Seventy three percent of Americans consider it very or somewhat “reasonable” to cut future spending at the same time as raising the debt ceiling.
WHY IT MATTERS – The Biden administration and most Democrats are insisting on a so-called “clean” debt ceiling increase not tied to any spending cuts or reforms.
- Fewer than one-in-four Americans support this position
REASONABLE COMPROMISE – A Scott Rasmussen National poll asked participants if in exchange for raising the debt ceiling, it is reasonable to cut future spending at the same time.
- 36 percent – Very reasonable
- 37 percent – Somewhat reasonable
- 9 percent – Not very reasonable
- 7 percent – Not at all reasonable
- 10 percent – Not sure
Those saying it was very or somewhat reasonable included 80 percent of Democrats and 71 percent of Republicans.
- The strong results also echo public sentiment that seeks more compromise in Congress.
MODEST IMPACT FROM PARTY ID – The survey also asked a similar question, but this time describing the cuts as a “Republican” plan for “modest cuts in government spending for all federal agencies.” While support dropped, it still maintained overall majority favorability.
- 26 percent – Strongly favor
- 36 percent – Somewhat favor
- 14 percent – Somewhat oppose
- 12 percent – Strongly oppose
- 12 percent – Not sure
Eighty percent of Republicans, 61 percent of Independents, and 43 percent of Democrats supported this Republican plan.
BOTTOM LINE – A Republican message focusing on modest spending cuts in exchange for any debt ceiling increase will be supported by a large majority of Americans.
GO DEEPER –
- America’s New Majority Project – Fewer than One-in-Four Americans Agree with Biden on Debt Ceiling
- The Hill – Manchin Meets with McCarthy on Debt Limit
- Axios – Kevin McCarthy’s Math Problem
- NPR/Marist – Americans Are Sick of Lawmakers Bickering