Debt ceiling tests Speaker McCarthy as he rides breezily through high-wire act of his career

By LISA MASCARO
AP Congressional Correspondent

WASHINGTON (AP) — Kevin McCarthy was never Washington’s bet to become House speaker. But the 58-year-old California Republican persevered and now he’s leading the House GOP in the high-wire act of his career. He’s just negotiated a deal with President Joe Biden over raising the nation’s debt limit, and the time has come for him to deliver the votes to pass it into law. McCarthy commands only a slim House majority and must reach out to Democrats to help pass the deal. But if the deal is objectionable to the conservative flank, Republicans may try to oust McCarthy from his job.