GOP demands Democrats ‘come to the table’ in opening salvo of debt limit fight
Samantha-Jo Roth
Video Embed
Republicans in Congress are uniting behind a similar messaging strategy on the looming debt limit fight, calling on Democrats and the Biden administration to come to the negotiating table to discuss a path forward.
The Republican Main Street Partnership, a group that includes more than 70 sitting members of Congress dedicated to “commonsense” legislation, has unveiled a new digital ad campaign, playing the blame game on the debt limit and casting President Joe Biden and the Democrats as those responsible for the United States reaching the $31.4 trillion debt cap.
WHAT THE HOUSE GOP COULD DEMAND IN DEBT LIMIT STANDOFF
The ad, according to a Punchbowl News report, calls on Biden to “come to the table to address the debt ceiling or Americans will suffer.” The commercial also says the group stands with Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) and demands that Biden “get to work.” Many members of this group are Republicans in swing districts that could face tough reelection campaigns in 2024.
The deadlock comes as House Republicans seek to add cuts in spending to any form of legislation that raises the debt ceiling. Democrats, by contrast, are insisting on a clean bill to address the problem.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre called on lawmakers to confront the debt limit “without conditions.”
“It is essential for Congress to recognize that dealing with the debt ceiling is their constitutional responsibility,” she said this week.
Other Republicans are also looking to get out ahead of the looming fight. House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (R-MO) called on Democrats to “address reckless spending and the debt limit” on Thursday.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
“Despite federal revenues hitting an all-time high of $4.9 trillion last year, Washington still cannot keep up with its spending habit. Such unchecked spending will have dire consequences,” Smith said in a statement.
“I once again urge President Biden and Majority Leader Schumer to work with House Republicans. Together, we can find commonsense solutions to halt reckless spending, put America’s finances on stable footing, and ensure we meet our debt obligations,” he added.