Texas lawmaker prioritizes debt ceiling resolution over budget presentation.
Republican leaders in the U.S. House of Representatives have yet to release any specific details regarding their budget, even though they have been promising to unveil it for weeks. However, some House Republicans, including North Texas Congressman Keith Self, argue that settling the debate surrounding the debt ceiling is more important before finalizing a budget blueprint. Self explains that negotiations on the debt ceiling discussion need to begin now, as he believes that the Republican party is behind schedule. He also emphasizes that the debt ceiling discussion is much more important to him and to the entire Republican conference.
Self, like other House Republicans who have appeared on Inside Texas Politics, believes that spending must be brought under control, although he acknowledges that opinions differ on where the cuts should come from. He suggests that it should include pulling back COVID funding, clawing back the IRS funding bump, taking back any student loan forgiveness promises, and getting rid of “slush funds” that have not been used in several years. The Republican claims that these moves could save several trillion dollars over the next decade.
Self admits that the budget has taken a back seat to the debt ceiling discussion, which is currently the primary focus. The congressman explained on Inside Texas Politics that the current debate is centered on what the Republicans are going to ask for, demand, and negotiate with the White House on the debt ceiling increase.
During the wide-ranging interview, Self was also asked to comment on the indictment of President Donald Trump, who recently pleaded not guilty to thirty-four felony charges related to falsifying business records. Self believes that Trump will remain in the race for the presidency despite the indictment. According to Self, Trump has raised ten million dollars since the announcement was made.
Self also commented on the potential ban of the social media app TikTok in the United States. He emphasized the need for lawmakers to be cautious and not tread on any First Amendment rights. However, he argues that the country must start pushing back on the spying that he claims is being done through TikTok, which is owned by a Chinese company. Self encourages scrutiny of the TikTok CEO’s recent statement regarding spying and his refusal to characterize it as such. He contends that if something looks like a duck and walks like a duck, it’s probably a duck.
In summary, Self and other House Republicans believe that settling the debt ceiling debate is of utmost importance before finalizing a budget blueprint. Self suggests pulling back COVID funding, clawing back the IRS funding bump, taking back any student loan forgiveness promises, and getting rid of “slush funds” to save several trillion dollars over the next decade. Additionally, Self believes that Trump will remain in the race for the presidency despite his indictment, and that lawmakers must be cautious when considering the potential ban of TikTok in the United States.
