McConnell proposes to let Obama increase the debt ceiling without a majority vote in Congress! OK!

[Better Believe It]

Do it!

Call McConnell's bluff!

In part, the proposal affims President Obama's constitutional authority to raise the debt ceiling and this can only be denied with a super-majority in Congress. If McConnell's proposal passes, discussions can take place during the 2012 budget negotiations to reduce the deficit not on the backs of the elderly and working people, but by ending tax dodges and loopholes for corporations and the rich.

That's my initial thought on the proposal. What do other DU'ers think of this idea? BBI

Mitch McConnell Debt Ceiling Plan: Senate GOP Leader Offers Alternative To Obama's 'Grand Bargain'
By Ryan Grim
July 12, 2011

WASHINGTON -- Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) floated a novel way out of default on Tuesday, suggesting that Congress give up its power to raise the debt ceiling, and instead effectively transfer that authority -- and the political pain that comes with it -- to the White House for the remainder of Obama's first term.

With eight days remaining until the administration-imposed deadline, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) told reporters he had no plans to "trash" McConnell's plan and would give it a close look.

Under current law, Congress raises the debt ceiling, which allows the Treasury Department to issue more bonds to pay off debts and fund projects that Congress has already authorized. Raising the debt ceiling does not authorize or appropriate new spending, but merely settles old bills. Under McConnell's plan, which he called his "last-choice option," the White House would request a rise in the debt ceiling, and Congress could only block it with a veto-proof super majority -- effectively ceding control, as such a majority would be difficult to amass, especially when neither leadership genuinely wants the nation to default.

McConnell said he believes the votes exist in the Senate to pass a bill that would establish the new debt-ceiling regime. If House Democrats go along, fewer than 25 Republicans would be needed to make the bill law.

Read the full article at:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/12/mitch-mcconnell-debt-ceiling-plan_n_896254.html?1310496691&ncid=edlinkusaolp00000008