Paul Teller: Congress Faces a Defining Moment

December 18, 2025

Written by: Paul Teller and John Shelton

In this opinion piece, Paul Teller and John Shelton argue that while Republicans frequently warn about the dangers of runaway federal spending, they too often retreat when real spending cuts are scheduled to take effect. The authors point to recent GOP discussions around extending temporary COVID-era Obamacare subsidies as the latest example of this pattern—supporting additional taxpayer spending on programs Republicans once vowed to oppose.

The article places this moment within a broader historical pattern, drawing parallels to the Medicare “doc fix,” where promised cost controls were repeatedly delayed until projected savings existed only on paper. Similar reversals, the authors contend, have undermined past efforts to rein in federal agencies and implement long-overdue efficiency reforms.

At the center of the argument is the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which includes more than $1.2 trillion in planned federal spending reductions over the next decade. Allowing these cuts to take effect, the authors argue, would restore fiscal credibility, demonstrate political resolve, and help curb unsustainable deficits. Ultimately, the piece urges Republicans to resist election-year pressure, keep their word to voters, and allow the legislation they passed to do what it was designed to do.

Paul Teller is president of Teller Strategies and senior adviser at Advancing American Freedom, the conservative advocacy group founded by former Vice President Mike Pence. John Shelton is director of policy at Advancing American Freedom.

Read the full opinion piece here.

Paul Teller is a trusted voice on conservative strategy and leadership. With decades of experience shaping policy on Capitol Hill and serving in senior roles in the Trump-Pence administration, Teller brings audiences an insider’s perspective on today’s political landscape. His dynamic keynotes blend deep policy expertise with actionable insights, making him a sought-after speaker for organizations navigating the intersection of politics, leadership, and public policy. To bring him to your next event, contact us today.

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