Representative Jamie Raskin, a Democrat from Maryland, shared his concerns on MSNBC’s "The Last Word" about President Donald Trump’s proposed spending bill. He believes that, given the current state of the Republican Party, the bill is unlikely to pass.
Raskin pointed out that many Americans are at risk of losing critical support. He noted that 14 million people could be cut from Medicaid, and millions more might lose access to nutritional assistance. Despite these serious implications, he expressed hope that the internal conflicts within the GOP might lead them to reconsider their plans. He emphasized that adding another $2.5 to $3 trillion to the national debt, which Trump accumulated during his presidency, could be a hard sell.
Raskin also observed that many Republicans seem to be feeling the pressure from their constituents. He mentioned that there has been significant backlash against efforts to dismantle Medicaid and reduce food assistance. While some Republican lawmakers may not openly express their concerns, Raskin believes they are looking for ways to distance themselves from the proposed spending bill. He has visited several Republican districts and noted a strong sense of anger towards GOP leaders.
Overall, Raskin feels that the political landscape within the Republican Party provides them with many opportunities to back out of the spending bill, as they recognize the potential political risks involved.