Paul Ryan on Budget Deal: Process 'Stinks'

He blasts Boehner, system, ahead of becoming speaker
By John Johnson,  Newser Staff
Posted Oct 27, 2015 12:37 PM CDT
Paul Ryan on Budget Deal: Process 'Stinks'
Paul Ryan on Capitol Hill Oct. 21.   (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

The late budget deal struck by leaders of both parties and the White House means that Paul Ryan will have one less major hassle to deal with when he becomes House speaker later this week. In fact, the Washington Post says John Boehner gave him a "parting gift" in sealing the two-year deal. Ryan's reaction? "I think the process stinks," he says. Ryan, who wasn't involved in the negotiations, took particular exception to the secretive process that involved a select few. "This is not the way to do the people's business. And under new management we are not going to do the people's business this way." Ryan didn't weigh in on whether he will vote in favor because he says he has yet to see the details. Still, the deal is expected to pass both the House and Senate and avert a shutdown, reports the Hill.

Politico sees Ryan's criticism as his "starkest public split" with the outgoing Boehner, but notes that the deal "helps Ryan immensely" because "it sets budget levels for two years, lifts the debt ceiling until March 2017 and removes the threat of a government shutdown until October 2016." But with most Republicans likely to vote against it, Ryan seems to be giving himself a healthy distance from the particulars. Boehner himself didn't seem fazed by the criticism. "Totally agree," he said. "It stinks. This is not the way to run a railroad." The House could vote on the budget deal Wednesday, the day before it's expected to formally make Ryan the new speaker. (More Paul Ryan stories.)

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