"WASHINGTON - A divided U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill to suspend the $31.4 trillion debt ceiling on Wednesday, with majority support from both Democrats and Republicans to overcome opposition led by hardline conservatives and avoid a catastrophic default.

The Republican-controlled House voted 314-117 to send the legislation to the Senate, which must enact the measure and get it to President Joe Biden's desk before a Monday deadline, when the federal government is expected to run out of money to pay its bills.

"This agreement is good news for the American people and the American economy," Biden said after the vote. "I urge the Senate to pass it as quickly as possible so that I can sign it into law."

The measure, a compromise between Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, drew opposition from 71 hardline Republicans. That would normally be enough to block partisan legislation, but 165 Democrats - more than the 149 Republicans who voted for it - backed the measure and pushed it through."

David Morgan, Richard Cowan, and Moira Warburton report for Reuters June 1, 2023. [2]

SEE ALSO:

"Pipeline Deal In Debt Limit Deal Angers Climate Advocates. Is It Legal?" (Washington Post) [3]

"Debt Deal Includes a Green Light for a Contentious Pipeline" (New York Times) [4]

"Mountain Valley Pipeline Poised For Completion" (E&E News) [5]

"Debt Deal Pares Federal Role in Environmental Permitting Reviews" (Bloomberg Environment) [6]

"Judiciary Used as ‘Bargaining Chip’ in Debt Limit Pipeline Deal" (E&E News) [7]