House Democrats move forward with petition to force debt limit vote

WASHINGTON — House Democrats pushed forward Wednesday with a procedural move that could force a vote to increase the debt limit should negotiations between President Joe Biden and Republicans collapse, moving despite signs of progress in the bipartisan talks to advance a long-shot Plan B to avert a default.

Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., the minority leader, wrote to his colleagues urging them to quickly sign a discharge petition, which can automatically force a House vote on legislation if a majority of 218 members sign it.

Although Jeffries noted there were signs after Tuesday's White House meeting hosted by Biden that a "real pathway exists to find an acceptable, bipartisan resolution that prevents a default," he said Democrats must take all possible steps to avert a crisis.

https://www.startribune.com/house-democrats-move-forward-with-petition-to-force-debt-limit-vote/600275723/