[Prokopton]

Somehow, the right just can’t accept that having a majority in ONE house of a bicameral legislature, with no executive power, does not give control — or, in this case, even much influence.

I don't know where you've been, but the entire kerfuffle is about the fact that the republicans DO control whether the debt ceiling is raised or not. They control the purse strings. They are in a position of great influence and power. The only reason it is not being used is because of their weak, effete, Republican elite "leaders".

[EternalVigilance]

The only reason it is not being used is because of their weak, effete, Republican elite "leaders".

Who, it should be mentioned repeatedly, have supported raising the debt ceiling from day one.