The Senate late Thursday approved a House-passed bill to raise the debt ceiling. Sailing through a vote that will last late into the night and cementing. The idea that the government can still function – or thrive. – Under the most stressful conditions.
In a 63-36 vote, the Senate approved the measure.
Which now heads to President Joe Biden’s. Desk for his signature, avoiding a default days before the deadline. With McCarthy and Biden taking the lead. Lawmakers appeared to be playing catch-up Thursday. With some taking issue with the bill’s level of defense spending. While others opposed parts of the environmental law. And new job restrictions for some federal aid programs.
Even so, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said. The chamber would move forward to vote on the amendment. And then final passage Thursday evening, vowing to stick around until they acted.
“I am pleased, very pleased, to announce that both parties have locked in an agreement. That enables the Senate to pass legislation tonight avoiding default,” Schumer said. “With all the ups and downs and twists and turns it took to get here. It’s so good for this country that both sides finally came together to avoid default.”
Complicating the effort was the need for unanimous consent to hurry the passage of the bill.
Giving a single senator the power to delay the passage of legislation by several days. As there was little room for error before an expected default in the upper chamber. Monday soon. , as leaders worked to secure a deal, lawmakers spent hours on the Senate floor. And scurrying between offices on Thursday. Sens. Tom Cotton of Carolina and Arkansas, who opposed. The defense spending levels in the legislation. Earlier Thursday, Graham threatened to hold the chamber next week. Unless he got a promise to “correct” some of his issues. With defense spending, among other allegations.
“To my housemates: I can’t believe you did this,” Graham said. “To the Speaker, I know you’ve got a tough job, I like you, but Ronald Reagan’s party is dying.”
But by early evening, Graham suggested he had received a follow-up. Commitment from Schumer on defense spending. The chamber voted on 11 amendments Thursday night. But each was repealed, as leaders made clear there was no time to send the legislation.
Back to the House with changes, saying it would do all but guarantee a default.
While the bulk of the proposed amendments came from Republicans. Some Democrats, including Sen. Tim Kaine, also took issue with elements of the bill. Virginia Democrats have opposed a piece of legislation. That would streamline the permitting process for energy projects, green-lighting. The Mountain Valley Pipeline in West Virginia. He introduced an amendment Thursday that would remove that provision. Like other amendments it also failed.
Some progressives, including independent Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont. And Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, also opposed the law. Pointing to the provision of permits and work requirements, among other issues. Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, Sen. Ed Markey of Massachusetts. And Sen. Jeff Markley of Oregon also voted against the measure. Schumer clarified Thursday morning. That “time is a luxury the Senate does not have,” urging lawmakers to avoid unnecessary. Delays or any last-minute hold-ups.”
Not a day goes by without its hang-ups. Still, lawmakers were eager to leave town Friday night, blazing. Through the vote at a record pace Thursday night.
