Editorial: Hill Republicans should cut deals with President Trump — not with Democrats

Congress may seem inactive, but behind the scenes, members are conducting substantial, bipartisan work on major policy issues. From the Senate Commerce Committee to the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, Republicans are negotiating standard-practice bipartisan deals to include in end-of-year, must-pass legislation. Republicans would be wise to hold firm and wait for better deals.

First, while it’s far too soon to pop the champagne, the electoral trends are all in Republicans’ favor. Democrats know it. Biden’s approval rating is 37 percent and dropping. With incoming Sen. Jim Justice’s seat all but assured in West Virginia, Republicans will need just one more Senate seat or a Donald Trump victory to win the majority. And, far from being a drag on the ticket, President Trump will drive turnout and lift up House Republicans to expand their majority in districts across the country. The surest sign that the GOP has leverage is that, according to our sources, Democrats have been desperate to cut deals. 

Second, if we wait until Republicans are in control, we will get better policy. Whether it’s spectrum rights, healthcare policy, how prescription drugs are paid for, or legislation on tech policy, unified Republican control will result in better outcomes for conservatives. 

Third, on these bipartisan measures, the devil is in the details. We have heard from sources that a supposed bipartisan spectrum bill is full of carve outs for the Left. And certain tech legislation includes provisions that empower censors to block “disinformation” (i.e., any facts that make Democrats look bad). We can avoid many of these risks with majority control that can ensure none of these harmful provisions are included. 

In 2025, we may have the greatest chance to advance conservative policy. Hill Republicans would be prudent to maximize this opportunity by holding out for the best outcomes.