Government

House Votes ‘No’ on Bill to Raise U.S. Debt Ceiling

WASHINGTON (AP) — House Republicans dealt defeat to their own proposal for a $2.4 trillion increase in the nation’s debt limit Tuesday, a political gambit designed to reinforce a demand for spending cuts to accompany any increase in government borrowing.

The vote was lopsided, with just 97 in favor of the measure and 318 against.

House Democrats accused the GOP of political demagoguery, while the Obama administration maneuvered to avoid taking sides – or giving offense to majority Republicans.

The debate was brief, occasionally impassioned and set a standard of sorts for public theater, particularly at a time when private negotiations continue among the administration and key lawmakers on the deficit cuts Republicans have demanded.

The bill “will and must fail,” said Rep. Dave Camp, R-Mich., the House Ways and Means Committee chairman who noted he had helped write the very measure he was criticizing.

“I consider defeating an unconditional increase to be a success, because it sends a clear and critical message that the Congress has finally recognized we must immediately begin to rein in America’s affection for deficit spending,” he said.

But Rep. Sander Levin, D-Mich., accused Republicans of a “ploy so egregious that (they) have had to spend the last week pleading with Wall Street not to take it seriously and risk our economic recovery.”

He and other Democrats added that Republicans were attempting to draw attention away from their controversial plan to turn Medicare into a program in which seniors purchase private insurance coverage.

The proceedings occurred roughly two months before the date Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner has said the debt limit must be raised. If no action is taken by Aug. 2, he has warned, the government could default on its obligations and risk turmoil that might plunge the nation into another recession or even an economic depression.

Republicans, who are scheduled to meet with Obama at the White House on Wednesday, signaled in advance that the debt limit vote did not portend a final refusal to grant an increase.

The roll call vote was held late in the day, and there was little, if any discernible impact on Wall Street, where major exchanges showed gains for the day. At the same time, it satisfied what GOP officials said was a desire among the rank and file to vote against unpopular legislation the leadership has said eventually must pass in some form.

Republicans said they were offering legislation Obama and more than 100 Democratic lawmakers had sought.

But Rep. Steny Hoyer of Maryland, the second-ranking Democrat, accused the GOP of staging a “demagogic vote” at a time lawmakers should work together to avoid a financial default.

All 97 votes in favor of the measure were cast by Democrats, totaling less than a majority and far under the two-thirds support needed for passage.

For its part, the administration appeared eager to avoid criticizing Republicans.

“It’s fine, it’s fine,” presidential press secretary Jay Carney said when asked about the Republican decision to tie spending cuts with more borrowing.

“We believe they should not be linked because there is no alternative that’s acceptable to raising the debt ceiling. But we’re committed to reducing the deficit,” Carney said.

The government has already reached the limit of its borrowing authority, $14.3 trillion, and the Treasury is using a series of extraordinary maneuvers to meet financial obligations.

By no longer would making investments in two big pension funds for federal workers and beginning to withdraw current investments, for example, the Treasury created $214 billion in additional borrowing headroom.

At the same time, the Obama administration and congressional leaders are at work trying to produce a deficit-reduction agreement in excess of $1 trillion to meet Republican demands for spending cuts.

Political maneuvering on legislation to raise the debt limit has become common in recent years, as federal deficits have soared and presidents of both political parties have been forced to seek authority to borrow additional trillions of dollars.

Because such legislation is unpopular with voters, presidents generally look to lawmakers from their own political party to provide the votes needed for passage. In the current case, though, Republicans control the House, and without at least some support from them, Obama’s request for a debt-limit increase would fail.

However, House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, announced months ago that he would demand spending cuts as a condition for passage.

“It’s true that allowing America to default would be irresponsible,” he said on May 9 in a speech to the Economic Club of New York. “But it would be more irresponsible to raise the debt limit without simultaneously taking dramatic steps to reduce spending and to reform the budget process.”

He added that any spending cuts should be larger than the increase in borrowing authority, a statement meant to lay down a marker for the deficit-reduction talks led by Vice President Joe Biden.

