The monumental GOP hissy fit that would ensue makes the 14th Amendment solution all the more desirable
A growing group of Senate Democrats is urging President Joe Biden to seriously consider invoking the 14th Amendment to declare the debt ceiling unconstitutional, a strategy that — if upheld by the courts — could avert a looming default without any concessions to House Republicans, who have used their slim majority to take the debt ceiling hostage.
Sens. Tina Smith (D-MN), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Ed Markey (D-MA) and Bernie Sanders (I-VT) have been circulating a letter amongst their colleagues this week to collect support for Biden to invoke the 14th Amendment and lift the debt ceiling without any help from House Republicans.
“We write to urgently request that you prepare to exercise your authority under the 14th Amendment of the Constitution, which clearly states: ‘the validity of the public debt of the United States … shall not be questioned,’” the draft letter reads. “Using this authority would allow the United States to continue to pay its bills on-time, without delay, preventing a global economic catastrophe.”
Did a brisk rereading of the 14th amendment and found that the fourth section gives a summation of all national debt as, more or less, pay off all debts and cuteth thee the crap. The debt ceiling game is indeed crap and a game that needs to end. Having said that many of our problems lead back to a Republican party in denial of demography and a rapidly changing electorate, resulting in numerous efforts to hold back the tide. Good luck and bon chance on that, it has never worked and at best delays the inevitable.
Very cut & dry:
Section 4
The validity of the public debt of the United States, authorized by law, including debts incurred for payment of pensions and bounties for services in suppressing insurrection or rebellion, shall not be questioned. But neither the United States nor any State shall assume or pay any debt or obligation incurred in aid of insurrection or rebellion against the United States, or any claim for the loss or emancipation of any slave; but all such debts, obligations and claims shall be held illegal and void.
Invoke the 14th amendment today and declare the debt crisis permanently over. Then move on.
So much for logic.
No doubt the Rethugs would take it to court, where Thomas-Alito-et al would find a way to declare the 14th Amendment unconstitutional.
Make them do it. Fear of how Republicans will react is the worst reason do for it not fo anything. They’ll act like nihilistic psychos no matter what.
Imagine the coin in your mind.