The U.S. House of Representatives voted 314-117 in favor of President Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s debt ceiling agreement, with four members missing. The law gained more “yes” votes from Democrats than from Republicans, despite opposition from both parties. Now headed to the Senate, the bill is anticipated to pass there.
“Tonight’s passage of the Fiscal Responsibility Act is an important step in the right direction. Now, it’s the Senate’s turn to pass this agreement without delay,” Shortly after the bill was passed, Senate GOP leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) made the statement.
The Fiscal Responsibility Act received 149 votes from Republicans, with 71 voting against it. The Freedom Caucus’ resistance weakened support, contradicting Speaker McCarthy’s prediction of 95% House Republican support.
Only 46 Republicans opposed the measure, outnumbering Democrats 165 to 46 in their support.
The debt ceiling will now be raised until 2025, postponing further debates until after the 2024 presidential election. Along with two years of yearly discretionary spending restrictions, this agreement calls for non-defense expenditure to be flat in 2019 and grow by 1% in 2025. Increased labor requirements for persons requesting government help have also been mentioned; these requirements were viewed as “non-negotiable” by Democrats during the original discussions.
Bill to Recover Unused COVID Relief Funds and Start Making Student Loan Payments
The House’s “critical first step” was lauded by President Biden in a statement released Wednesday night. “Tonight, the House took a critical step forward to prevent a first-ever default and protect our country’s hard-earned and historic economic recovery. This budget agreement is a bipartisan compromise. Neither side got everything it wanted. That’s the responsibility of governing,” Biden said.
Breaking: Tinnitus Wipes 1% Of Your Memories Every Month
“It protects critical programs that millions of hardworking families, students, and veterans count on,” Speaking about the law, Biden stated. “I have been clear that the only path forward is a bipartisan compromise that can earn the support of both parties. This agreement meets that test.”
