Rand Paul Rejects Republicans' 'Big, Beautiful Bill'

Rand Paul Rejects House GOP Agenda Bill

Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.) has voiced firm opposition to the House-passed legislative package advancing President Trump’s 2025 agenda, citing deep concerns about its massive proposed increase to the national debt ceiling. Jack Gruber, Jack Gruber / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Paul Says Debt Ceiling Must Be Removed

“I’ve told them if they’ll take the debt ceiling off of it, I’ll consider voting for it,” Paul said, according to The Hill, confirming that he has communicated his stance to Republican leadership. The bill proposes raising the debt limit by $4 trillion over the next two years — a historic leap that Paul argues undermines conservative fiscal principles. Liz Dufour/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Historic Debt Increase Draws Paul's Ire

“We’ve never, ever voted to raise the debt ceiling this much,” he said. “It’s not good for conservatives to be on record supporting a $4 [trillion] or $5 trillion increase.” Jeff Faughender/Courier Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

$2 Trillion Annual Deficits Predicted

Paul estimates the bill would contribute to $2 trillion annual deficits during that period, a figure he calls unsustainable. “It’s not conservative; I can’t support it,” he stated. douglas miller / Pexels

Conditional Support Possible from Paul

Although he described the bill’s spending reductions as “imperfect” and “wimpy,” Paul indicated he could back a version of the legislation stripped of the debt ceiling provision: “If they were to take the debt ceiling off of it and have the tax reductions and spending reductions, I’d probably vote for that.” Jack Gruber, Jack Gruber / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Republicans Will "Own the Debt"

Paul warned that Republicans will bear full responsibility for any future fiscal shortfalls if the bill is passed. “Republicans now own the debt, and Republicans now own the spending. There’s no more blaming, ‘Oh, it’s [former President] Biden’s fault.’ The deficit is fully and completely owned by Republicans after this bill,” he said. Jack Gruber / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Thune Faces Narrow Margin in Senate

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) holds a narrow majority with 53 Republican seats and can only afford three defections. In the event of a 50-50 tie, Vice President J.D. Vance is expected to cast the deciding vote. Jack Gruber-USA TODAY via Imagn Images