GOP faces critical test on debt limit deal as pressure mounts.

Congressional GOP leaders are pushing ahead with plans for a House vote on the debt ceiling deal, despite opposition from conservatives who say the deal does not cut spending enough to justify extending the government’s borrowing limit. The House Rules Committee is where conservatives have the most leverage to block the bill, because two Republicans on the House Rules panel have emerged as harsh critics of the deal negotiated by President Biden and Speaker Kevin McCarthy. McCarthy could afford their defections but would have only one vote to spare, assuming the panel’s four Democrats all vote against the rule.