Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., expressed strong dissatisfaction with the proposed temporary funding bill by Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., in an attempt to avert a looming government shutdown.
During an interview with Newsmax on Thursday, Norman highlighted his discontent with the Senate majority leader's proposal, which he claimed mirrored the excessive spending tendencies of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.
"Well, first of all, we were very unhappy with what Schumer put forward to Speaker Johnson," he said, emphasizing the ongoing crisis related to overspending and border control.
Norman, who participated in recent government budget discussions, expressed frustration with Schumer's suggested spending of $1.6 trillion with no allocation for border control. "We tried to explain to Speaker Johnson that it just is not acceptable," Norman stated during an appearance on "American Agenda."
"What [Chuck] Schumer sent over was [Nancy] Pelosi's spending at 1.6 trillion and no border control," he said.
Norman elaborated on alternative solutions presented in discussions. "I think what he is considering and what we put on the table are some continuing resolutions and for some top-line numbers," he explained. According to Norman, Schumer's proposed top-line number of $1.59 trillion included questionable add-ons that lacked practicality.
"It had all the add-ons that simply make no sense," he said.
Addressing the Ukraine funding issue, Norman pointed out divisions within the House. "The Senate really wants that; there are many House members that are opposed to that," he noted, raising concerns about the funding source. He questioned the Democrats' willingness to provide "offsets" and criticized the lack of clarity on where the money for Ukraine or other aid initiatives would come from.
"I think the public will be surprised by what's presented and what we come up with," Norman said. He commended House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., for his efforts, emphasizing that there would be "no motion to vacate."
Norman acknowledged the challenges of dealing with Schumer, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., characterizing their approach as an attempt to "spend us into oblivion," a stance he firmly opposed.
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Jim Thomas ✉
Jim Thomas is a writer based in Indiana. He holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science, a law degree from U.I.C. Law School, and has practiced law for more than 20 years.
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