Mar 30, 2023 - Politics & Policy

McCarthy threatens to go it alone on debt ceiling

Andrew Solender

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) said Thursday that House Republicans are prepared to try to raise the debt limit on their own if President Biden doesn't return to the negotiating table.

Why it matters: It marks a strategy shift by the House speaker as Biden demands Republicans present a budget plan before he engages in talks – which they appear strongly disinclined to do.

Driving the news: During a Q&A with reporters at the Capitol on Thursday, McCarthy said his conference is "very close" to an agreement on spending cuts to tie to a debt ceiling hike, adding: "If the president doesn't act, we will."

"We have been reasonable, responsible, asked to sit down with the president for months ... I don't know what more I can do," McCarthy said.

Details: McCarthy cited proposals he made in a letter to Biden on Tuesday requesting a meeting as examples of spending cuts that could be tied to a debt ceiling measure.

They include clawing back unspent COVID aid, work requirements for welfare programs and Republicans' bill to cut down environmental requirements for energy projects.

Reality check: With a five-vote margin in the House and Democrats controlling the Senate and White House, it will be exceedingly difficult for House Republicans' debt ceiling legislation to become law.

McCarthy pointed to the Senate passing — and Biden signing — House GOP resolutions blocking a D.C. crime law and ending the COVID national emergency as reasons to be optimistic.

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McCarthy threatens to go it alone on debt ceiling

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