Jeffries added that there is"a time and a place to have a discussion about future spending" and he thinks those conversations should happen later in the year when Congress traditionally decides spending levels through its appropriations process."We will find a vehicle legislatively," Jeffries said, that allows Democrats to vote with"a handful of reasonable Republicans" to save the country from economic calamity.
Jeffries, 52, is Rep. Nancy Pelosi's successor as the leader of House Democrats, and the first Black leader of a party in Congress. After last year's midterm elections, his party is narrowly in the minority. Republicans have a four seat majority in the House. But Jeffries believes his caucus will be able to wield some power whenever Republicans wrestle with their own internal divisions.
In our conversation, Jeffries offered no critique of his fellow Democrats saying,"we're all off to a great start as a family, nor even a critique of Speaker McCarthy, whom he has dismissed in the past as a"sellout" to Donald Trump.Speaker Kevin McCarthy SI: I want to clarify this. A year or two back, you said McCarthy is not a serious person because he had sold himself effectively to Donald Trump. But you're saying you're now in a room with him and having productive conversations.
The Dems need to rebrand the approaching debt ceiling crisis as the 'Trump Deficit Crisis' pointing out that the national debt rose by almost $8 trillion during Trump’s time in office. It amounts to about $23,500 in new federal debt for every person in the country.
Kevin McCarthy won’t say that he’s motivated by greedy tribalism.
This dude really out here saying 'I like the good things, not the bad things, and I also disagree with the guys you don't like.' Dude, is your plan just to be a roadblock? A speed limit sign? What's going on here, what's the plan?
This Republican Congress is headed for self destruction & will be replaced in 2 years.
Sorry but you just passed a $1.7T pork-laden bill and you're not willing to negotiate w/ those on the other side of the aisle? Democrats are absolutely destroying this country with spend and tax policies.
So, the Head Democrat in the Senate has stated that it is the position of the Democrat Party to recklessly spend without concern to the people of this nation. If we quit spending, we don't incur debt. It is how us citizens have to live. The Federal Government should be the same.
Oh, you'll pay, we all will, one way or another.
A crippling debt hurts every American. Since Congress only knows how to spend money, is there any other mechanism to make Congress slim up in these inflationary times?
RepJeffries is clueless on now budgets work. Average Americans face DEBT limits DAILY. We know how to cut useless spending. Why can’t you Hakeem! Because it’s NOT your money
That’s very irresponsible of him. How do you pay down debt or live inside a budget?
The debt limit is one of the dumbest things ever...especially since we never follow it anyway.
Leader Jefferies we are so extremely honored to have you in this horrible fight! I pray for you daily! I implore you leader, to look at the FBI tape of the woman placing the pipe bombs on January 5th 2021! I am positive, positive that is Marjorie Taylor green! The walk tells it!
Jeffries just admitted he has no interest in working with republicans. Biden and his predecessors have loaded US debt past sustainable levels. If government is force to close - Jeffries and his other deniers of compromise and unity are to blame. It's not a one party system, yet.
So you want the debt ceiling raised, but you are unwilling to lower your spending. How do people get elected with that kind of logic?
The House is being run my domestic terrorists. Negotiating with them is tough because they want to burn America to the ground in the name of their deposed leader that wants to terminate the constitution.
Cool…the only hope for our country is campaign finance reform…truly, it’s the only hope…focus.
“My Man!”
Republicans SUSPENDED the debt limit THREE TIMES for Trump, who proceeded to add $8T to the national debt...and continues to add $2T to the national debt every year with the unfunded Trump tax cuts for the rich. Now they want to cut SocSecMedicare. RepublicansHateGrandma
Stay above the fray.
I bet they fold under pressure.
The sound of leadership.
It violates the 14th Amendment
Sad times when we have literal traitors in power within our Gov
Aka, we can tax our selves into prosperity.