The Tea Party might seem like an easy scapegoat for GOP problems, but Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wisc.) sees the faction as “indispensable” to the success of the Republican Party.
Ryan, who is chairman of the House Budget Committee, appeared on Fox News Sunday this week to discuss the bipartisan budget agreement reached while working closely with Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.). Host Chris Wallace asked Ryan about Speaker John Boehner’s (R-Ohio) heated outburst in response to criticism of the budget deal from many conservative organizations.
The Wisconsin Congressman joked that Boehner simply “got his Irish up” and asserted that all factions of the Right are welcome in the Republican Party.
“I see the Tea Party as indispensable and valuable in helping keep the taxpayer in the game, keep Washington accountable,” Ryan told Wallace in the pre-taped interview.
He praised the group for helping Republicans regain the majority in the House in 2010, but also acknowledged some frustration in regard to their outspoken criticism. He told Wallace he thought disagreements should remain “within our family.” But he made a point of saying they are, in fact, part of the family.
“I think these groups are valuable,” he said. “They way I look at it is this: they’re part of our conservative family.”
During the interview, Paul defended his budget deal and offered to speak with some of the critics of the arrangement, like Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.). He boasted that the deal cuts spending and would prevent government shutdowns for two years.
The House passed Ryan’s budget on Thursday, and the Senate is expected to pass it as well.
