House Speaker Kevin McCarthy Makes Plea to House Republicans to Support His Debt Ceiling Plan

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) made a plea to House Republicans during a closed-door meeting Tuesday morning to back his debt ceiling plan. The plan is intended to strengthen the GOP’s hand at the negotiating table with President Joe Biden. McCarthy also told members that once he is at the table, he can push for other policy provisions down the road.

Details of the plan are still yet to be finalized and some far-right members of the Republican Party are grumbling about it. The legislation to avert a default is likely to pass, but McCarthy’s plans could be mucked up by some Republicans on the House Rules Committee, like Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX), who warn the consolations McCarthy made in order to become speaker still apply here.

Democrats on the panel are not thrilled with some provisions in the deal, like work requirements for food stamps, and less-than-eager to help Republicans solve their own hostage taking. However, top House Republicans are projecting confidence that they will be able to unite the conference behind a plan and move quickly to pass it.

The debt ceiling plan is seen as a way for the GOP to gain leverage in negotiations with President Biden. It remains to be seen if the plan will be able to pass with the support of both Republicans and Democrats. If it does, it could pave the way for further policy provisions down the road.