by Julia Rock, Jacobin
In the debt ceiling standoff, Republicans are holding the global economy hostage, demanding a ransom payment that consists of gutting the US social safety net, rapid approval of fossil fuel projects, cuts to education and national park budgets, and more.
Their strategy appears to be working. On Saturday night, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) announced he and Biden had reached a tentative “agreement in principle” to raise the debt ceiling that includes new work requirements on social programs and cuts to the federal budget. Lawmakers are expected to vote on the agreement this upcoming Wednesday.
President Joe Biden, a famously bad negotiator who has pushed for cuts to social programs in the past, has negotiated with the hostage takers. Lawmakers in his own party are reportedly “anxious” that the president has been ignoring the old adage about negotiating with terrorists. In other words, the current standoff over the debt ceiling looks like the Washington Generals (Democrats) deliberately getting pantsed and preparing to lose to the Harlem Globetrotters (Republicans).
Recent Posts
Why I’m Voting Against The Military Budget
Take Action NowWhile so many Americans struggle to get by, the US is spending record-breaking amounts of money on the military.…
With Trump’s Second Term, A Feeling Of History Repeating
Take Action NowWith the election of Donald Trump, many Americans are feeling like they’re stuck in a time warp. Are we?By…
Americans Hate Their Private Health Insurance
Take Action NowThe response to UnitedHealthcare CEO’s murder surely disproves the claim that Americans love the private health insurance…
California Activists Urge Newsom To Pardon Immigrants
Take Action NowWith Trump’s plans for mass deportations, pardons could protect those who have served their sentences, advocates say.……