Few details have emerged from those negotiations, although Biden said recently the negotiators had made progress. He expressed confidence they would be able to agree on specific cuts in excess of $1 trillion over the next decade, and then look to procedural mechanisms known as “triggers” to force further automatic deficit cuts adding up to another $3 trillion or so.

House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, a participant in the talks, said afterward, “I am confident that we can achieve over a trillion dollars in savings at this point, and hopefully more.”

Earlier, Sen. Jon Kyl, R-Ariz., had said the discussions centered on deficit cuts totaling in the range of $150 billion to $200 billion over a decade, but that was from a relatively small category of programs.

Among the areas eyed for spending cuts is the federal pension program, where the White House has signaled it is receptive to a Republican proposal for employees to make greater contributions.

Comments (74)

1 2
  • jim
    Posted on May 31, 2011 at 11:30pm

    Republicans truly have the upper hand here… most Americans aren’t sophisticated enough to understand what would happen if the debt ceiling is not raised and the country starts defaulting. Most Americans would only blame Obama for all the negative fall out. So, it’s a prime negotiating opportunity to get EVERYTHING Republicans are looking for in terms of budget cuts… no excuses… if it doesn’t happen, Republicans will be blamed for caving.

    Report Post » jim  
  • Stopit
    Posted on May 31, 2011 at 10:32pm

    Typical suck-egg hound action of Geitner at Obama’s approval to steal from the federal pension fund instead of cutting spending while the debt limit has been reached. This is just like the robbing of the social security trust fund. Where is the outrage????

    So the debt is not exceeded because of this theft…and of course if you don’t raise the debt limit, the pension fund can’t be reimbursed. Where is the outcry?

    They are just playing this whole thing to the hilt. They don’t give a damn about MEDICARE going bankrupt…its their plan so they can institute a single payer system. Same as with the economy…it is intentionally set on collapse mode to bring about their desired revolution in this country and around the world.

    Where is the CIA? Where is the Congress with impeachment actions?
    Guess its too late. We already give our tax money to a new world order G8 system so that they can give 40 billion to tha Muslim Caliphate.

    We might as well just enjoy watching history unfold. Even if we make it to 2012, nobody is going to undue all of this globalist crap, and the widespread socialism that is taken root in America.

    Can man rule himself? Heavens NO. He’s too corrupt. Can’t even follow a well laid out simple constitution for a free society without getting it all screwed up from corrupt judges, and corrupt presidents. Over a half a million men were KILLED during the civil war to uzurp states rights and prevent individual bondage so that we can all be in bondage

    Report Post »  
  • scoter
    Posted on May 31, 2011 at 10:23pm

    After OBAMA WINK’S at them they will VOTE for it. OBAMA seem to get whate he wont. And he dame sure wont ride of the SENT.

    Report Post » scoter  
  • psadie
    Posted on May 31, 2011 at 9:39pm

    Hey Congress! What is it that you don’t understand about the collapse of the US dollar? Now the UN is worried. Only because they won’t get anymore money. Well too bad folks, deal with it like the rest of us who have to cut a lot of corners to survive. NO MORE MONEY!!!

    Report Post »  
  • ares338
    Posted on May 31, 2011 at 8:39pm

    Not wanting to raise the debt limit is NOT a knee jerk response! If we raise it, Washington will just spend up to it and over it again. It’s NOT that hard. Spend less than you make. Works for families and countries.

    Report Post » ares338  
  • cous1933
    Posted on May 31, 2011 at 8:37pm

    Unfortunately we all know that they are going to raise the debt ceiling. They will make some modest cuts in spending that won‘t come close to fixing the mess we’re in, they’ll call it a victory, raise the debt ceiling and continue our plunge into financial ruin.
    What is really needed is drastic cuts made by a complete reversal of our foreign policy in regards to our miltary presence all over the world and ending ALL foreign aid. Coupled with gradual but serious reductions in entitlements and ending the “war on drugs” and corporate welfare and ENDING THE FED and letting the free market correct all of the mess the government has created. These may seem to be extreme to some but anything less is just more lip service.
    These silly little posturing motions that government go through while pretending that they are fixing anything won’t change a thing. It‘s hard to be enthused about this news when it’s an absolute guarantee that the debt ceiling WILL be raised, our debt will grow, and the value of the dollar will continue to drop.
    If you’re not okay with the financial direction this country is headed in, you should read about Austrian Economics and research Ron Pauls plans for saving our Republic. This is the real change we need.

