That $4B missile defense bill Trump signed? It's really just a stopgap spending measure
Right before he left on Christmas vacation, President Trump touted the GOP’s legislative victories on Friday.
“Will be signing the biggest ever Tax Cut and Reform Bill in 30 minutes in Oval Office,” he tweeted. “Will also be signing a much needed 4 billion dollar missile defense bill.”
Will be signing the biggest ever Tax Cut and Reform Bill in 30 minutes in Oval Office. Will also be signing a much needed 4 billion dollar missile defense bill.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 22, 2017
We all know about the massive tax overhaul Congress passed this week. But what’s that about a $4 billion missile defense bill?Â
That’s actually the spending bill that lawmakers passed on Thursday. The most important thing to know about the continuing resolution is that it will keep the federal government open until Jan. 19 (when they’ll have to work to avert a shutdown yet again).
It’s a short-term bill designed to kick the can into next year without settling more complex issues, such as immigration and long-term budget strategy.Â
But it also includes $4 billion for missile defense programs, a request the Trump administration made last month.Â
The president isn’t wrong about what the legislation includes. Maybe this is merely a “glass half full” scenario.
More: Congress votes to avert shutdown, provide money for children’s health insurance
More: Podcast: After the celebrations, what’s next for the tax bill?
