Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Sen. Coons sponsors bill to do away with debt ceiling votes

Delaware Public Media

Sen. Chris Coons is sponsoring legislation to eliminate the U.S. debt ceiling.

The debt ceiling caps the amount of money the treasury can borrow to pay the government’s bills. The U.S. currently spends more than it takes in, creating a deficit.

Congress regularly votes to lift the debt ceiling. Democrats have said the votes have become a political football that doesn’t reduce federal debt. But many Republicans argue it’s a critical part of cutting government spending.

Coons said Republicans in Congress aren’t likely to support his proposal.

“Speaker Ryan and a number of Republican leaders in the House are strongly opposed to it," he said. "So, I expect this bill will merely start a conversation, which I hope we’ll be able to move forward in the months ahead.”

President Donald Trump and Democratic leaders made a deal earlier this month that suspended limits on federal debt, provided hurricane relief and kept the government running until December.

Trump has expressed support for getting rid of debt ceiling votes.

Related Content