Top Republican appropriator ‘surprised’ by Trump debt ceiling demand: ‘Don’t know his rationale’
Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) said late Wednesday that she was surprised by President-elect Trump’s demand for a stopgap spending bill to raise the debt ceiling.
Collins, the top Republican appropriator, told reporters she was surprised by the call and said the issue had not been raised in talks before the incoming president’s last-minute letter.
“It surprised me,” she told reporters at the Capitol. “I’m surprised [Trump] Wants to delay debt ceiling vote until this year.
“I don’t know his reasons,” she added.
Trump’s call comes amid growing frustration over the ongoing settlement negotiated by Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) with Democrats.
The more than 1,500-page bill includes numerous concessions to Democrats to win the necessary support and overcome opposition from dozens of Republican members.
One of the provisions giving lawmakers a raise also has lawmakers upset.
The debt ceiling is not expected to be resolved until this summer.
The deadline for extending government funding is Friday at midnight.
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