Speaker Johnson Opposes Stimulus Checks, Prioritizes Debt Reduction
Conservative Caucus Draws Line on House Budget Plan
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), a prominent figure in the Conservative Caucus, has expressed strong opposition to a proposal to use savings from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to issue stimulus checks to Americans. Instead, he argues, the funds should be allocated to reduce the national debt.
Balancing Political Appeal and Fiscal Responsibility
Johnson acknowledges the political appeal of such a proposal, particularly during a time of economic uncertainty. "Well, look, I mean, politically, that would be great for us, you know, because that gives everybody a check," he remarked during a Q&A session at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC).
However, he maintains that adhering to conservative principles of fiscal responsibility takes precedence. "If you think about our core principles, right, fiscal responsibility is what we do as conservatives. That’s our brand," he emphasized.
Addressing the National Debt and Deficit
Johnson draws attention to the staggering $36 trillion federal debt and the "giant deficit" of over $838 billion for fiscal year 2025, as reported by the Bipartisan Policy Center. He believes that prioritizing debt reduction is imperative, stating, "I think we need to pay down the credit card. That’s what I think we need to do."
Trump’s Stimulus Proposal and DOGE’s Mission
President Donald Trump had previously indicated his openness to distributing 20% of DOGE-led savings to taxpayers. However, Musk, who is leading DOGE, has stated that he will consult with the president on the matter. DOGE’s primary goal under Musk is to slash federal spending by $2 trillion.
Concerns over Tax Increases and Reconciliation Process
Johnson also raised concerns about the potential for "the largest tax increase in U.S. history" if Trump’s 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) is not extended before expiring at the end of the year.
Congressional Republicans are attempting to leverage their majorities to extend the TCJA and pass other priorities through a massive budget reconciliation bill. Under reconciliation, the Senate and House can pass legislation with simple majorities, bypassing the need for bipartisan support and allowing them to push through a budget bill without opposition support.
Republican Agenda and Legislative Strategies
Johnson outlined the broader objectives of the Republican agenda, stating, "We’re going to take a blowtorch to the regulatory state, get the bureaucracy back in check — lots of details, lots of subcategories under all that. But it’s going to be a big, beautiful bill. And it has to be by necessity, because that gives us the highest probability of success."
Acknowledging the narrow House majority, Johnson emphasized the importance of using the reconciliation process to advance their priorities. "Remember that I have a small margin in the House," he said. "I have one vote for much of this."
Fiscal Conservative Stance
Johnson’s position reflects the conservative Caucus’s broader skepticism towards large-scale government spending and its commitment to debt reduction. By drawing a line on stimulus checks and advocating for fiscal prudence, Johnson and his colleagues are attempting to balance economic growth with responsible fiscal management.
The ongoing debate over fiscal policy in Washington is likely to intensify as Congress considers the House budget plan and weighs the implications of extending the 2017 tax cuts. Johnson’s stance as a prominent conservative leader will undoubtedly influence the direction of these discussions and help shape the ultimate outcome of the fiscal policy debate.
