Democrats Consider Using Debt Ceiling Standoff to Challenge Trump’s Agenda

Lawmakers weigh leveraging the debt limit to secure policy concessions and address longstanding fiscal disputes as Republicans face internal divisions.

• Democrats are exploring ways to use the debt ceiling negotiations to block President Trump’s proposed economic and government reforms.
• With the national debt hitting its $31.4 trillion limit, Congress must act to prevent a potential default that could destabilize the U.S. and global economies.
• Republicans, despite controlling Congress and the presidency, are divided over raising the debt ceiling, likely needing Democratic support to avoid default.
• Democratic leaders are demanding protections for safety net programs and considering legislation to abolish or suspend the debt ceiling permanently.
• Some Democrats see this as a chance to reverse decades of GOP tactics, which have used the debt ceiling to extract concessions, and to hold Trump accountable.

3 Articles

PoliticusUSA Raw Story Washington Post