White House Begins To Cave To House Republicans On Debt Ceiling

After months of refusing any reforms or spending cuts, President Joe Biden has caved in to Republicans.
White House staffers and congressional staffers have been arguing over details of a possible debt ceiling agreement.

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said that she is hopeful of a deal. She had previously warned Congress to act by June 1.

“I believe the negotiations are very active,” Yellen said. Yellen stated, “I’m told that they have reached some agreement.”

Treasury Deputy Secretary Wally Adeyemo called the discussions “negotiations”, after Biden refused negotiations with Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-CA on a deal to raise the debt ceiling.

Biden announced that he will meet with House of Representatives and Senate leaders Tuesday, as the deadline for raising the debt ceiling looms closer.

Biden stated on Sunday that he would be willing to accept work requirements in other welfare programs than Medicaid.

“I voted in favor of tougher aid programs, which are now law. But Medicaid is a different matter.” Biden stated that he was waiting to learn what the exact proposal of the Democrats is. Biden supported Bill Clinton’s 1996 welfare reform law.

Michael Kikukawa, White House spokesman, clarified Biden’s comment that Democrats could agree to work conditions for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program (TANF), and possibly stricter requirements for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs (SNAP).

He explained:

The President stated that Medicaid was a different matter. He has also made it clear that he won’t accept proposals which would strip people of their health insurance. He has also made it clear that he won’t accept policies that force Americans into poverty. The President will assess any Republican proposals based on these principles.

Since months, the 46th President has accused Republicans of wanting to cut entitlement programs and even veterans’ care, as well as defaulting on federal debt. Biden, however, struck a more positive note on Sunday by signaling his willingness to cut a deal McCarthy.

“It is never a good idea to describe a negotiation while it is still in progress. I am a natural optimist, so I will remain positive. “I think both sides are eager to reach an accord, and I believe we will be able do so,” Biden said.

Democrats and Republicans must still work out a deal despite the increased openness towards a deal. The Republican demands for a debt-ceiling deal are in the Limit, Save, Grow Act 2023, passed by the House. The list includes a cap on domestic discretionary expenditure, clawing back unpaid coronavirus assistance, easing oil and gas permits and how to raise the debt ceiling.