President Trump's idea for $2,000 tariff rebate checks is falling flat with Senate Republicans.
Why it matters: Many senators think such a move would require Congressional authorization, and they'd rather see the money go toward reducing the deficit.
- From leadership to Trumpy freshmen, GOP senators have not been enthused by Trump's idea of sending $2,000 checks to Americans.
What they're saying: Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) told reporters Tuesday that the tariff revenue is "considered to be substantial at this point and hopefully can be put to a useful purpose. Again, in my view, one of which would be repaying the debt."
- "I think it would be good to use the tariff revenues to pay down the debt and the deficit," Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), a member of leadership, told Axios.
- "I think we should pay down the deficit," Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) said.
- "I think it's got to come through Congress," said Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) White House officials have said they are looking at ways to send out the checks without Congressional sign off.
The bottom line: "I'm not nuts for it," Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-S.D.) told Axios.
- Cramer conceded that it can be argued that "lower-income Americans deserve a break. Maybe they do, but I also think that, you know, it's got potential to be somewhat inflationary."
- Asked if Trump would need Congressional approval for such a move, Cramer said: "He'll test it. That's my guess."
