JLW
Diamond Member
- Sep 16, 2012
- 16,477
- 17,861
- 2,405
Republicans in Congress have responded to President Trump’s unilateral moves to freeze federal spending, dismantle programs and fire civil servants with a collective shrug, staying mostly silent and even praising him as he circumvents the legislative branch.
But in recent days, as his slash-and-burn campaign to remake the government has begun to affect their states and districts, some Republicans have tried to push back in subtle ways. They have sought carve outs and special consideration for agriculture programs, scientific research and more, even as they cheered on Mr. Trump’s overall approach....
Ms. Britt was one of the first Republicans to raise concerns at home soon after the Trump administration directed the National Institutes of Health to slash $4 billion in overhead costs for medical research grantees, a move that has since been paused by a federal judge. Ms. Britt, whose state has received more than $518 million in N.I.H. grants for projects currently active there, told a local news outlet that she would press administration officials to take a “smart, targeted approach” to cuts so as to “not hinder lifesaving, groundbreaking research at high-achieving institutions” such as the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
In the House, a group of Republicans from farm states and districts introduced legislation this week that aims to salvage a foreign aid program targeted for extinction by Mr. Trump as part of his effort to wipe out the U.S. Agency for International Development.
www.nytimes.com
*******************************************************************************
This OP fact should come as no surprise as all politicians love to dish out money to their districts. It is what keeps getting them elected.
Well, federal spending cuts will have real-world consequences. We can all agree that there is fat to axe from the budget, but the slash-and-burn tactics are rubbing many the wrong way, including Republicans. As unemployment rises in red states and benefits that farmers and others enjoyed over the years vanish, there will be a consequence.
All politics it is said is local. When the locals get upset, expect the politicians to start getting very nervous.
But in recent days, as his slash-and-burn campaign to remake the government has begun to affect their states and districts, some Republicans have tried to push back in subtle ways. They have sought carve outs and special consideration for agriculture programs, scientific research and more, even as they cheered on Mr. Trump’s overall approach....
Ms. Britt was one of the first Republicans to raise concerns at home soon after the Trump administration directed the National Institutes of Health to slash $4 billion in overhead costs for medical research grantees, a move that has since been paused by a federal judge. Ms. Britt, whose state has received more than $518 million in N.I.H. grants for projects currently active there, told a local news outlet that she would press administration officials to take a “smart, targeted approach” to cuts so as to “not hinder lifesaving, groundbreaking research at high-achieving institutions” such as the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
In the House, a group of Republicans from farm states and districts introduced legislation this week that aims to salvage a foreign aid program targeted for extinction by Mr. Trump as part of his effort to wipe out the U.S. Agency for International Development.
Republicans Love Trump’s Spending Cuts. Just Not in Their States.
Even as they praise the president’s unilateral actions to slash federal spending, G.O.P. lawmakers have quietly moved to seek carve outs or exemptions for their own constituents.
*******************************************************************************
This OP fact should come as no surprise as all politicians love to dish out money to their districts. It is what keeps getting them elected.
Well, federal spending cuts will have real-world consequences. We can all agree that there is fat to axe from the budget, but the slash-and-burn tactics are rubbing many the wrong way, including Republicans. As unemployment rises in red states and benefits that farmers and others enjoyed over the years vanish, there will be a consequence.
All politics it is said is local. When the locals get upset, expect the politicians to start getting very nervous.
Last edited:
