Facing criticism from conservatives, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy put in intense efforts on Tuesday to persuade fellow Republicans to support the debt ceiling and budget agreement he had negotiated with President Joe Biden. McCarthy aimed to gain approval swiftly in order to avert a potentially catastrophic default by the United States.

In a closed-door meeting that lasted over two hours at the Capitol, McCarthy briefed Republicans on the specifics of the agreement, addressed their concerns, and urged them to consider the budgetary savings outlined in the bill, even though they fell short of the expectations of many conservatives.

“We are determined to pass the bill,” McCarthy asserted as he concluded the session, the Associated Press reported.

The hard-won agreement is now set to be voted on in the House on Wednesday. If it receives prompt approval from both the House and the Senate, it will ensure that government payments, including those to Social Security beneficiaries, veterans, and others, continue uninterrupted.

Moreover, it will prevent global financial turmoil by enabling the Treasury to meet its obligations and avoid defaulting on U.S. debts.

In its entirety, the 99-page package imposes spending restrictions for the next two years, raises the debt limit, and incorporates policy changes such as implementing new work requirements for elderly individuals receiving food assistance and granting approval for an Appalachian energy pipeline, a project that many Democrats oppose.

The House Rules Committee, in a 7-6 vote with two Republicans in opposition, advanced the measure to the floor on Tuesday, signaling the challenging vote that lies ahead, as reported by the AP.

Recognizing that few lawmakers are likely to be completely satisfied, Biden and McCarthy are relying on garnering majority support from the political center, a rarity in the currently divided climate of Washington, in order to prevent a federal default.

The bill requires 218 votes to pass in the 435-member House.

Written by staff