Trump budget faces heavy opposition

Congress expected to make many changes to proposal

WASHINGTON The Trump administration says its proposed budget blueprint, along with the steep cuts in domestic programs it envisions, is in many ways a campaign document — one that faces heavy opposition and enters Congress as a decided underdog.

Even some Republicans balk at some of the proposed double-digit reductions in programs ranging from foreign aid to the Environmental Protection Agency, with outright eliminations of programs that range from the National Endowment for the Arts to legal aid for the poor.

All are programs with bipartisan constituencies that can block Trump’s plans, inspiring a familiar refrain from opponents in describing the budget plan: dead on arrival.

“This budget shifts the burden off of the wealthy and special interests and puts it squarely on the backs of the middle class and those struggling to get there,” said Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York.

Rep. Chris Collins, R-N.Y., a longtime supporter of Trump, said the president is “keeping the promises he made to the American people,” but he said he has several concerns about significant cuts to local programs. Collins cited proposed cuts to the National Institutes of Health, including “the 21st Century Cures Initiative,” which he helped to write.

House Speaker Paul Ryan, RWis., described the plan as a “blueprint,” praising its goals but not endorsing it in total.

“We are determined to work with the administration to shrink the size of government, grow our economy, secure our borders, and ensure our troops have the tools necessary to complete their missions,” Ryan said. “I look forward to reviewing this with the Appropriations Committee and our entire conference.”

President Donald Trump’s budget director, Mick Mulvaney, said the plan reflects what the president campaigned on.

Mulvaney and aides pledged to work with Congress on the inevitable disputes, saying this is not a “take it or leave it” kind of plan.

Indeed, top Republicans like Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky have objected to steep cuts in foreign aid that are included in Trump’s proposal.