Despite the opposition of Mitch McConnell and Paul Ryan, Donald Trump caved to Democrats and gave them the package and structure that they wanted on Harvey relief, the debt ceiling, and the continuing resolution.
In a statement provided to PoltiicusUSA, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi said, “In the meeting, the President and Congressional leadership agreed to pass aid for Harvey, an extension of the debt limit, and a continuing resolution both to December 15, all together. Both sides have every intention of avoiding default in December and look forward to working together on the many issues before us. As Democratic leaders, we also made it clear that we strongly believe the DREAM Act must come to the floor and pass as soon as possible and we will not rest until we get this done.”
Here’s the twist. Trump made this deal even though Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Speaker of the House Paul Ryan were opposed to it:
NEWS — TRUMP agrees to 3-month debt limit increase in meeting w hill leaders. All GOP leaders were opposed, per multiple sources.
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— Jake Sherman (@JakeSherman) September 6, 2017
i am told by multiple sources Rs are furious. The Democratic ploy — to keep debt limit short term — worked. It took just a few hours
— Jake Sherman (@JakeSherman) September 6, 2017
TO BE CLEAR: Debt limit, govt funding expires 12/15. Ryan, McConnell, McCarthy were all opposed. Trump, Pelosi, Schumer were on same side
— Jake Sherman (@JakeSherman) September 6, 2017
Republicans in Congress are livid because they did not want a short term government funding deal. Republicans were eyeing a stand alone long-term deal so that they could focus on the issues and not have to have this fight again in a few months. As it stands, Republicans are going to be at war with each other right before Christmas over keeping the government open.
The calendar plays perfectly into the hands of Democrats who will now have an opportunity to back Republicans into a corner and force eager to get home for the holidays Republicans to vote for legislation and programs that they wouldn’t normally support.
This a big win for Democrats, as Trump’s volatility has come back to bite Ryan and McConnell.
Jason is the managing editor. He is also a White House Press Pool and a Congressional correspondent for PoliticusUSA. Jason has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. His graduate work focused on public policy, with a specialization in social reform movements.
Awards and Professional Memberships
Member of the Society of Professional Journalists and The American Political Science Association
