Obviously, it would be better for all involved if Rep. Paul Ryan takes office as speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives with the cleanest slate possible before him. Ryan, R-Wis., should not be burdened with unnecessary controversies and confrontations.

But that does not mean House conservatives should cave in to President Barack Obama’s demands for bigger government and more deficit spending.

Reportedly, some lawmakers are working hard to finalize a sweeping deal on federal spending before incumbent Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, steps down in a few days. No doubt Obama and liberals in Congress are delighted the conservatives may grant them concessions, to spare Ryan a battle.

Giving in to the White House would create more headaches for Ryan in the future, however. At some point, responsible members of the House simply must reverse the liberals’ push for more expensive, more intrusive, less responsible government. The official national debt has reached $18.1 trillion – and that does not count trillions more in off-the-books red ink.

One reason Boehner is leaving is that some fiscal conservatives were unhappy with his reluctance to preside over a spending showdown with the White House. Ryan should be among the first to disagree with the idea of kicking the can down the road again.