Debt Ceiling Debate Sparks Political Tension in Washington

Some House Democrats are questioning President Biden's refusal to negotiate with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy on the debt limit, signaling that House Republicans' debt ceiling bill is having the intended effect of serving as the GOP's starting position in debt ceiling negotiations. Centrist Sen. Joe Manchin called for Biden to come to the table, while most Democrats remain critical of the bill's contents and say they would likely vote against it. Republicans have their own internal disunity to sort through as both moderate and conservative lawmakers say they are still not yet prepared to vote for the bill.