Debt Ceiling Negotiations Pose Challenges for Top House Democrat and Lawmakers Alike

Hakeem Jeffries, the House minority leader, faces a challenge in selling his fellow Democrats on a budget deal negotiated behind closed doors between President Biden and Speaker Kevin McCarthy, without much input from his end. The debt limit stalemate is the first major political and policy fight in 20 years in which House Democrats have not been led into the fray by someone named Pelosi. Mr. Jeffries has the least power, but he might also have the greatest challenge, because it is clear that House Democrats will be essential to pushing any debt limit bill over the finish line from their minority position in the House.