Senator Mike Lee announced his opposition to a budget deal put forth by Senate Leadership this week. In a statement to ITN, the Senator said through a spokeswoman: “This budget deal is a betrayal of everything limited government conservatism stands for and I will be voting no.”
The deal put forth by Senate Leaders Mitch McConnell and Chuck Schumer would increase spending levels by roughly $300 billion over two years. It would also lift the debt ceiling until after the midterm elections and increase disaster relief funds by $90 billion.
Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) has put a hold on the budget vote for now. Under Senate rules, all 100 senators must agree to hold a vote and any one senator can put a hold the bill. In exchange for his vote Paul is asking for a vote on an amendment that would re-impose strict budget caps.
Senate Leadership expressed optimism that a deal would get worked out but acknowledged the uncertainty. “I think it will all work out. But it’s up in the air,” said Senate Majority Whip John Cornyn.