Rep. Mike Pence (R-Ind.), a former member of GOP leadership, said Republicans must uphold the promise in their Pledge to America and cut “at least $100 billion in the first year.” His comments came as conservatives continued to lobby leadership to cut a full $100 billion in non-security discretionary spending.
Pressure from the conservative Republican Study Committee prompted House appropriators to head back to the drawing board for additional cuts Thursday. Their latest offer: $84 billion.
That’s still short by $16 billion — a figure under dispute between conservatives and leadership. The official leadership plan includes $16 billion in security cuts, money the RSC maintains should not count toward the $100 billion promise. Conservatives might support those security cuts, but want at last $16 billion more in non-security discretionary spending cut from fiscal 2011.
Pence, a former chairman of RSC who last Congress served as GOP conference chairman, made it clear that Republicans must cut $100 billion — no ifs, ands or buts.
“In the Pledge to America, Republicans said that we would save taxpayers at least $100 billion in the first year,” Pence said on Fox News today. “And what’s going on right now on Capitol Hill are negotiations among Republicans to keep our word and I believe that we will.”
Pence applauded the work of House appropriators, but added bluntly, “House conservatives believe we can do better, we believe we can hit that $100 billion mark, and I think we should.”
Pence’s comments added to a growing chorus of members who have voiced concern about the spending cut proposal, which was initially $58 billion when it was first unveiled last week.
Conservatives still hope the spending cuts will reach $100 billion by next week when the debate reaches the House floor. Otherwise, the RSC plans to offer an amendment to make up the difference. Republican leaders have voiced support for additional cuts, but it might not be enough to ensure passage.
The RSC began making their case as early as Jan. 20, when Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) circulated a letter to Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) stating that Republicans must stick to their campaign promise of $100 billion and nothing less.