Republicans Split Over Midterm Stimulus Push Amid Economic Slowdown

With just over 10 weeks to go until the November midterms, Republican lawmakers are at odds over whether to push for emergency economic legislation. The economy has slowed significantly, with GDP growth falling to an annualized 1.5% in the second quarter of 2026, down from 2.1% in Q1.

Consumer spending, a key driver of economic growth, flatlined entirely when adjusted for inflation in July. This marked the 65th consecutive month that PCE inflation has exceeded the Federal Reserve's target of 2%. The Personal Consumption Expenditures price index held at 3.7% year-over-year in July, while core PCE sat at 3.3%.

A growing faction within the GOP is criticizing the Trump administration's tariff regime, which they argue is hurting agricultural states and border-adjacent districts. President Trump's approval ratings on economic management have slipped accordingly, with an 8-point drop in his net approval among Republican voters.