    Report Post » cous1933  
  • RightPolitically
    Posted on May 31, 2011 at 8:34pm

    Who will blink first? My guess, the Republicans! They don’t have the stomach for a fight and will eventually CAVE IN. And when they do, here comes a THIRD PARTY!

    Report Post » RightPolitically  
    • Liberal_Atheist_Critical_Thinker
      Posted on May 31, 2011 at 8:48pm

      Who will blink first? My guess, the Republicans! They don’t have the stomach for a fight and will eventually CAVE IN.

      Yep, you know your party!

      Report Post » Liberal_Atheist_Critical_Thinker  
    • Steel Awesome
      Posted on May 31, 2011 at 8:56pm

      But it will only be because the media will say mean things about them.

      Report Post » Steel Awesome  
    • Cold War Vet
      Posted on June 1, 2011 at 3:10am

      @ LIBERAL_ATHEIST_CRITICAL_THINKER

      Fortunately, not all of us Tea Partiers are “Republicans.“ Just putting an ”R” after one’s name does NOT make them a Tea Party sweetheart.
      And if you want to see some real spineless wimps, observe how Obama lets Pakistan push us around. Pakistan!

      Report Post » Cold War Vet  
  • nomercy63
    Posted on May 31, 2011 at 8:21pm

    Watch out I smell another so called compromise!!!!! I guess my great, great, great, great, great,great,great, great,great,great,great,great,great grandchildren can pay for it.

    Report Post »  
  • Ron_WA
    Posted on May 31, 2011 at 8:16pm

    Hooray. Now let’s get serious & find a darn compromise. I think the one-for-one debt increase for reciprocal budget cuts is a darn good place to start.

    Report Post » Ron_WA  
  • End The Fed
    Posted on May 31, 2011 at 8:14pm

    “deficit-reduction talks led by Vice President Joe Biden”

    Isn’t that an oxymoron or just moron?

    Report Post » End The Fed  
  • Psychosis
    Posted on May 31, 2011 at 8:13pm

    there is no reason to default

    the government takes in 250 billion a month

    monthly payment on the debt is 67 billion

    PAY THE DEBT FIRST

    Report Post » Psychosis  
  • TRUTHLADY
    Posted on May 31, 2011 at 7:58pm

    Washington reminds me of a den of Vipers. Only the vipers have more integrity. It is an immoral cesspool, of arrogance and greed. They know nothing else but to speak lies, and the truth is just not in them. They have elevated themselves above the rest of us, and even though they work for the people, they work instead for those who can offer the biggest pay-off. It is a shame and a disgrace of what has become of the government institutions in this once great Country. I blame the people, all of us, for abandoning God and allowing this to happen.

    Report Post »  
    • freedomcatcher
      Posted on May 31, 2011 at 9:16pm

      I think that the truth is still in most of them. It’s just that they have made so many regs and rules that everybody is so confused as to the right course of action that they are all acting like a herd of deer frozen in the headlights !

      Report Post »  
    • TRUTHLADY
      Posted on May 31, 2011 at 10:01pm

      Freedomcatcher,
      If they are confused by all the rules and regs that they themselves made, they aught to pray for wisdom from God to help them discern the difference between truth and deception.

      Report Post »  
  • publicuss
    Posted on May 31, 2011 at 7:53pm

    When the Feds refuse to send out your Social Security check, remind them…

    “Any people, anywhere, being inclined and having the power, have the right to rise up and shake off the existing government, and form a new one that suits them better. This is a most valuable and most sacred right – a right which we hope and believe is to liberate the world. Nor is this right confined to cases in which the whole people of an existing government may choose to exercise it. Any portion of such people that can, may revolutionize, and make their own, of so many of the territory as they inhabit.” – Abraham Lincoln, January 12, 1848.

