Lawmakers to Decide on Raising National Debt Limit Next Week

Democratic lawmakers are discussing an increase to the national debt limit in a must-pass spending bill to keep the government open. If Republicans block that bill it could lead to a potential debt default next month. Leaders say no final decisions have been made about next steps but in private discussions between Senior Democratic Aids and some of the top Senators, the idea of a showdown vote on the eve of the September 30th deadline was increasingly likely according to sources.

The House and Senate will return for votes on Monday evening and sometime within the next week, the House is expected to take up the spending package and will likely set up a showdown in the Senate during the week of September 27th shortly before federal agencies are set to run out of money. If Republicans block the increase they could risk shutting down the government on October 1st. Democrats would need the votes of 10 Republicans to break a filibuster.