The Senate on Thursday voted to approve a one-time exemption to the filibuster on raising the debt ceiling, capping off a months-long fight …
The Senate on Thursday voted to approve a one-time exemption to the filibuster on raising the debt ceiling, capping off a months-long fight over the nation’s borrowing limit. Senators voted 59-35 on the legislation, which also prevents cuts to Medicare. Ten GOP senators voted with Democrats to pass the legislation. GOP Sens. Joni Ernst (Iowa) and Roger Wicker (Miss.), who helped advance the bill earlier, voted against it on Thursday night. The bill cleared the House earlier this week and now goes to President Biden ’s desk. Once he signs it, Democrats will be able to bring up and pass a debt ceiling increase with only a simple majority, instead of the normal 60 votes needed for most legislation. “This is the responsible path forward. No brinkmanship, no default on the debt, no risk of another recession. We still have a few more steps to take before we completely resolve this matter, but I’m optimistic that after today’s vote we’ll be on a glide path to avoid a catastrophic default,” Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) said on Thursday. Democrats haven’t yet said how much they will increase the nation’s borrowing limit but they will need to specify a number in the debt ceiling bill. Democrats are expected to pass the debt ceiling bill before Dec.15, when Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has told Congress they need to act in order to keep the government solvent. Under the agreement struck by Schumer and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.
