Debt Ceiling Negotiations Divide GOP as Default Looms

Republicans face internal disagreements over how to address the debt limit, with President-elect Trump pressing for a resolution before the U.S. risks default.

Speaker Mike Johnson has signaled openness to removing the debt ceiling provision from a broader reconciliation package focused on President-elect Trump's legislative priorities.
President-elect Trump has expressed frustration with GOP lawmakers for failing to address the debt ceiling before his inauguration, tasking Senate Majority Leader John Thune with resolving the issue.
Some Republicans, including Sen. Ted Cruz and Sen. Ron Johnson, strongly oppose Trump's suggestion to eliminate the debt ceiling entirely, citing it as a critical tool for fiscal accountability.
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has warned that the U.S. will reach its borrowing limit between January 14 and January 23, urging Congress to act to avoid economic consequences.
House Republicans are debating whether to tie the debt ceiling increase to other legislative priorities, such as tax cuts and disaster aid, or to negotiate a standalone bill with Democrats.