Biden budget vs. House GOP: Values on display in debt fight

By LISA MASCARO and JOSH BOAK
Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden’s federal budget is a statement of his values. It’s a governing philosophy that believes the wealthy and large corporations should pay more taxes to help stem deficits and lift Americans toward middle class stability. For his chief critics, led by House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, the budget is the arena where they intend to challenge Biden with values of their own. The conservative House Freedom Caucus unveiled its ideas Friday to slash spending. Other Republicans want to cut the social safety net, trim support for Ukraine and end so-called “woke” policies. It’s a blueprint for the summer showdown over the raising the debt ceiling.