President Trump signed a $400 billion budget deal Friday morning that sharply hikes spending and balloons the federal deficit – then bemoaned the funding bill that ended a brief federal shutdown.
“Without more Republicans in Congress, we were forced to increase spending on things we do not like or want in order to finally, after many years of depletion, take care of our Military,” the president tweeted.
“Sadly, we needed some Dem votes for passage. Must elect more Republicans in 2018 Election!” he added.
Trump declared that “our military will now be stronger than ever before.”
“We love and need our Military and gave them everything — and more. First time this has happened in a long time. Also means JOBS, JOBS, JOBS!” Trump said in another tweet after signing the legislation.
He added that the GOP had to fill the bill with “waste” to secure Democratic approval.
“Costs on non-military lines will never come down if we do not elect more Republicans in the 2018 Election, and beyond,” he wrote in a third tweet. This Bill is a BIG VICTORY for our Military, but much waste in order to get Dem votes.”
Trump also noted triumphantly that DACA — the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, which protects about 800,000 “Dreamers” from deportation – was not included in the bill.
“Negotiations to start now!” he said.
The House and Senate approved a bill to keep the government funded through March 23, overcoming opposition from liberal Democrats and tea party conservatives to endorse massive spending hikes despite looming trillion-dollar deficits.
The House voted 240-186 to approve the bill just before dawn Friday, hours after the Senate had approved the measure with a 71-28 vote at about 2 a.m.
The fleeting government shutdown began after Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky went rogue and stalled a vote in protest over his party’s willingness to bust the budget.
Most Democrats also opposed the measure, following the lead of House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi ( D-Calif.), who tried in vain to use the moment to secure a promise for a separate vote on immigration.
With Post Wires