Missouri’s members of Congress mum so far on debt ceiling deal

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Members of Congress who represent Mid-Missouri have so far been silent on the details of a deal reached over the weekend to avert a U.S. credit default.

Negotiators from the Democratic and Republican parties reached a tentative agreement over the weekend that would allow the federal government to borrow money until after the next presidential election.  If approved by Congress the deal would suspend the debt limit until 2025. 

The deal came after weeks of negotiations. Republicans are seeking reductions in spending in exchange for increasing the country's borrowing limit. Democrats want to avoid cuts to social programs.

Voting is set to begin Wednesday in the House, followed by the Senate. Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy is expected to face some skepticism from some members of his party.

Signaling the tough days still ahead, McCarthy urged skeptical colleagues to "look at where the victories are,” The Associated Press reported.

The Republican speaker said Tuesday he will be sitting down and talking with lawmakers as they return to Washington from the long Memorial Day weekend.

“This is just the first step,” McCarthy said of his agreement with Biden, according to The Associated Press..

During negotiations, Rep. Mark Alford, R-Raytown, was critical of Presiden Joe Biden after some Democrats were urging him to use the 14th Amendment while Republicans lobbied for spending cuts. Alford represents a large part of Mid-Missouri, including half of Boone County.

“I don’t think they want a deal,” Alford told KDRO radio in Sedalia last week. “I think that they want to create chaos and crisis once again in America and try to force the Republicans into something that is not good for America. Now they’re even talking about tax increases … that wasn’t part of the original starting point in negotiations.”

The House and Senate have until Monday to avoid a national default, potentially starting another recession. 

ABC 17 News did not immediately hear back from several members of Congress on Tuesday morning.