Rand Paul open to spending bill negotiations, signaling a potential shift in his opposition to President Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill.” The Kentucky senator clarified his stance during a recent interview, insisting he could support the legislation but only under one major condition.
Paul, a longtime fiscal hawk, previously criticized the bill for its $5 trillion debt ceiling increase. However, he now says he’s willing to negotiate if lawmakers separate the debt ceiling provisions from the tax cuts. His comments come after a private conversation with Trump following the military parade.
The senator praised the bill’s tax provisions, including making the 2017 cuts permanent and eliminating taxes on tips. He argued these measures could boost revenue, potentially helping reduce the deficit. Yet he remains firm on his demand for stricter spending controls.
“Congress is awful with money,” Paul stated. “Instead of expanding the debt limit, we should enforce tighter restrictions.” He suggested raising the ceiling in smaller increments, such as every three months, to force ongoing fiscal discussions.
Trump has repeatedly pressured Paul to back the bill, warning that opposition helps Democrats. In a Truth Social post, the president claimed rejecting the bill would mean supporting massive tax hikes and risking a U.S. debt default.
Tensions flared further when Paul accused the White House of disinviting him from a picnic as retaliation. Trump quickly denied the claim, calling Paul the “toughest vote in Senate history” but insisting he was still welcome.
Paul also weighed in on the controversy surrounding Sen. Alex Padilla (D-CA), who was arrested after disrupting a press conference. While condemning Padilla’s actions, Paul opposed censuring him, emphasizing free speech protections.
Rand Paul open to spending bill talks marks a notable shift. Yet his support hinges on splitting the debt ceiling hike from tax cuts a move that could complicate the bill’s path forward. As negotiations continue, all eyes remain on whether Trump’s team will accommodate his demands.
For now, Paul’s stance highlights the ongoing clash between fiscal conservatives and the administration’s economic agenda. Whether a compromise emerges could determine the fate of one of Trump’s signature legislative efforts.
Rand Paul open to spending bill discussions, but his vote is far from guaranteed. The coming weeks will reveal if Republicans can bridge their internal divides to pass this sweeping proposal.
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