Rand Paul Says What Could Make Him A ‘Yes’ On Trump’s ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’

Republican Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul said Sunday on NBC’s “Meet the Press” that if President Donald Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” were to “separate out the debt ceiling,” then he would vote in favor of it.

Republican lawmakers have been pushing to secure Trump’s agenda through a reconciliation package, but pushback from some GOP senators, including Paul, has put the current July 4 target deadline in doubt. While discussing his ongoing criticism of the bill, NBC’s Kristen Welker asked if Paul had landed on a firm position.

“I talked to the president last evening after the parade, and we’re trying to get to a better place in our conversations. I’ve let him know that I’m not an absolute no. I can be a yes,” Paul said. “I like the tax cuts. I actually agree with Art Laffer and the supply siders that a lot of times we cut rates.”

“We actually get more revenue, so I don’t have as much trouble with the tax cuts. I think there should be more spending cuts, but if they want my vote, they’ll have to negotiate because I don’t want to vote to raise the debt ceiling $5 trillion,” Paul added. “Congress is awful with money, and so you should give them a more restricted credit line, not an expansive one.”

Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” narrowly passed the House on May 22 by a single vote, with Republican Reps. Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Warren Davidson of Ohio joining Democrats in voting against it.

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Since the bill’s push to the Senate, GOP lawmakers have voiced concerns