Republicans seethe after Steven Mnuchin's debt deal pitch: 'About as well received as his wife's Instagram post'
Though the House ultimately approved a $15.25 billion Harvey aid and debt-spending package Friday, many conservative Republicans weren't happy about Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin's prodding for them to do so. After a Friday morning meeting at which Mnuchin reportedly told Republicans to "vote for the debt ceiling for me," some Republicans went on the record about their annoyance.
Rep. Dave Brat (R-Va.) said he found Mnuchin's comments to be "not helpful" and "intellectually insulting." "He's not one of my constituents!" Rep. Ted Yoho (R-Fla.) said. Rep. Mark Walker (R-N.C.) complained that Mnuchin "could not answer" a question about what the debt ceiling would "look like in December," and described the treasury secretary's spiel as "a very arrogant lecture that turned off more of the conference." Meanwhile, Rep. Ryan Costello (R-Pa.) joked that Mnuchin's speech was "about as well received as his wife's Instagram post," referring to Mnuchin's new bride Louise Linton's recent controversial post boasting about all the expensive designer brands she was wearing.
Even before Mnuchin's pitch, Republicans weren't thrilled with the debt deal. President Trump caught his fellow party members off guard Wednesday when he signed on to Democrats' proposal for a short-term debt hike over Republican leaders' objections.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The House passed the package, which raises the debt ceiling and funds the federal government until Dec. 8 and allocates $15.25 billion for hurricane and disaster relief after Hurricane Harvey ravaged Texas and right before Hurricane Irma is expected to hit Florida. The measure was approved in a 316-90 vote. Of Republicans, 133 voted in favor, 90 voted against, and 16 didn't vote; four Texas Republicans were reportedly among those who voted no.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Mark Menzies: Tories investigate MP after 'bad people' cash claims
Speed Read Fylde MP will sit as an independent while party looks into allegations he misused campaign funds on medical expenses and blackmail pay-out
By Arion McNicoll, The Week UK Published
-
'Another day of chaos in DC'
Today's Newspapers A roundup of the headlines from the US front pages
By The Week Staff Published
-
6 scenic white water rafting destinations to get your heart racing
The Week Recommends Have a rip-roaring time on the water
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
Empty-nest boomers aren't selling their big homes
Speed Read Most Americans 60 and older do not intend to move, according to a recent survey
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Brazil accuses Musk of 'disinformation campaign'
Speed Read A Brazilian Supreme Court judge has opened an inquiry into Elon Musk and X
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Disney board fends off Peltz infiltration bid
Speed Read Disney CEO Bob Iger has defeated activist investor Nelson Peltz in a contentious proxy battle
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Disney and DeSantis reach detente
Speed Read The Florida governor and Disney settle a yearslong litigation over control of the tourism district
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Visa and Mastercard agree to lower swipe fees
Speed Read The companies will cap the fees they charge businesses when customers use their credit cards
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Reddit IPO values social media site at $6.4 billion
Speed Read The company makes its public debut on the New York Stock Exchange
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Housing costs: the root of US economic malaise?
speed read Many voters are troubled by the housing affordability crisis
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Feds cap credit card late fees at $8
speed read The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau finalized a rule to save households an estimated $10 billion a year
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published