GOP Backs Down on Debt Limit Bill

Republicans advance a “clean” bill that would raise the debt ceiling with no strings attached, much to the Democrats’ satisfaction.

On Tuesday, Speaker John Boehner announced that the House would vote this week to increase the nation’s debt limit without the amendments previously expected from House Republicans – a move that essentially amounts to a capitulation to the Obama administration and Congressional Democrats.

Boehner made the announcement upon failing to acquire sufficient support amongst House Republicans to include an amendment that would have reversed a recent cut to military pensions. As a result, a minimal number of Republican votes will be cast for the bill, allowing it to pass with majority Democratic backing. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) has already pledged her party’s overwhelming support.

Some House Republicans, such as Rep. Mo Brooks of Alabama, have expressed their strong dissatisfaction with Boehner’s compromise. “Right now we’ve got a debt ceiling bill that increases spending, which is diametrically 180 degrees opposite of what we were battling over just two years ago – where the question was how much in spending cuts we were going to get,” said Brooks.

Since the GOP’s forceful politicking in 2011 – which resulted in more than $2 trillion in spending cuts – subsequent budget battles have been far more modest, with Wednesday’s vote showing no attempt at any sort of challenge.

Nevertheless, members of both parties acknowledge the need to find a short-term solution to the nation’s immediate borrowing needs – which they have done by extending the debt limit on numerous occasions – in order for the government to continue paying off its debts and avoid financial ruin.

Alberto González is the Associate Editor of Aleteia’s English edition. His prior endeavors have included working in political campaigns and in the United States Senate. He also maintains an active schedule as a liturgical vocalist and organist.

A native of California, Alberto graduated from the University of California, Berkeley in 2010 with a B.A. in Music and Political Science. He currently lives in the greater Washington, D.C. area.