From First Post Sets Ground For Legal Fight MORE (RS.C.) is set to become chairman of the Budget Committee if Republicans keep the Senate. He said he wanted to create a new commission to come up with ways to reduce the deficit and pay off the country’s debt.

“I think we have to understand that we are going to raise the debt ceiling in perpetuity if we don’t find a way to bend the curve,” Graham said.

The spending battle could quickly culminate with looming struggles over budgets, pandemic spending, and the debt ceiling, which has been suspended as part of a deal between Trump and Congress. It should be reinstated at the end of July.

Republicans are already floating in need of compromise in return for the mid-year fight, in a preview of what could be an explosive battle with ramifications for the country’s fiscal reputation with an economy already battered by the spread of the coronavirus.

“Whoever is in the White House, I hope they realize the gravity of the debt crisis and the importance of putting in place measures to deal with it,” Thune said. “And I hope when this vote takes place, we get some of these reforms.”

His. Kevin cramerKevin John Cramer The Hill’s Morning Report – Presented by the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Washington, DC – Calls multiply to begin transition as Biden prepares Cabinet pick GOP pressure increases for Trump to recognize victory as Biden in Sunday’s election shows – Virus outbreak dominates ahead of Thanksgiving holiday. (RN.D.) has said he wants to see offsets such as the spending cuts needed as part of a deal to raise the debt ceiling next year.

“I think you can expect there to be conditions, at least some members will try to get them,” Cramer said. “I don’t think there is any doubt that a lot of conservative Republican members are going to demand some sort of conditions.

Any move towards austerity is likely to spark a backlash from Democrats and progressive activists, who are already on the lookout for Republicans to pass spending cuts with President Trump in the White House.

“They always worry about the debt when we spend money to help people, they never care when we take out billionaires and corporations. I’ve been in Washington long enough to know that Republican interest in the debt is intermittent, ”Sen said. Chris MurphyChristopher (Chris) Scott Murphy Democrats reject calls for Biden to play hard on Cabinet picks Biden decides on Secretary of State for Defense pick overnight: Formal negotiations progress on defense bill with Confederate Base Name Language | Senators seek to block UAE arms sales | Trump administration imposes sanctions on Iran for human rights violations READ MORE (D-Conn.).

Republicans passed big spending under Trump and in the midst of a global health pandemic. Congress has passed several bills totaling nearly $ 2.8 trillion – roughly the combined total of fiscal 2019 and 2020 discretionary spending for the entire government – with bipartisan support to address the economic problems caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Republicans have raised concerns about the debt as part of their opposition to moving forward with a fifth coronavirus relief bill, arguing that Congress should pass a “targeted measure. Of about $ 500 billion.

“Let us weigh this very carefully, because the future of our country in terms of the amount of debt we add up is a matter of real concern,” McConnell told reporters earlier this year, warning lawmakers should be “careful.” regarding the green light. additional expenses.

Since then, Congress has failed to reach agreement on a fifth coronavirus deal, even with cases climbing across the country and states and cities reinstating restrictions, with Republicans digging the smallest amount. while Democrats see $ 2.2 trillion as the starting point for any negotiations.

“To be honest with you, you saw the last of the Republicans pass giant packages,” Cramer said.

The nation’s top economic officials have warned that now is not the time for Congress to cut spending on programs to help Americans and businesses weather the coronavirus pandemic.

Even as the unemployment rate has fallen, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell recently warned that “there will likely be a sizeable group of workers who will need support to find their way into the post-labor economy. pandemic because it will be. different in some ways. ”

But it’s not just the coronavirus where Republicans have been willing to spend a lot. Democrats are quick to note Republicans’ support for significant corporate and personal tax cuts in 2017. Although the administration has promised the bill will be written off, the Congressional Budget Office has estimated that it would add $ 1.9 trillion to deficits over 10 years.

Graham brushed off a question about potential accusations of hypocrisy by Democrats if Republicans rekindle the debt alarm under Biden.

“We got there together, right? I’m not saying the Republican Party is the answer, we’re not. I’m saying the answer has to be something like Simpson-Bowles. There has to be a common understanding of the problem, ”he said.

And even as Republicans talk about cutting spending, they are met with skepticism by their own colleagues.

“For me it has become such a routine that it’s almost part of the way things work,” Sen said. Mike BraunMichael BraunMeadows meets with Senate GOP to discuss year-end priorities McConnell re-elected as GOP leader in Senate, GOP faces fundraiser as Democrats raise money MORE (R-Ind.) On increasing the debt ceiling. “People talk about it lip service and talk about it.”

“I’m not sure we’ll do anything different than what the current process is,” Braun said, “where you can maybe kind of mix it up and maneuver and end up raising the debt ceiling.