United States Speaker of the House Paul Ryan recently announced that Congress and the White House have reached an agreement on a new spending bill of approximately 1.1 trillion USD that addresses both Republican and Democrat policy and initiatives. This new spending bill will carry the US government through the 2016 budget year, and if it passes, will prevent yet another government shutdown. As written, the bill sees a proposed increase in defense spending and extension of tax credits, and to the dismay of more conservative members of congress does not deny federal funding to Planned Parenthood, nor does it allocate funds to tighter screening of Syrian refugees entering the country. What's more, the bill includes proposed changes to visa requirements for those traveling to the US, allows for more special interest tax breaks, a lift on a 40 year old crude oil export ban, and delays and suspension on taxes meant to fund Obama's Affordable Cart Act. The budget package, which includes both the spending bill and a new tax bill, will be voted on by the end of the week. Speaker of the House Paul Ryan described the process of reaching a consensus on the spending bill a "crap sandwich".
How will the new spending bill affect both foreign and domestic policy? Was there a clear winner (Republican vs Democrat) in terms of the spending bill? Is the bill's increased funding to defense spending justified/warranted? What does the process leading up to the creation of the new spending bill say about contemporary US politics, especially in context of political parties? Are you satisfied with the new spending bill, and if not what would you amend?
It seems that this budget reflects the desires of the Democrats (Planned Parenthood and no further restrictions on immigration). It may face criticism from the conservatives, being that they are the majority in Congress. I think more money should be allocated to domestic safety as well as foreign policy because both are threatened.
ReplyDeleteI agree that it reflects the Democratic interests more than the republican interests. I think it is good that we spend money on defense, especially in lie of recent events. I think that the bill is reasonable and that Planned Parenthood should get funding.
DeleteThe new spending bill will only slightly affect foreign policy because while it changes the requirements for those traveling to the United States, it doesn't change the screening process of Syrian refugees trying to enter the country. The main affect that the bill will have on domestic policy involves tax breaks, the delays and suspensions on taxes meant to fund Obama's affordable care act, and the funding of planned parenthood. Additionally, with all that's going on in the world right now it's easy to understand why the bill would call for increased funding of defense spending. Lastly, the process leading up to the creation of the new spending bill exemplifies how much the american society resents change.
ReplyDeleteOverall the changes that this bill makes in terms of foreign policy are slight, seeing that it only changes the requirements for people traveling to the US. Although there is not an obvious winner, the democrats seem to come out on top (because the bill mainly focuses on planned parenthood, which is a democratic issue). Seeing that the safety is in a more fragile position during this time, I agree with Eleni that more money should go towards domestic safety.
ReplyDeleteWhile I'm not against defense spending, I just see not that much reason to increase the amount that is already being spent on it. In 2011, 20% of the federal budget was spent on defense spending (about $718 Billion) and already the US spends more than the next 13 nations combined in terms of defense spending. With all the issues on the budget, they are even including special interest tax breaks and delays on Obama's Affordable Care Act. You can definitely see the effects of both the Democrats and the Republicans on this bill, but I do see more of a Republican win in my opinion. Its attempt to fix the federal budget isn't exactly the most adequate since its just reallocating the funds to another area, which in my opinion already spends a bit too much, and now more reform and change needs to come to the domestic front of the nation.
ReplyDeleteThe new spending bill does offer some some positive changes to domestic and foreign policies, but the overall effect is minute. Democrats benefit from the continued funding of Planned Parenthood, but Republicans are also benefited the special interest tax breaks. There seems to be no clear winner. Increase in the defense budget is probably in response to recent terrorist actions, but increase in domestic defense needs to be considered as well if that is the fear. The bill seems to be a reflection of the gridlock between the two parties in government.
ReplyDeleteThe bill seems to cater to both parties, which is a definite leap forward since the teeny little issue of a complete government shut-down last year. That being said, the distance that the parties have put between each other can be measured in the extravagant 1.1 trillion that it took to bring them together just for a vote. Neither side is satisfied, but it seems to have a little something for everyone, which is key to unify the parties to a more moderate level. Increase in defense makes sense considering events as of late, but our country should not share the fear the rest of the world has considering our distance from all of the issues. By increasing defense spending, we make it seem like we're preparing for something big like war, which is not a good thing to do with a gridlocked Congress and presidential election on the horizon.
ReplyDeleteThis seems as if Paul Ryan is trying to compromise a bit with the Democrats. I am actually surprised to learn that the bill does not cut Planned Parenthood, as I most definitely thought it would. It also does not tighten up security on Syrian Refugees, which is interesting due to Trump's latest remarks. However, we will truly see how much compromise or which side benefits the most, with the next president. The increase in defense could be from the attacks from ISIS, and they are just carrying out precautionary measures.
ReplyDeleteIn terms of foreign policy, the bill will effect those coming into America, both with Visas and Syrian refugees, and the oil exports, changing our relationship with other countries. It will also increase funds for the military, which is ultimately something that will effect foreign relations as well. For domestic policy, it effects taxes, gives money to Planned Parenthood, and decreases funding for Obamacare, all that will effect the citizens of this country positively and negatively. Personally, I think that increasing military funding is entirely unnecessary. However, I thin that this bill seems to pander to both sides of the political spectrum, which is definitely a positive.
ReplyDeleteThe bill will affect foreign policy because of the new changes for visa requirements to enter the U.S. This could upset some foreign countries because access to theU.S. may become difficult. The export of oil will also allow us to trade more and build better relations with more foreign countries. Domestically no much is happening except for the fact that the special interest groups will become more wealthy with the proposed tax breaks. I believe the defense spending bill is justifies especially with the tensions rising in the middle east with militant groups such as Isis and countries such as North Korea. It seems as though the democrats and republicans have compromised for once and got legislation done when it was needed most. For the most part I am satisfied with the new bill because Its good to see the political parties working together rather than arguing and doing nothing.
ReplyDeleteThe bill will affect foreign policy because of the new changes for visa requirements to enter the U.S. This could upset some foreign countries because access to theU.S. may become difficult. The export of oil will also allow us to trade more and build better relations with more foreign countries. Domestically no much is happening except for the fact that the special interest groups will become more wealthy with the proposed tax breaks. I believe the defense spending bill is justifies especially with the tensions rising in the middle east with militant groups such as Isis and countries such as North Korea. It seems as though the democrats and republicans have compromised for once and got legislation done when it was needed most. For the most part I am satisfied with the new bill because Its good to see the political parties working together rather than arguing and doing nothing.
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