Fox News’ Chad Pergram noted that lawmakers are “allowed to offer amendments to (a debt ceiling) bill under McCarthy’s promise”, including “amendments with which lawmakers may disagree”.
However, he also pointed out that the House could go “over the head of McCarthy” with a discharge petition, which requires action if 218 confirmed members sign up to put a given measure on the floor.
“In essence, a discharge petition ‘discharges’ a bill from committee and plunks it on the floor”, he said.
“It’s possible that those concerned about the debt ceiling could craft a bill to address the issue — and utilise a discharge petition to get a vote.
“A discharge petition would likely require a similar coalition of some Republicans and most Democrats to cross the ‘218’ threshold.”
