U.S. Senate GOP Leader Sidesteps Question on Trump’s $5,000 Payment Plan

U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune declined to say whether the Republican-controlled Senate would pass President Donald Trump’s proposal to give every U.S. adult $5,000. According to Sina Finance, Thune said in an interview on Thursday, “That’s a good question. We’ll see when we get there.” Trump announced the plan on Wednesday at a Republican midterm election conference in Dallas but gave no details. The proposal is unlikely to become law because its cost would far exceed $1 trillion, and Republicans had previously rejected Trump’s idea of using tariff revenue for “dividends.” Such cash payments would also require congressional approval. Trump said, “It will be called the ‘Trump dividend.’ All we have to do now is win the election.” With Republicans controlling both the House and the Senate, Congress could in theory act on the plan as soon as it reconvenes next week. A spokesperson for House Speaker Mike Johnson did not respond on Wednesday night to a request for comment on the president’s proposal. Meanwhile, Trump allies have begun considering changes to the plan. Texas Republican Senator Ted Cruz said he expects lawmakers to discuss the proposal’s impact on the fiscal deficit and suggested it would be better designed as a rebate with work requirements. Cruz said, “This underscores the importance of this election.” Two other Republican senators, Roger Marshall of Kansas and Bernie Moreno of Ohio, said they support the plan. Moreno said he plans to introduce legislation so Congress can vote on it later this year.