President Trump shocked displeased Republicans yesterday when he approved the Democrats' plan for Hurricane Harvey relief funding that would only raise the debt ceiling for three months and ensure the government stays open through the end of December.
Trump held a meeting yesterday with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, House Speaker Paul Ryan, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. As both parties pitched their plans, Trump took an unexpected turn and sided with the Democrats.
Just hours before Trump’s decision, Ryan had called the Democrat’s proposal “ridiculous and a disgrace” during a press conference. The Republican proposal would have extended the debt ceiling for 18 months.
Even Democrats were surprised by yesterday’s turn of events.
“I think most of us are still trying to figure out what happened, including our leadership,” said Congressman Michael Capuano during an interview with Boston Public Radio Thursday. “Nobody expected this to happen. We don’t know which Donald Trump we are dealing with minute to minute.”
Capuano blamed the uncertainty and squabbling within the Republican party for Trump’s decision to side with Democrats.
“They’re still confused, and without the votes on the Republican side, they have to deal with Democrats. And Democrats want these issues to be considered in a more thoughtful way,” said Capuano.
Yesterday's deal was seen as a big win for the Democrats. Capuano believes other deals between the Democrats and Trump are possible, but he does not believe that it will become a common occurrence. And while some decisions were actually made yesterday, Capuano still sees the capitol in disarray.
“In the meantime, confusion continues to reign in Washington, D.C.,” he said.
Click on the audio player above to hear Boston Public Radio's interview with Congressman Michael Capuano