    See, if that gets some attention.

    Report Post » publicuss  
    • Stopit
      Posted on May 31, 2011 at 10:46pm

      He should have stuck to his beliefs. No instead he had to kill hundreds of thousands to maintain the diametrically opposite position.

      Report Post »  
  • Liberal_Atheist_Critical_Thinker
    Posted on May 31, 2011 at 7:51pm

    They’re going to have to do it anyway, might as well get it over with.

    Report Post » Liberal_Atheist_Critical_Thinker  
    • publicuss
      Posted on May 31, 2011 at 7:54pm

      Bugger off you atheist liberal wanker!!

      Report Post » publicuss  
    • Liberal_Atheist_Critical_Thinker
      Posted on May 31, 2011 at 7:59pm

      No. (reported).

      Report Post » Liberal_Atheist_Critical_Thinker  
    • 13th Imam
      Posted on May 31, 2011 at 8:06pm

      My wife and I role play congress. I play a DEMOCRAT (Puking). Every month I try and spend 50% more than we make. She plays the Republican and finally put her foot down and says not to spend more than we make. LACT, please tell me how to continue to spend 50% more than we make month after month, year after year, decade after decade. This ought to be enlightening

      Report Post » 13th Imam  
    • Liberal_Atheist_Critical_Thinker
      Posted on May 31, 2011 at 8:11pm

      Why would I want to keep spending 50% more every year? I’ll have more to say on this, probably on the next page when some more fools post the knee-jerk response “Don’t raise the debt ceiling!”

      I will bust their buns. Stay tuned …

      Report Post » Liberal_Atheist_Critical_Thinker  
    • 13th Imam
      Posted on May 31, 2011 at 9:49pm

      I figured you wouldn’t have a coherent reply on how to spend more than you make. you just could have said raise Taxes. Tax everyone at 100%. 120% 150%. . As usual you Socialists have no answers, other than gobledegook,

      Report Post » 13th Imam  
    • Liberal_Atheist_Critical_Thinker
      Posted on May 31, 2011 at 10:04pm

      How can you tax a person at anything over 100%, even theoretically? I told you I was going to respond on the next page. Do you even read what I write?

      Report Post » Liberal_Atheist_Critical_Thinker  
    • 13th Imam
      Posted on June 1, 2011 at 8:14am

      Great reply LACT
      “I will give you an answer later, just give me more money now. My Peeps needs mo walikn round cash.

      Report Post » 13th Imam  
  • NOTYERHUCKLEBERRY
    Posted on May 31, 2011 at 7:49pm

    GOOD These folks need to keep voting on what is good for the nation regardless of what might be good for their re-election.

    Report Post »  
  • zoose
    Posted on May 31, 2011 at 7:49pm

    Well, I guess they are finally going to pass a budget.
    After 7 Continuing Resolutions they better get to work.

    Report Post » zoose  
  • publicuss
    Posted on May 31, 2011 at 7:49pm

    Great!! Now, when the feds try to keep you from getting your Social Security checks remind them of what Lincoln said…

    “Any people, anywhere, being inclined and having the power, have the right to rise up and shake off the existing government, and form a new one that suits them better. This is a most valuable and most sacred right – a right which we hope and believe is to liberate the world. Nor is this right confined to cases in which the whole people of an existing government may choose to exercise it. Any portion of such people that can, may revolutionize, and make their own, of so many of the territory as they inhabit.” – Abraham Lincoln, January 12, 1848.

    Report Post » publicuss  
  • heavyduty
    Posted on May 31, 2011 at 7:45pm

    I think they ought to cut at least $10.00 dollars for every dollar they spend. It would go along way to clear up the debt.

    Report Post »  
  • momprayn
    Posted on May 31, 2011 at 7:41pm

    Well, FINALLY, they did something right but boy, it sure took a lot to get here, which is shameful. Dems voting against it probably afraid of their reelections. The ones that voted for it should lose their jobs. But I sure hope the Repubs. stick to their guns and not wimp out later. Good job Repubs!! (so far)

    Report Post »  
  • sodacrackers2
    Posted on May 31, 2011 at 7:40pm

    All right!

