Texas Republicans Preach Fiscal Restraint as the Federal Deficit Balloons on Their Watch

WASHINGTON — The pursuit of a balanced federal budget has long been an article of faith for Republicans, distilling the GOP’s sermon to voters in Texas and beyond about the need for a party that stands for fiscal restraint.Then the GOP won the White House in 2016, while holding majorities in the House and Senate.Republicans, including many from Texas, have voted since then to pass a $1.5 trillion tax cut, a suspension of the debt limit and a $1.3 trillion spending bill, helping usher in the kind of budget deficits that their party once railed against with apocalyptic thunder.While many conservatives challenge that narrative — arguing, for instance, that the tax cuts will actually bring in more revenue via economic growth — some may now be seeking penance.“We need something imposed on ourselves because of the lack of political will to make the tough decisions,” said Rep. Jodey Arrington, R-Lubbock.  Continue reading...