Podcast Summary: Bannon's War Room – Episode 4135: Hard Pass On The CR And Mike Johnson

Release Date: December 18, 2024
Host: Stephen K. Bannon
Title: Hard Pass On The CR And Mike Johnson

Introduction

In Episode 4135 of Bannon's War Room, host Stephen K. Bannon delves deep into the contentious issue surrounding the recent Continuing Resolution (CR) and the political maneuvers involving House Speaker Mike Johnson. The episode brings together a panel of Republican voices to dissect the implications of the CR, government spending, and internal party dynamics as the nation grapples with mounting deficits and emergency funding needs.

Continuing Resolution (CR) and Government Spending

The episode opens with critical discussions about the proposed Continuing Resolution (CR), which aims to prevent a government shutdown by temporarily extending budgetary provisions. However, the CR has sparked significant debate within the Republican ranks due to its implications on government spending and deficits.

Speaker A expresses frustration succinctly:

"It's garbage. I think that it's shameful that people that celebrate Doge coming in... we're going to vote for another billion dollars to be added to the deficit."
[00:00]

Speaker B echoes this sentiment:

"So am I voting for it? No, I'm not."
[00:14]

Speaker C elaborates on the Republican stance against excessive spending:

"We're just fundamentally unserious about spending. And as long as you got a blank check, you can't shrink government. If you can't shrink government, you can't live free."
[00:21]

Republican Strategy and Short-term Funding

Speaker C discusses the strategic decision to push the CR deadline to March 14th, aiming to have a Republican-controlled Congress and President Trump back in the White House to oversee spending for 2025:

"We decided even though we don't normally like short term stopgap funding measures, it made sense here... instead, we pushed this decision into March, it'll be March 14th."
[00:34]

This maneuver is seen as a tactical move to regain control over the federal budget and implement fiscal conservative policies.

Emergency Funding: Hurricanes and Agriculture

The CR also includes provisions for emergency funding, addressing two major crises:

1. Historic Hurricane Season:

   "We have to have funding for that. That's $100 billion to rebuild six states."
   [01:35]

2. Agricultural Support:

   "Our farmers, our small farmers and ranchers... are in jeopardy of going under... because of Biden nomics and inflation."
   [02:58]

Speaker C emphasizes the importance of supporting farmers as a matter of national security, arguing that destabilizing the agricultural sector threatens the nation's food supply:

"If we crush domestic food supply, that is a direct threat to national security."
[02:58]

Internal Republican Criticisms and Challenges

The CR has not been universally accepted within the Republican Party. Speaker B highlights the discontent among certain caucuses and the broader party:

"You’ve got a bunch of Republicans who are angry at you. They don't like this."
[03:02]

Speaker E offers a stark critique of the current regime:

"This is the primal scream of a dying regime. Pray for our enemies because we're going."
[04:49]

These internal divisions underscore the challenges Republicans face in presenting a unified front on fiscal policies.

Elon Musk's Opposition to the CR

A notable moment in the episode is the mention of billionaire Elon Musk's opposition to the CR:

"Elon Musk... just tweeted, this bill should not pass."
[03:40]

Speaker C responds by sharing a conversation with Elon Musk and tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, explaining the strategic necessity of passing the CR despite their reservations:

"We have a razor thin margin of Republicans, so any bill has to have Democrat votes. They understand the situation."
[03:40]

The interaction highlights the complex interplay between political strategy and influential public figures.

Fiscal Concerns and National Debt

A recurring theme throughout the episode is the alarming trajectory of the national debt. Speaker B expresses urgent concerns about the burgeoning debt:

"We're going to have $40 trillion that day. We'll hit $40 trillion."
[07:04]

Speaker C and Speaker B discuss the unsustainable nature of current fiscal policies, emphasizing the need for immediate action to curb deficits and prevent a financial catastrophe:

"By doing this, we are clearing the decks and we are setting up for Trump to come in roaring back with America first agenda."
[03:40]

International Affairs and Economic Nationalism

The episode also touches upon international dynamics, particularly the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and its financial strains on the U.S. economy. Speaker B criticizes the Biden administration’s approach:

"Ukraine... Russ Votin, his guys... the country is destroyed."
[24:41]

Speaker C reflects on the historical context of U.S. foreign interventions:

"We've tried to overthrow 70 different governments since World War II. We hadn't won a war but we create a lot of them."
[23:48]

The discussion underscores concerns about the economic and human costs of prolonged military engagements.

Calls for Leadership and Reform

Towards the end of the episode, the speakers urge a shift in leadership and a return to fiscal responsibility. Speaker B calls for the removal of ineffective leaders:

"Johnson bald faced lie to people... He just stood up the other day and said this thing was short and tiny... but it's 1500 pages long."
[12:02]

Stephen K. Bannon emphasizes the need for President Trump to lead the charge in reducing government size:

"He’s going to have to change the atmosphere and the attitude up here... evaluate all these agencies... cut back on government."
[17:32]

Conclusion

Episode 4135 of Bannon's War Room presents a fervent critique of the current fiscal policies and leadership within the Republican Party. The panel underscores the urgency of addressing the national debt, curbing government spending, and navigating internal party conflicts to implement a conservative agenda. The discussions reflect a deep concern for the nation's financial health and advocate for strategic political moves to regain control over governmental finances and priorities.

Notable Quotes

1. Speaker A on the CR's Deficits:

   "It's garbage... we're going to vote for another billion dollars to be added to the deficit."
   [00:00]

2. Speaker C on Shrinking Government:

   "If you can't shrink government, you can't live free."
   [00:21]

3. Speaker B on National Debt:

   "We're going to have $40 trillion that day. We'll hit $40 trillion."
   [07:04]

4. Speaker E on the Current Regime:

   "This is the primal scream of a dying regime. Pray for our enemies because we're going."
   [04:49]

5. Stephen K. Bannon on Leadership:

   "He’s going to have to change the atmosphere and the attitude up here... evaluate all these agencies... cut back on government."
   [17:32]

This episode serves as a comprehensive examination of the intersecting issues of government spending, party politics, and national fiscal health, emphasizing the critical choices facing the Republican Party as they navigate the legislative landscape.