McCarthy's leadership tested in debt ceiling negotiations with Biden.

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy faces his first major test as speaker as he tries to unite nearly all 222 Republicans behind his plan to hike the debt ceiling and cut spending. The stakes are high for his gavel and the stability of the U.S. and global economy. McCarthy and his allies exude confidence that they can corral the 218 votes they need to pass the Limit, Save, Grow Act, which they believe will put pressure on President Joe Biden to negotiate policy concessions to pay the country's bills as a potential default on U.S. debt looms in as few as two months. However, several of the 20 hard-right conservatives, who initially blocked McCarthy from winning the speakership three months ago, have threatened to vote no this week.