Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., signaled openness to working with Democrats on raising the debt ceiling, a shift from his earlier plan to include it in the GOP's reconciliation package, as House Republicans face a critical legislative agenda, The Hill reported.
Speaker Johnson on Tuesday suggested that raising the debt ceiling could become a bipartisan effort, moving away from the GOP's initial plan to handle the issue through a party-line reconciliation package.
Johnson made the remarks during an interview with The Hill's Emily Brooks at the Republican annual retreat held at Trump National Doral in Florida.
"No final decision yet, but part of the decision matrix is that we're looking at the pros and cons of those various angles," Johnson said. He initially favored including the debt ceiling increase in the reconciliation process, which avoids the need for Democratic support.
However, pushback from Senate Republicans, who expressed skepticism about securing enough votes for a partisan solution, prompted reconsideration.
"I think there's some concern in the Senate that it might be difficult to do on a partisan basis, and so it may wind up being a bipartisan exercise," Johnson said. He noted that a decision would be made in the coming weeks.
The potential shift underscores the challenges Johnson faces in uniting a divided Republican caucus on high-stakes issues, including advancing former President Donald Trump's policy priorities, funding the government by next month's deadline, and addressing the debt limit this summer to prevent a default.
The slim Republican majority further complicates efforts to build consensus, as hard-line conservatives push for deep spending cuts while moderates resist drastic reductions.
Trump has opposed including the debt ceiling hike in the GOP's reconciliation package, warning that it could give Democrats leverage in borrowing limit negotiations. The president has also been critical of the debt ceiling agreement struck last year between then-Speaker Kevin McCarthy and President Joe Biden, which suspended the borrowing limit for two years.
In addition to discussing the debt ceiling, Johnson defended the Trump administration's recent pause on federal financial assistance programs.
A judge temporarily blocked the freeze, which had sparked criticism from nonprofit groups and lawmakers.
The Office of Management and Budget issued the pause on Monday, requiring federal agencies to halt activities related to disbursing federal funds. Johnson downplayed concerns, calling the move a "temporary pause" and saying it would have minimal impact on ongoing programs.
"I don't; I fully support it," Johnson said when asked if he had concerns about the order. "Some of the programs have already been approved. This is, I believe, an application of common sense."
Jim Thomas ✉
Jim Thomas is a writer based in Indiana. He holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science, a law degree from U.I.C. Law School, and has practiced law for more than 20 years.
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