May 17, 2023 1:43pm EDT
House Democrats begin 'Hail Mary' attempt to go around Speaker McCarthy and raise the debt limit
Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries told House Democrats it is 'imperative' they sign a discharge petition, which could force a debt limit vote if it reaches 218 signatures with at least five Republicans helping
By Chris Pandolfo , Chad Pergram | Fox News
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., is rallying Democrats behind a complicated parliamentary tactic to force a vote on raising the debt limit, a long-shot gambit that could put Republicans in a tough spot as Congress' fiscal deadline fast approaches.
Democrats filed a procedural measure called a discharge petition at 10 a.m. Wednesday, which would allow a coalition of lawmakers to circumvent House leadership and put a bill on the floor for a vote. All that is required is 218 House members to sign the petition — meaning all 213 Democrats and five Republicans.
A successful discharge petition would allow Democrats to vote on a clean debt-limit increase, and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., would have no way to block the vote. However, it is very rare for this tactic to work — and the discharge petition must "bake" for seven legislative days before the House can act on it.
Jeffries wrote in a "Dear colleague" letter Wednesday morning that it is "imperative" for Democrats to sign the discharge petition.
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https://www.foxnews.com/politics/house-democrats-hail-mary-attempt-speaker-mccarthy-raise-debt-limit
