McCarthy Steers Debt-Ceiling Bill Through House After Months-Long Hostage-Taking. But Not Without Far-Right Threats To Speakership

May 31, 2023
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May 31, 2023

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s debt ceiling hostage-taking gambit came to a close Wednesday evening after he managed to convince a large chunk of Democrats to join Republicans to pass the legislation to avoid allowing the nation to run out of money and, in so doing, tank the national and perhaps global economy. The bill was the product of a compromise with the White House after McCarthy used Republicans’ leverage as the majority party in the House to hold the debt-ceiling hostage and forced some budget concessions out of Democrats.

While progressive House Dems were vocally opposed to the bill, Democratic leadership said Wednesday they’d get behind the measure in order to avoid default.

After the deal was reached this weekend, it seemed fairly likely the bill would pass the House. But far-right Republicans who mucked up McCarthy’s speakership bid tried to flex their muscles again, this time threatening to block the bill and oust McCarthy, believing the proposed cuts didn’t go far enough.

Catch up on our live coverage below:

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House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s debt ceiling hostage-taking gambit came to a close Wednesday evening after he managed to convince a large chunk of Democrats to join Republicans to pass the legislation to avoid allowing the nation to run out of money and, in so doing, tank the national and perhaps global economy. The bill was the product of a compromise with the White House after McCarthy used Republicans’ leverage as the majority party in the House to hold the debt-ceiling hostage and forced some budget concessions out of Democrats.

While progressive House Dems were vocally opposed to the bill, Democratic leadership said Wednesday they’d get behind the measure in order to avoid default.

After the deal was reached this weekend, it seemed fairly likely the bill would pass the House. But far-right Republicans who mucked up McCarthy’s speakership bid tried to flex their muscles again, this time threatening to block the bill and oust McCarthy, believing the proposed cuts didn’t go far enough.

Catch up on our live coverage below:

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