McCarthy scrambles to secure support for debt vote as Biden's second term prospects hinge on debt ceiling negotiations.
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy is meeting with potential GOP defectors to secure support for his debt limit plan, which includes spending cuts, stricter rules for social welfare programs, and energy production incentives. Some Republicans are demanding further cuts to Democrats' past spending bills, while others are rebelling against the plan to roll back certain tax incentives for biodiesel. GOP leaders are projecting confidence in their ability to keep their conference together, insisting that it's this bill or nothing. President Joe Biden has issued a formal veto threat, but McCarthy is raising doubts about whether he would actually veto the bill.