Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

ProSense

(116,464 posts)
Thu Jan 31, 2013, 06:03 PM Jan 2013

Senate Passes House Bill Raising Debt Limit

Senate Passes House Bill Raising Debt Limit

Brian Beutler

It’s official now. The debt limit has been removed from the realm of legislative horse trading.

In a 64-34 vote, the Senate adopted House-passed legislation to extend the country’s borrowing authority through mid-May. The legislation also includes a rider withholding pay from members of Congress if their particular chamber fails to produce a budget by the statutory April 15 deadline.

By abandoning the principle that the debt limit can only be increased if its paired with concomitant spending cuts, Republicans effectively released their debt limit hostage. Just as importantly, they revealed that in the final analysis they’re not prepared to breach the debt limit and send the economy into a tailspin to force conservative policy objectives on to the country.

That suggests the danger of debt limit brinksmanship is permanently behind us. But we won’t know for sure until the summer, when the debt limit will have to be increased again.

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2013/01/senate-passes-house-bill-raising-debt-limit.php

Roll call: http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=113&session=1&vote=00011

Latest Discussions»General Discussion»Senate Passes House Bill ...