Most GOP Senators Pledge Not To Help Democrats On Debt Ceiling

WASHINGTON – Most Republican senators have pledged to force Democrats to raise the debt ceiling through procedures that do not rely on GOP votes, intensifying the political standoff over who is responsible for prevent the United States from defaulting.

Senator Ron Johnson (R., Wisconsin) said in an interview that some 46 Republicans signed a letter he released during a series of quick votes on a budget resolution that kicks off Democrats’ efforts to pass 3, $ 5 trillion cornerstone of President Biden’s program.

“They shouldn’t expect Republicans to raise the debt ceiling to meet their deficit spending,” Johnson said.

The Democrats’ $ 3.5 trillion budget does not include a measure to increase the U.S. government’s borrowing limit. Democrats plan to pass their anti-poverty and climate plan through a process called budget reconciliation, which only requires a simple majority. In the 50-50 Senate, Democrats lack the 60 votes needed to push a debt ceiling increase through the regular legislative process.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R., Ky.) Previously said Democrats should expect no Republican help on the debt limit, and reiterated that position on Tuesday.