Senator’s Conditional Support

On Sunday, Senator Rand Paul from Kentucky voiced his support for President Donald Trump’s ambitious legislative proposal, commonly referred to as the “big, beautiful bill.” However, his backing is contingent on the removal of a debt ceiling increase included in the legislation.

During an appearance on CBS’s “Face the Nation,” Paul discussed his position with host Margaret Brennan. He emphasized that he, alongside three other Republican senators, would not support the bill unless modifications were made to it.

“I think there are four of us at this point, and I would be very surprised if the bill at least is not modified in a good direction,” Paul stated, indicating a growing chorus of dissent within the party regarding certain elements of the bill.

Tax Cuts vs. Debt Ceiling

Paul clarified his stance further by expressing his desire for permanent tax cuts but raised concerns about the proposed increase to the debt ceiling by five trillion dollars. “The GOP will own the debt once they vote for this,” he warned, highlighting the potential political repercussions for the party.

SENATE REPUBLICANS EYE CHANGES TO TRUMP’S MEGABILL AFTER HOUSE WIN

Trump’s Warning

President Trump responded to Paul’s hesitance during a social media post on Saturday, asserting that a vote against the bill would align Paul with “Radical Left Democrats.” Trump warned that such a decision could result in significant tax increases and might lead to a potential default on U.S. debt.

“If Senator Rand Paul votes against our Great, Big, Beautiful Bill, he is voting for, along with the Radical Left Democrats, a 68% Tax Increase and, perhaps even more importantly, a first time ever default on U.S. Debt,” Trump wrote on Truth Social on Saturday afternoon.

TRUMP WARNS RAND PAUL HE’S PLAYING INTO ‘HANDS OF THE DEMOCRATS’ WITH ‘BIG, BEAUTIFUL BILL’ OPPOSITION

Political Implications for Kentucky

Trump further stated that Paul’s potential opposition could have dire consequences for his standing among constituents in Kentucky. “Rand will be playing right into the hands of the Democrats,” he declared, indicating that such a stance would not be forgiven by the voters. Trump expressed confidence that the current economic growth and proposed future cost-cutting measures would address the nation’s financial challenges.

Senate Republicans Navigate a Tightrope

With Senate Republicans set to deliberate the monumental package next week, party leaders are under pressure to consider amendments that could be controversial for House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana. Johnson has a slim margin for error, only able to afford the loss of three votes from his party.

As the clock ticks down, congressional Republicans are rushing to advance the megabill, which encompasses Trump’s policy priorities across various sectors, including taxes, immigration, energy, defense, and the national debt. They aim to present the finalized legislation to President Biden by early July.