Facing some grumbling from more conservative Republicans and jabs from Democrats, President Donald Trump said Tuesday that a spending deal worked out in Congress in recent days was a "clear win" for his policy goals, citing extra money for the military and border security.
"After years of partisan bickering and gridlock, this bill is a clear win for the American people," the President said in the White House Rose Garden, flanked by members of the Air Force Academy football team.
Mr. Trump eagerly cited $21 billion in extra defense spending in the bill for the Pentagon.
"We are at last reversing years of military cuts," the President said, as he touted a deal that bolstered defense, but not domestic spending, a change from budget deals during the Obama Administration.
"We have more money for the border than we've had in ten years," the President said, as he chided his critics in Congress. "The Democrats didn't tell you that - they forgot."
But it was obvious on Capitol Hill that there were Republicans who wanted some major change in this budget plan, which funds the government for the rest of the current fiscal year (through the end of September).
"Unless significant spending reforms are enacted now, the US is heading towards structured bankruptcy," said Rep. Warren Davidson (R-OH).
Outside conservative groups also signaled their displeasure with the details of giant spending measure.
"Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi couldn’t be happier," the group Freedom Works said in a statement, telling Republicans in a letter that they would urge a "No" vote this week in the Congress on the measure.
"The process for this omnibus could not have been worse," the group grumbled, as such frustrations were also being aired on conservative talk radio as well.
Earlier in the day, the President publicly complained on Twitter that he would have done more in the way of budget reforms - but that Senate rules mean his plan would need 60 votes to get by a possible filibuster - as the President seemed to threaten a government shutdown.
Credit: Jamie Dupree
Credit: Jamie Dupree
"Our country needs a good "shutdown" in September to fix mess," the President tweeted.
The President certainly has the power of his veto pen - and he could use it against any bill coming out of the Congress, at any time.
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