Dems urge Biden to use 14th Amendment in debt ceiling battle.

Democrats Urge Biden to Consider 14th Amendment in Debt Ceiling Talks

More than a dozen left-wing senators, including high-profile members Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, and John Fetterman, are urging President Joe Biden to consider using the 14th Amendment should debt ceiling talks fail. In a letter sent to Biden on Thursday, they warned that it may be the president’s only option to avoid a default if Republicans don’t agree to a deal.

The 14th Amendment

The senators cite Section Four of the 14th Amendment, which states that “the validity of the public debt of the United States, authorized by law, including debts incurred for payment of pensions and bounties for services in suppressing insurrection or rebellion, shall not be questioned.”

Biden said last week he would consider invoking the 14th Amendment, noting that leftist Harvard Law professor Laurence Tribe “thinks that it would be legitimate,” though the president warned the matter would likely be litigated and “in the meantime, without an extension, it would still end up in the same place.”

Republican Opposition

While Republicans have highlighted other legal experts who have argued against the president trying to employ the 14th Amendment, even officials within Biden’s own administration have expressed hesitation. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has said in recent days that invoking the 14th Amendment is “legally questionable” and could create a “constitutional crisis.”

A Path to a Deal?

For a time, there had been a standoff between the White House and top Democrats in Congress, who pushed for a “clean” debt ceiling raise, and the GOP-led House, which passed a bill that would allow the limit to be lifted by $1.5 trillion in exchange for spending cuts and reforms. Still, there are signs that an agreement may soon be reached as the White House and congressional leaders engage in talks. The White House touted a “productive and direct meeting” on Tuesday and, on Thursday, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy told reporters he sees a “path” to a deal.

• Left-wing senators urge Biden to consider 14th Amendment in debt ceiling talks
• Section Four of the 14th Amendment states that the validity of the public debt of the United States shall not be questioned
• Biden warned that invoking the 14th Amendment would likely be litigated and could still lead to a default
• Republicans and even some officials within Biden’s administration have expressed opposition to the tactic
• White House and congressional leaders engage in talks to reach a deal

As the debt ceiling deadline looms, the pressure is on for a resolution to be reached. Will Biden ultimately invoke the 14th Amendment, or will a deal be struck between the White House and Congress? Only time will tell.