“Most of my members think a Balanced Budget Amendment would bring the kind of discipline that has been missing under administrations of both parties and that’s the kind of vote we’re likely to see at some point,” Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said. | J. Scott Applewhite/AP Photo McConnell open to votes to slash spending

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell opened the door on Tuesday to votes on a bill cutting federal spending and a constitutional amendment requiring a balanced budget — efforts that face little prospect of passage but are aimed at mollifying fiscal conservatives outraged over rising deficits.

House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy is working in tandem with the White House on a “recissions” package that would ax some of the spending from last month’s government funding bill. President Donald Trump has expressed frustration about domestic spending increases Democrats won in the $1.3 trillion omnibus spending bill.


“It’s no secret that the omnibus bill was larger than most Republicans would like but it was a bipartisan negotiation,” McConnell said. “I’m willing to discuss with the administration the possibility of a recissions package. I think it’s worth a discussion. Whether that’s achievable is another matter.”

Indeed, though Republicans would need just 50 votes to rescind billions in spending under Senate rules, several GOP senators are uncomfortable with breaking a bipartisan deal made with Democrats. Plus, Democrats may be able to force painful votes if the Senate proceeds to rescind the spending, because the procedure could trigger a “vote-a-rama” and unlimited amendments.

The Balanced Budget Amendment faces even steeper hurdles, requiring 67 senators in support. The House is expected to vote on the constitutional amendment on Thursday, and McConnell hinted that a Senate vote is not far off.

“That’s something we ought consider doing. Most of my members think a Balanced Budget Amendment would bring the kind of discipline that has been missing under administrations of both parties and that’s the kind of vote we’re likely to see at some point,” McConnell said.

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Of course, it would also highlight the massive deficits created by the GOP’s tax reform, which far outpace recent spending increases. And that would allow Democrats to make plenty of hay about the GOP’s fiscal hypocrisy.

“Our Republican colleagues ought to walk the walk not just talk the talk. After a huge deficit on a tax bill, they want to pass a Balanced Budget Amendment?” said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.). “That means one of two things — A: They’re not serious. B: They want to cut Medicare and Social Security. We will fight them tooth and nail on that.”