OMB director fires back at Republicans over debt ceiling

Their proposal stood in contrast to Biden’s budget proposal released Thursday; his plan calls for a 7 percent increase over current non-defense spending levels and higher taxes on wealthier Americans.

The OMB director said it was good the House Freedom Caucus put their plan out, as it allows for a clear contrast of the priorities between the president and House Republicans. She also noted that the debt ceiling was raised three times during the Trump administration without these type of conditions.

Though the Freedom Caucus plan did not call for cuts to Social Security, Young said that Republican policies post a threat to it.

“Let me be clear, the top existential threat to Social Security is those in this town that want to cut it,” Young told Collins. “I wish we were in the part of the debate where we could talk about extending. This president chose to focus on protecting benefits.”

Speaking later on the same CNN program, Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) said she was bothered by Young’s remarks on the debt ceiling and negotiations.

“The comments by the director of OMB on this program a few moments ago were disturbing to me just not even as a member of Congress, but as an American,” Mace said, adding: “We should be negotiating on this issue. This shouldn’t be one-sided.”