U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has begun working in earnest to persuade his fellow Republicans to support a $1.5 trillion increase in the nation's debt ceiling, amid early indications of a possible revolt in his thin majority.
It is his opening shot in a negotiation with Democratic President Joe Biden, whose party also controls the U.S. Senate. If the divided Congress fails to raise the federal government's $31.4 trillion debt ceiling, the government could face a default that would shake the U.S. and world economies.
U.S. Representative Don Bacon, a Republican from Nebraska, told reporters he supports the legislation but said if the vote were held on Thursday it might not pass, as some in the caucus are "struggling" with it. His bill would have to win over at least three camps of doubters: Those who think it does not go far enough in taming federal deficits; those who think it will hurt their constituents, and those who have not voted for a debt limit increase before and might never in the future.
Representative Tim Burchett, who represents a Tennessee district that includes the city of Knoxville, which has a poverty rate of about 21%, expressed worries about a provision to tighten eligibility for the SNAP food stamp program.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
McCarthy to become 2nd House speaker to address Israeli KnessetHouse Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) is expected to give a speech in front of a full session of the Israeli Knesset on May 1.
Read more »
McCarthy's debt ceiling plan gets mixed reception from House RepublicansRepublican lawmakers have questions for House Speaker Kevin McCarthy about his plan but are optimistic. They hope to pressure the White House and Senate into negotiating.
Read more »
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy to visit Israel in first trip abroadHouse Speaker Kevin McCarthy said his first foreign trip will be to Israel to commemorate the 75th anniversary of its statehood.
Read more »
Kevin McCarthy to become second House Speaker to address Israel's KnessetKevin McCarthy will become the second House speaker to give an address before Israel's Knesset since 1998, after he was invited to do so by Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana.
Read more »
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy unveils $1.5 trillion debt billHouse Speaker Kevin McCarthy unveiled a sweeping package Wednesday that would raise the nation’s debt limit by $1.5 trillion into next year while imposing a long list of Republican priorities.
Read more »
House Speaker McCarthy unveils $1.5T debt bill, pushes toward voteHouse Speaker Kevin McCarthy unveiled a sweeping package that would raise the nation’s debt limit by $1.5 trillion into next year while imposing a long list of Republican priorities.
Read more »