    Report Post »  
  • commonsenseguy
    Posted on May 31, 2011 at 7:40pm

    granny is not going to be shoved over a cliff,and nor will she be forced to buy a health insurance, lies,lies and more lies from the commiecrats. i just hope they { republicans } will now start to listen to ““ we the people ”” but i am going to hold my breath, i will just hold on to my guns and food.

    Report Post »  
  • CatB
    Posted on May 31, 2011 at 7:37pm

    Good ..

    anyone else having a problem with this site today?

    Articles not loading correctly?

    Report Post »  
  • LadyIzShy
    Posted on May 31, 2011 at 7:36pm

    Good let them keep that NO vote going.. we do NOT need to raise the debit limit.. we need to CUT spending

    Report Post » LadyIzShy  
  • Atheist
    Posted on May 31, 2011 at 7:35pm

    Alright, you’ve proved your point. Now, can we please behave like adults?

    The Atheist

    Report Post » Atheist  
    • t00nces2
      Posted on May 31, 2011 at 7:47pm

      The gov’t defaulting on the debt would be like a homeowner defaulting on the mortgage to splurge on a trip to Disney World. If they blow the payment on the debt rather than reducing unnecessary and unsustainable spending, it will just make the end of dollar happen immediately.

      I do really like the idea of Obama taking money from gov’t pensions, though.

      Report Post »  
    • booger71
      Posted on May 31, 2011 at 7:49pm

      The “adult ” thing is not to keep on borrowing money from China

      Report Post » booger71  
    • 5410amh
      Posted on May 31, 2011 at 8:17pm

      Praise the lord and pass the beer around.

      Report Post »  
    • dealer@678
      Posted on May 31, 2011 at 9:45pm

      Anthony Weiner is a pervert.

      Report Post »  
  • t00nces2
    Posted on May 31, 2011 at 7:34pm

    Yes! I called my Reps to let them know I did not want the debt ceiling raised.

    Report Post »  
    • Marengo Ohio Patriot
      Posted on May 31, 2011 at 7:48pm

      It‘s about F’n time!!!

      Report Post »  
    • 13th Imam
      Posted on May 31, 2011 at 7:54pm

      Bet Rosa Delauro is beside herself. Her sugar daddy has run out of other peoples money. Sue Em All Blumenthal will be suing the House so he can claim he personally gave the Takers walking around money

      Report Post » 13th Imam  
    • poverty.sucks
      Posted on May 31, 2011 at 8:00pm

      Must Be Doin Something Right

      Report Post » poverty.sucks  
    • Edct
      Posted on May 31, 2011 at 8:06pm

      No way….some of our whore politicians are actually trying to do something to protect OUR country instead of just giving themselves raises and robbing our bank accounts to cover their stupid ass hot checks supporting stupid ass programs and terrorists….what a shock.

      Report Post »  
    • Jediusetheforce
      Posted on May 31, 2011 at 8:07pm

      Its not over, there is still some fighting to be done…Peace be with you..Kudos to those who voted against raising the debt ceiling.

      Tempers Fly

      Report Post »  
    • restorehope
      Posted on May 31, 2011 at 8:29pm

      The libs in Congress that want the debt ceiling to be raised must be treated as the reckless, selfish children that they are. Their careless spending has to be stopped, and the rest of us have to be adult-enough to make sure that they do it.

      Like any other child that wants to push the limits of behavior, these lib/progressives have to be reined in and told to go to their time-out corner (and think about the havoc they have inflicted upon our country with their entitlement programs and limitless spending with no concern as to who will eventually pay for it). America can no longer be tolerant or allow these spoiled children to run rampant over the Constitution.

      Report Post »  
    • GONESURFING
      Posted on May 31, 2011 at 8:46pm

      It’s a first step in the right direction.

