Debt limit derails the rest of Congress’ must-pass agenda
Politics

Debt limit derails the rest of Congress’ must-pass agenda

“It’s very frustrating,” said Rep. Frank Lucas (R-Okla.), about some of the House’s delayed priorities. “But until you know how much money you have to work with,” he added, referring to potential spending cuts in a debt deal, “you can’t do these things.” That’s not to say Congress has ground to a halt. There’s also… […]

House Dems in No Labels-allied caucus are livid with No Labels
Politics

House Dems in No Labels-allied caucus are livid with No Labels

The missive did not go over well with Schneider, who is a member of the Problem Solvers Caucus that No Labels helped start on the Hill. “No Labels’ attacks are the kind of division the country needs less of right now, and it’s a betrayal of every moderate and every problem solver in Congress,” Schneider… […]

House conservatives blanch at leaked details of McCarthy-Biden debt talks
Politics

House conservatives blanch at leaked details of McCarthy-Biden debt talks

An aide to Speaker Kevin McCarthy did not respond to a request for comment on the list. When asked how many members saw the list, Burchett smiled and told reporters: “Next question.” One of the concerned lawmakers was Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.), a member of the conservative Freedom Caucus who has repeatedly stated he didn’t… […]

Inside House Democrats’ fight over debt ceiling messaging
Politics

Inside House Democrats’ fight over debt ceiling messaging

In the meeting, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries didn’t reject the idea outright, but senior Democrats tell POLITICO that leadership is not in favor of forcing members to skip constituent meetings back home when there are no concrete plans to vote. The push by some Democrats to remain in Washington comes despite Jeffries’ own efforts… […]

House Republicans are dealmaking newbies — and that could be a problem
Politics

House Republicans are dealmaking newbies — and that could be a problem

McCarthy brings a far different profile to the table. As minority leader, he was largely sidelined during the type of high-stakes talks with Democrats that he’s now helming. And while Speaker McCarthy is keeping his often-fractious members in his corner more consistently than his predecessors, his newness to the glare of White House negotiations leaves… […]

White House believes massive Dem bailout may be needed to pass debt ceiling compromise
Politics

White House believes massive Dem bailout may be needed to pass debt ceiling compromise

But the realization that the party might need to supply a sizable percentage of the House votes to avert an economically disastrous default — not to mention passage in the Democratic-controlled Senate — has increasingly shaped the White House’s negotiating strategy. Aides have hardened their stance against certain GOP-proposed budget cuts and social welfare restrictions… […]

The debt talks are about to test McCarthy’s hold on his party
Politics

The debt talks are about to test McCarthy’s hold on his party

“We’re behind our speaker. … The conference is united,” said Rep. Bob Good (R-Va.), one of the 20 conservatives who initially opposed McCarthy to win the gavel. “That said, I also don’t think there’s any interest in our conference in weakening or undermining or diminishing what we’ve done … [McCarthy’s] going to stare down the… […]

Guess who just bid $100K for McCarthy’s used chapstick
Politics

Guess who just bid $100K for McCarthy’s used chapstick

“I’m honored to be able to donate $100,000 to the [National Republican Congressional Committee] to help Republicans increase our majority in 2024 and defeat the Democrats. My constituents will be honored to host a visit with Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who we all think is doing a great job,” Greene said in a statement. The moment… […]