The White House Wants Quick Action on the Debt Ceiling. You Betcha.

Richard B. Levine/Levine Roberts via ZUMA

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It’s debt ceiling time again:

Top White House officials are imploring key Republicans to move quickly and raise the debt ceiling, four people briefed on the discussions said, concerned that a prolonged impasse could raise the chances of a misstep that damages the economy later this year.

….But the effort appears to be getting little traction so far, in part because some Democrats are insisting that any debt ceiling deal come as part of a package of changes that raises spending levels after October. The White House has sent mixed signals as to whether it would support raising spending caps, and Democrats have asked for firm commitments before they will proceed.

Last night I wondered aloud how Democrats should respond if the Supreme Court allows President Trump to add a citizenship question to the 2020 census. High road or low road? I have the same question this time. I don’t believe the debt ceiling is something to be held hostage for cynical partisan advantage. It should just be raised.

At the same time, after watching Republicans hold it hostage for cynical partisan advantage during the entire Obama presidency, it’s almost more than I can bear to let it go now that it’s their problem. What to do?

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BEFORE YOU CLICK AWAY!

“Lying.” “Disgusting.” “Scum.” “Slime.” “Corrupt.” “Enemy of the people.” Donald Trump has always made clear what he thinks of journalists. And it’s plain now that his administration intends to do everything it can to stop journalists from reporting things they don’t like—which is most things that are true.

No one gets to tell Mother Jones what to publish or not publish, because no one owns our fiercely independent newsroom. But that also means we need to directly raise the resources it takes to keep our journalism alive. There’s only one way for that to happen, and it’s readers like you stepping up. Please help with a donation today if you can—even a few bucks will make a real difference. A monthly gift would be incredible.

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