Question: Who is responsible for passing a new debt limit?

[kentuck]

The Congress? The Senate? Or the President?

I thought it was the responsibility of the Congress but maybe I am wrong?

It is up to John Boehner and the Republicans in the House of Representatives to pass a debt limit bill and the President and the Senate are only whistling in the dark, pretending that they can pass a new debt ceiling bill.

Is this not correct?

[Lasher]

1. The bill must be passed by the House and Senate, then signed by the President.

However, spending bills must originate in the House. They must then then be passed by the Senate and signed by the President.

[TheWraith]

2. It's law. All three are required. nt

[kentuck]

3. Does it have to originate in the House?

It cannot start with the President or the Senate?

Why is it important?

[nadinbrzezinski]

4. The House controls the purse

It is in the Constitution.

[kentuck]

6. If that is the case..?

Then why does not the President and Harry Reid point out that the House is resposnible for passing a debt limit bill. It is their constitutional duty. The onus needs to be put on John Boehner and the Republicans. Just my opinion.

[nadinbrzezinski]

11. You just answered your question.

They are.

[brooklynite]

7. No it isn't...

The Constitution states:

All bills for raising Revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives; but the Senate may propose or concur with Amendments as on other Bills.

The debt limit is a measure of borrowing, not taxing (e.g. "raising revenue"). Either body may originate a bill, but both must agree to it.

[kentuck]

9. But, is not borrowing for the debt limit the same as "raising revenue"?

Taxes are not the only way to get revenue. I think it might be a distinction without a difference?

[nadinbrzezinski]

10. Aka they control the purse

[brooklynite]

12. The Senate has ALREADY voted on the Debt Limit...

Earlier this month they voted on, and failed to pass, a "clean" increase of the Debt Limit. Didn't require the House to vote first.

[brooklynite]

5. NO Law starts with President...

He can propose whatever he wants, but it must be taken up by, and agreed to by, both legislative chambers.

[valerief]

13. Just wars. nt

[TheWraith]

8. I'm not sure if it's legally considered a "spending bill" or not.

Spending bills have to originate in the House--constitutional requirement. However, this doesn't actually spend money, it just authorizes borrowing, so it might be able to originate with the Senate. I'm not sure on that count.