In a stunning reversal of their longstanding stance on fiscal conservatism, House Republicans have passed a budget that includes $1 billion in new spending. Despite criticism from conservative groups and pundits, the Republicans seemed determined to join the ranks of the big spenders.
House Majority Leader Jason Osborne (R-Auburn) justified the move by saying, “We can’t let the Democrats have all the fun. We need to show them that we can be just as reckless with taxpayer money.” Osborne’s comments received applause from his fellow Republicans, who seemed eager to shed their image as the party of fiscal responsibility.
Governor Chris Sununu, who had previously touted his commitment to fiscal restraint, seemed equally enthusiastic about the new spending. “We need to keep up with the times,” he said. “We can’t be left behind in the race to spend more money.” Sununu’s comments were met with some grumbling from conservatives, but the Governor seemed undeterred.
Americans for Prosperity State Director Greg Moore was one of the few voices of dissent in the Republican Party. “This is a betrayal of everything we stand for,” he said. “We can’t just spend our way out of every problem. What happened to the party of small government and fiscal responsibility?” Moore’s comments were met with muted applause from a few conservatives, but most Republicans seemed more interested in spending money than worrying about the deficit.
As the budget debate continued, the Republicans seemed determined to outdo each other in proposing new spending programs. Some proposed tax breaks for the wealthy, while others called for increased military spending. One particularly enthusiastic lawmaker even suggested building a new interstate highway system, arguing that it would “create jobs and stimulate the economy.”
Despite the lack of a clear plan or direction, the Republicans seemed to be enjoying themselves. “This is what politics is all about,” one lawmaker said. “Getting things done and spending money.”
The Democrats, for their part, seemed bemused by the sudden conversion of the Republicans to the big spending camp. “It’s like they’ve suddenly discovered the joy of Keynesian economics,” one Democrat said, referring to the economic theory that advocates for government spending to stimulate the economy.
Republicans are set to pass a budget that spends $1 billion in new programs and initiatives, leaving the conservative groups and pundits who have opposed the budget behind. It remains to be seen whether the Republicans will pay a political price for their newfound love of spending, but the outcome of the vote will undoubtedly shape their future actions and attitudes towards fiscal responsibility.