A key bloc of centrist House Democrats appears to be warming up to the debt ceiling deal made between President Joe Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (D-CA).
New Democrat Coalition Chair Rep. Annie Kuster (D-NH) came out with early praise of the agreement Sunday and underscored that her members are keen on averting an economically catastrophic default. Support from Democrats could be key to the passage of the debt ceiling deal, as some Republicans have voiced their unhappiness with the plan.
BIDEN AND MCCARTHY’S TENTATIVE DEAL RAISES DEBT CEILING UNTIL 2025
“Our Members are encouraged that the two sides have reached an agreement, and are confident that President Biden and White House negotiators have delivered a viable, bipartisan solution to end this crisis,” Kuster said in a statement.
“We are doing our due diligence as lawmakers to ensure that this agreement can receive support from both parties in both chambers of Congress,” she added. “We want to be clear — our Members are committed to upholding the full faith and credit of the United States.”
The New Democrat Coalition is a coalition of almost 100 members of the House Democratic caucus that describes itself as helping “bridge the gap between left and right.”
Already, some progressives have grumbled over the concessions, particularly the circumstances under which the deal was made while facing the threat of a potential default.
For instance, Congressional Progressive Caucus Chairwoman Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) criticized the work requirement provisions in the deal but has not clarified how she intends to vote.
Members of the House are expected to receive access to the text of the bill Sunday. House Democrats are also expected to hold a meeting later Sunday on the matter.
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The agreement is expected to lift the debt limit until 2025 in exchange for rescinding unspent COVID-19 pandemic funds, substantially curbing spending growth, more stringent work requirements for social programs, and more.
United States Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen recently bumped the “X-date” for when the government runs out of cash to foot all its bills to June 5.
