The Senate voted to support measures that will speed up the process of approving legislation; this legislation will raise the national government’s $28.9 trillion debt ceiling and avoid a default.
The bill passed by a vote of 59–35, with 10 Republicans joining Democrats in support. GOP Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell was one of the supporters. Previously, 14 Republicans voted with Democrats to terminate the debate and move the package forward.
Democrats Found a Way Around the Filibuster
Instead of requiring 60 votes in the 100-member Senate to break the filibuster, the bill will allow the Senate to adopt a new, independent bill to raise the debt limit by a specific amount with a simple vote.
Without Republican cooperation, Democrats would indeed be able to pass the debt ceiling raised with their majority. On Tuesday, the provision allowing for a simple majority was merged with a separate proposal to protect healthcare providers from Medicare payment reductions.
The bill is now on its way to President Biden’s office, where he will sign it.
Joe Biden promised masks for only 100 days — “not forever.”
He just extended his mask mandate until MARCH. pic.twitter.com/RSwqrwjj7E
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) December 10, 2021
“I’m delighted we were able to organize a procedure with supporting lawmakers from both factions. This procedure from both Republicans and Democrats avoids an unnecessary and disastrous default,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said, following the agreement’s passage.
“I hope there will be more nonpartisan processes like this, and I want to congratulate Leader McConnell for negotiating with us in good conscience to get to this position.”
Republicans chastised the arrangement in secret and on the floor of the Senate. Although they will not be required to vote in approval of the debt ceiling hike, they have made it possible for the Senate to move forward to the final vote.
Democrats Want to Spend Every Cent
Democrat Sen. Mike Rounds stated he voted against it because “the [Democrats] have been spending the money on a political basis. They’ve been spending it without participation from Republicans.”
Rounds also declared, “Democrats now have the responsibility to raise the debt ceiling.” It came after the House of Representatives passed the bill by a vote of 222–212, with only a single Republican joining all Democrats in favor.
24 days ago, Jen Psaki said Biden would do a “whole bevy” of interviews to sell his failed agenda.
He’s done zero.pic.twitter.com/7tg4i5RDrY
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) December 9, 2021
In October, members decided to raise the debt ceiling by $480 billion, from $28.4 trillion to $28.9 trillion. Furthermore, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen told Congress the current debt ceiling was sufficient to fund the government’s operations until December 15.
The quantity by which the debt limit will be lifted has yet to be revealed. However, the final votes in the Senate, as well as House on the third debt-limit implementation law, are likely by December 14.
Failure to postpone or raise the debt ceiling would result in an extraordinary default. This default would allow the government to make its payments solely with the money it receives.
