Rep. Jamal Bowman of New York expressed his frustration with the debt ceiling negotiations and President Biden’s decision to negotiate with what he calls “economic terrorists” within the Republican Party. Bowman questioned why the president should negotiate with Republicans who he believes are “economic terrorists” and urged Biden not to invoke the 14th Amendment, mint coins, or negotiate with hostages. He pointed out that the US does not negotiate with terrorists, so why negotiate with economic terrorists?
Bowman’s comments were made in response to Rep. Matt Gates (R, Florida), who earlier in the week stated that some Republicans did not feel the need to negotiate a debt ceiling with “hostages,” angering the White House and Democratic officials. With less than a week until June 1, when the US could default on its debt, Mr. Biden and House Republicans are still at odds over the debt ceiling.
A group of Democratic senators called on Mr. Biden to invoke the 14th Amendment, which makes the country debt-free, and raise the debt ceiling without congressional approval. While Biden said he was considering the operation, it would likely start a lengthy legal battle. Bowman’s proposal that Biden “mint the coin” refers to the unverified idea that the federal government would mint $1 trillion worth of platinum coins to pay for government spending.
Several lawmakers told The Hill on Thursday they had seen negotiation proposals to raise the debt ceiling up to $4 trillion, with the cap extended beyond the 2024 elections. The New York Times and Washington Post reported Thursday night that the White House and House Republicans were close to a potential deal, but a senior Republican negotiator on Thursday accused the White House of refusing to negotiate labor requirements.
Democrats are adamantly opposed to enacting stronger work requirements, such as the Republican-proposed 20-hour work week for Supplemental Nutrition Program (SNAP) recipients ages 50 to 56. No action is required, and progress is expected this week. However, the problem remains.
In conclusion, the debt ceiling negotiations have created tension between the parties, with Democrats urging Biden not to negotiate with “economic terrorists,” and some Republicans refusing to negotiate with “hostages.” With time running out, all parties await a resolution that is yet to come.