Democrats are seizing on a decision by GOP leadership to send members home for the Memorial Day recess without a deal on the debt ceiling nailed down.
Republican leaders told House lawmakers on Wednesday they would still be permitted to go on recess for the holiday weekend, with the caveat they must be prepared to return to the Capitol on 24 hours' notice in case an agreement is struck on the debt ceiling. The news was met with protests by Democrats, who argue lawmakers should stay in Washington, D.C., to get an agreement across the finish line.
BIDEN'S OTHER CONSTITUTIONAL CRISIS: STUDENT LOANS CANCELLATION IN LIMBO
“I don't understand the lack of urgency. It feels like we might be right at the goal line as far as reaching a deal. I don't know why we wouldn't just stay and get it done,” Rep. Jeff Jackson (D-NC) told the Washington Examiner. “I think everybody knows you get more work done when you're in the office.”
Democrats criticized Republicans for leaving town so close to the June 1 deadline, citing it as evidence the party isn’t taking the threat of default seriously.
“It’s clear that Republican leadership in the House doesn't understand the effect default will have on our economy,” said Rep. Annie Kuster (D-NH).
Others pointed to Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s (R-CA) optimism that a deal is not far off, arguing lawmakers should stay in Washington to get something finalized before the holiday. Although several Democrats said they would stay in Washington in speeches from the House floor, most are expected to return to their home districts.
“Republican colleagues, I’m staying. I’m missing my goddaughter’s wedding because I have a job to do. Where are you?” Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI) said on Thursday.
The recess comes as the White House inches toward a deal with Republican negotiators in debt ceiling talks, just a week before the early June "X-date," when the country could no longer be able to pay all of its bills. McCarthy said negotiators made “good progress” in talks late Wednesday night, noting teams were up “well past midnight” to put together a deal.
Republicans are not expected to meet with White House negotiators again on Thursday, but the speaker said they remain in communication and will be working “24/7” until they come to an agreement.
“I know we’ve already talked to the White House today, we’ll continue to work,” McCarthy said. “They’re working on numbers, we’re working on numbers, and we’ll work together.”
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
Republican leaders have expressed confidence they can get a bill passed before the Treasury Department's June 1 deadline, even with the promise to allow lawmakers to review the legislation at least 72 hours before holding a vote, according to House rules. However, it remains unclear whether such a bill would be able to pass the Senate before the deadline in such a short time frame.
The United States hit its debt ceiling on Jan. 19. At the time, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said her agency would take “extraordinary measures” to prevent the U.S. from defaulting on its obligations but those measures could soon be exhausted.