Update on the Debt Limit
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Last night, the House passed legislation (S. 610) by a vote of 222 to 212, which would avert billions of dollars in impending Medicare cuts to hospitals, doctors and other providers that are set to take effect early next year as well as provide a mechanism to allow Congress to address the debt limit with a simple majority vote. The Senate is expected to consider the bill in the coming days. Specifically, the bill would suspend Senate filibuster rules for a debt ceiling increase for about a month to allow Democrats to raise the debt ceiling to a specific amount. This would allow the Senate to pass legislation to address the debt limit with a simple majority vote instead of requiring 60 votes. As you know, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has warned that the federal government could run out of the ability to borrow more money as early as December 15. If Congress fails to either raise or suspend the debt ceiling, the Treasury will be unable to continue paying the nation’s bills and the federal government will have to at least temporarily default on many of its obligations. If the U.S. government cannot pay its bills, millions of Americans could be affected, including those receiving Social Security and Medicare benefits, federal workers, members of the military and millions of Americans on food assistance. Once S. 610 is enacted, Congress will still need to pass legislation to actually increase the debt limit. NTEU will continue to keep you updated on these developments. For more information click here. |
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