Poll: Americans Oppose Debt Ceiling Increase
The Hill reports:
The administration's warning of dire economic consequences for failing to increase the debt ceiling has not gained traction with the American public, as an overwhelming majority opposes the increase, according to a new poll.
Of those surveyed in a Reuters/Ipsos poll, 71 percent opposed increasing the borrowing authority. Only 18 percent support the increase.
The revelation could embolden some Republican critics of an increase to the $14.1 trillion debt ceiling, and adds another layer of complexity to what is already shaping up to be one of the first major political disputes in the new Congress.
Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner warned lawmakers on Jan. 6 that if the debt ceiling is not raised by this spring, there will be "catastrophic economic consequences" both in America and across the globe. While some Republicans leaders have acknowledged that the ceiling must be raised to avoid a default on U.S. debt, the GOP is still looking to obtain promises of serious spending cuts in exchange for their support of the boost.
Meanwhile, House Democrats are indicating that since the GOP has taken the control of the House, it is their responsibility to pull together the votes to get it passed.
