Mike Lee: GOP has enough votes to block debt ceiling and force Dems to negotiate.

Senator Mike Lee: Republicans Have Enough Votes to Block “Clean” Debt Ceiling Increase

Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) appeared on Fox News’s “Sunday Morning Futures” and announced that Republicans have more than enough votes to prevent Democrats from passing a “clean” debt ceiling increase. Lee stated that 45 Republicans, including himself, would vote against a bill that raises the debt ceiling without meaningful spending reforms. He believes that the conference will hold firm and that the number is more than enough to block Democrats from passing a “clean” debt ceiling bill.

Republicans United Against Debt Ceiling Increase

Lee said that 43 Republicans signed a letter to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) declaring their opposition to a clean debt ceiling bill, and two more promised to back the effort without signing the letter. In total, there are 45 Republicans who will vote to prevent ending the debate on a clean debt ceiling bill. Furthermore, Lee said the conference would remain united to oppose the debt limit increase.

• 43 Republican Senators have signed a letter pledging to oppose a clean debt ceiling bill
• Two more Senators promised to back the effort without signing the letter
• Republicans have more than enough votes to block Democrats from passing a “clean” debt ceiling bill

Lee led a group of 43 Senate Republicans who sent a letter to Schumer on Saturday opposing a clean debt ceiling increase. “Our economy is in free fall due to unsustainable fiscal policies. This trajectory must be addressed with fiscal reforms. Moreover, recent Treasury projections have reinforced the urgency of addressing the debt ceiling. The House has taken a responsible first step in coming to the table with their proposals. It is imperative that the president now do the same. As such, we will not be voting for cloture on any bill that raises the debt ceiling without substantive spending and budget reforms.”

Republicans are united in their opposition to a debt ceiling increase without meaningful spending reforms. Lee believes that the conference will hold firm and that Republicans have more than enough votes to block Democrats from passing a “clean” debt ceiling bill.