AOC is the first Democrat to say ‘no’ to debt bill.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Takes a Stand Against Debt Ceiling Bill

“I’m a no,” Ocasio-Cortez told the Washington Examiner’s Reese Gorman when asked how she felt about the debt ceiling bill.

“I appreciate coming together … to avoid default, but I also think it’s very important that Kevin McCarthy, this is his deal. He needs to own it, and he needs to get votes for it,” she said.

Progressive Democrats May Follow Suit

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) has become the first Democrat to publicly announce her opposition to President Joe Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s (R-CA) debt ceiling bill. She believes that other progressive Democrats will follow her lead, potentially opening up the floodgates of opposition to the bill in Congress.

Several progressive Democrats have taken issue with the spending cuts toward social programs that McCarthy was able to push through in negotiations with Biden.

Ocasio-Cortez Takes a Stand Against Republicans

The New York Democrat has been highly critical of the debt ceiling negotiations, accusing Republicans of taking the economy “hostage.” When the deal was unveiled, she ramped up her criticism, taking issue with the cutting of funds for social services.

Her sentiment on Tuesday, pushing McCarthy to get enough votes from his own party, comes after a similar sentiment she expressed last week.

What’s Next for the Debt Limit Deal?

The debt limit deal is still in flux, with many Democrats and Republicans still undecided on how they will vote. Ocasio-Cortez’s opposition to the bill may sway other progressive Democrats to follow suit, potentially derailing the bill’s passage.

Stay Tuned for More Updates

As the situation develops, stay tuned for more updates on the debt ceiling bill and how it may impact the economy and social programs.