Money and Power: House Republicans’ Competing Philosophies on the Budget

Would you rather that Congress spend less money next year or that they increase spending on social services like healthcare and education? Of course, these are not the only two choices, but it is the philosophical debate among Republicans raging in the House of Representatives.

New House Majority Leader John A. Boehner (Ohio) is trying to reconcile two House Republican groups - those who want to spend less overall, called fiscal conservatives, and those who want to increase spending on healthcare and education, called moderates.

What do Republican fiscal conservatives want?

Fiscal conservatives in the House say it’s irresponsible to exceed the $873 billion discretionary spending cap proposed by President Bush. They say it’s time to show constituents that they’re serious about fiscal restraint. And since they’re not pushing for ways to square the tax cuts or extra savings in mandatory spending, fiscal conservatives say the discretionary spending cap is essential.

What is discretionary versus mandatory spending?

Mandatory spending equals defense and security spending at 21 percent of the entire budget, Medicare and Medicaid at 21 percent, and Social Security at 21 percent. Add in another 12 percent of mandatory spending on programs like welfare, unemployment, military retirement benefits, and farm subsidies, and that leaves just 25 percent of the budget that’s left to play around with.

Then again, at least 7 percent of that goes to the interest on our national debt, another mandatory expenditure. So, what’s left over? Just 18 percent of federal spending that is not considered mandatory, but discretionary.

What do Republican moderates want?

Republican moderates in the House say that social programs have been left behind and they want another $7 billion to even things out.

The moderates’ proposal looks just like the budget resolution passed by the Senate, which would provide an extra $7 billion to healthcare and education programs.

Some fiscal conservatives say it was a mistake to let the Senate vote first, since their more expensive proposal has obviously influenced moderates in the House who are worried about upcoming elections in swing districts.

Enter the appropriators

And if party divisions weren’t enough, Congressman Boehner must also contend with the committee that doles out the budget money - the Appropriations Committee. Appropriators are annoyed by a proposal to change budget rules that would shrink future budgets but take away appropriators’ powers. But fiscal conservatives in the House are demanding the power to challenge emergency spending and local pet projects, known as earmarks.

In this debate, fiscal conservatives are pitted against the Appropriations Committee while Republican moderates must rely on them. Moderates will only agree to the fiscally-conservative budget if House leaders promise to move money from other areas to health and education programs - a move that would be up to appropriators ultimately.

The House budget pickle is sure to test Boehner’s skills as the new Majority Leader. The Democrats are in the minority and, therefore, cannot affect the outcome of this process. They don’t have enough votes. Check back with WomenMatter to see how it all turns out.

What do you think?

Would you rather see more money in health and education or spend less overall? How much power should the Appropriations Committee have? Did you know that there were competing philosophies about spending within the Republican Party?

Your input matters

Your representatives in Congress DO care what you think. Especially now -- 2006 is an election year and many representatives will be looking to reconnect with their constituents. Let your congressmen and women know what you think! Give your senators a piece of your mind! To find your reps, click here.

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Article Posted on: 4/8/2006