FOR THE WEEK OF MAY 29, 2023

Biden and McCarthy make a deal on debt but have to sell it

President Joe Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy reached a tentative deal over the weekend to suspend the nation’s debt limit through 2025 to avoid a federal default while limiting government spending. Now, they have to find enough members of the House and Senate to vote for the 99-page agreement before the U.S. Treasury runs out of money to pay its bills next Monday and sends the world’s economy into a tailspin.

Some conservative Republicans in Congress complain that the compromise does not cut future deficits enough, while some progressive Democrats say changes to work requirements in programs such as food stamps will punish poor people. Biden and McCarthy hope to find enough Republicans and Democratic lawmakers in the middle who are willing to compromise to avoid catastrophe.

Economists have warned that a government default would wipe out 1.5 million U.S. jobs in a week. If it lasted into the summer, they say 7.8 million jobs could be lost, interest rates on loans would soar, and a stock market plunge would wipe out $10 trillion in household wealth. The sudden economic collapse in the United States would trigger a severe recession across the globe.

Conservative Republican says: “No real cuts to see here. Conservatives have been sold out once again!” — Sen. Rand Paul, R-Kentucky

Progressive Democrat says: “I told the president that … this is saying to poor people and people who are in need that we don’t trust them.” — Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Washington

Deal negotiator says: “This is the most conservative spending package in my service in Congress, and this is my 10th term,” – Rep. Patrick T. McHenry, R-North Carolina

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Front Page Talking Points Archive

Common Core State Standard
SL.CCS.1/2/3/4 Grades 6-12: An essay of a current news event is provided for discussion to encourage participation, but also inspire the use of evidence to support logical claims using the main ideas of the article. Students must analyze background information provided about a current event within the news, draw out the main ideas and key details, and review different opinions on the issue. Then, students should present their own claims using facts and analysis for support.