Steve Miller, Deputy Chief of Staff to Trump, released clarifications regarding the budget bill, refuting criticisms and outlining its contents.
Explanation of the Bill
In response to misunderstandings surrounding the budget bill, Steve Miller noted that the primary cuts related to DOGE concern discretionary categories of spending. He explained that this bill pertains to mandatory expenses, such as Medicaid and food stamps, and does not cover discretionary spending like the Department of Education.
Defense Against Criticism
Miller also refuted allegations that the bill increases the deficit, labeling this a 'lie.' He explained that tax cuts implemented in 2017 were intended to be permanent, and maintaining current tax rates would not increase the deficit. 'The spending cuts in the bill reduce the deficit against the current law baseline,' he stated.
DOGE Transparency and FOIA Requests
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court temporarily blocked a lower court's orders regarding information requests from the group CREW, which contends that DOGE should comply with FOIA laws. The Trump administration insists that DOGE is an advisory body and not a government agency, thus exempt from these regulations.
Thus, Steve Miller emphasizes that the budget bill has substantial limitations and clarifies that rumors regarding its excesses and shortcomings are unfounded.
