Only 20 percent see it as irresponsible.
An exclusive poll from America’s New Majority Project reveals 59 percent of Americans agree that slowing the rate of planned spending increases is a responsible way to reduce budget deficits, debt and reduce inflation.
WHY IT MATTERS – As part of a deal to increase the debt limit, House Republicans passed a bill that returns spending to 2022 levels and limits spending increases to 1% per year going forward.
- The results suggest that most Americans support the proposal.
KEY TAKEAWAYS –
- 59 percent of Americans agree that slowing the rate of planned spending increases is a “responsible way” to reduce budget deficits, debt, and reduce inflation.
- Only 20 percent see it as an “irresponsible
- 49 percent prefer a Republican candidate who supports the approach of the House GOP debt ceiling bill compared to just 37 percent who prefer a Democratic candidate who opposes it.
- This is an 8 point swing in favor of the Republican candidate compared to the generic ballot.
- BOTTOM LINE – In the current debt ceiling debate, public opinion is on the side of Speaker McCarthy and House Republicans.
READ THE REPORT – Click on the image below to view the slideshow or continue to read highlights of the results in the body of the article.
RESPONSIBLE OR IRRESPONSIBLE? – The poll of 2,000 Likely Voters, conducted by McLaughlin and Associates, asked participants:
Every year, Congress passes a ten-year budget that usually includes planned, yearly budget increases for various government programs and agencies. If Congress passes a bill that slows the rate of planned spending increases for a program or agency, which do you agree with more?
- It is an irresponsible cut to government programs. – 19.5 percent
- It is a responsible way to reduce budget deficits and debt and reduce inflation. – 58.5 percent
- Don’t Know – 22 percent
Those answering “responsible” included:
- 58.5 percent of Swing Voters
- 59.3 percent of Hispanics
- 55.4 percent of Asians
- 46.5 percent of Blacks
- 58 percent of Gen Z
IMPACT ON 2024 – The survey also asked participants to choose between two potential congressional candidates.
- A Republican candidate, who believes it would be irresponsible to allow the U.S. to accumulate more debt without cutting spending, and that returning spending to 2022 levels and capping spending growth at 1% per year going forward is reasonable.
- A Democratic candidate, who believes the debt ceiling should be raised WITHOUT cutting spending, and who criticizes the Republican bill, saying it would cut 22% of funding for almost everything aside from the military, including health care, schools, and law enforcement, while also protecting tax cuts for the rich.
- 49 percent – Republican candidate
- 37 percent – Democratic candidate
- 14 percent – Don’t Know
BOTTOM LINE – In the current debt ceiling debate, public opinion is on the side of Speaker McCarthy and House Republicans.