      Report Post » GONESURFING  
    • My Sacred Honor
      Posted on May 31, 2011 at 9:11pm

      BRAVO to voting down an increase to our debt! LET us default, LET us be looked at as ‘unvavorable’ to other countries who are looking to lend. MAYBE if there is no more money to spend, and everything starts to fall apart, then the politicians on BOTH sides will start to get serious, as this will effect their families and everyone they know. Maybe THEN they will start to vote with their personal concerns at heart, and then MAYBE we will start to right our ship!
      The democrats will NEVER look away from their personal goals as long as a dollar is to be made, so when there is nothing left but protection of one’s family?
      Well….then there is nothing left.
      And then maybe we start being America again.

      Report Post » My Sacred Honor  
    • kraphtsman
      Posted on May 31, 2011 at 9:55pm

      Sander Levin accusing the Republicans of “demagoguery” is like Hitler calling the Jews “Nazis”…….. what a load of crap. The simple truth is, Democrats have no intention of cutting ANY of their politically necessary out-of-control (and quite literally, INSANE) spending, and are mad as hell the MAJORITY of Americans are onto them.

      Because it was a truly bipartisan rebuke to this Administration and the socialist wing of the Democrat party, this was the most honest and intelligent vote by Congress in a VERY LONG time….. Now, let’s keep the pressure on the Republicans and moderate Democrats to stand by their guns, and force some REALLY DRASTIC cuts in this government’s suicidal spending.

      Report Post »  
    • drattastic
      Posted on May 31, 2011 at 10:02pm

      But but the lib. media says the TEA PARTY has no influence . How can this be?

      Report Post » drattastic  
    • tomsinclairjr
      Posted on May 31, 2011 at 11:11pm

      Please TRUST ME WHEN I SAY that you should NOT even believe the Republicans. This is all a ploy to gain our confidence……God help America.

      Report Post » I support God's Israel!  
    • D0ntTread0nMe
      Posted on May 31, 2011 at 11:51pm

      Thank you for FINALLY holding the line!!!!! We have your back!!!!
      http://www.mythoughtsfromthemiddle.blogspot.com

      Report Post » D0ntTread0nMe  
    • Showtime
      Posted on June 1, 2011 at 12:00am

      @My Sacred Honor
      Posted on May 31, 2011 at 9:11pm
      BRAVO to voting down an increase to our debt! LET us default, LET us be looked at as ‘unvavorable’ to other countries who are looking to lend. MAYBE if there is no more money to spend, and everything starts to fall apart, then the politicians on BOTH sides will start to get serious, as this will effect their families and everyone they know. Maybe THEN they will start to vote with their personal concerns at heart, and then MAYBE we will start to right our ship!
      The democrats will NEVER look away from their personal goals as long as a dollar is to be made, so when there is nothing left but protection of one’s family?
      Well….then there is nothing left.
      And then maybe we start being America again.
      ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
      Ooorah!

      Hooray!

      I told my representative to vote against it.

      Report Post » Showtime  
    • GODSAMERICA
      Posted on June 1, 2011 at 1:58am

      You got that right toonces2!

      Also,
      “Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner has said the debt limit must be raised. If no action is taken by Aug. 2, he has warned, the government could default on its obligations and risk turmoil that might plunge the nation into another recession or even an economic depression.”
      So we are to take the word of a tax evader and tax cheat on how the not raising the debt ceiling is bad for the nation? Well, geithner, what does you and all your other liberal governmental tax evaders and tax cheats do to the nation? If y‘all paid in the millions y’all owe that would help the government out. DO NOT PRESUME to tell us anything about money and our nation. I would not be at all surprised if you have not even paid your taxes since you took over as Treasury Secretary. Working to steal our money and probably refusing to pay your taxes, expecting us to pay them for you, except when we do pay more, y‘all just take it and steal it too and your taxes still don’t get paid. Word Of Wisdom: DO NOT LISTEN TO ANYTHING THAT A TAX CHEAT AND A THIEF RECOMMENDS TO YOU REGARDING MONEY!

      Report Post » GODSAMERICA  
    • Saved777
      Posted on June 1, 2011 at 5:37am

      Well I’m sure that made a big difference ….. Thanks

      Report Post » Saved777  
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