Debt ceiling: Support for 14th amendment solution mounts on Capitol Hill

yahoo.com ^ | May 18, 2023 at 12:45 PM EDT | Ben W.

[entropy12]

Ben Werschkul·Washington Correspondent

The support on Capitol Hill for what was once a fringe legal theory is growing by the hour as the debt ceiling talks head into their final days.

On Thursday, a group of of 11 progressive senators led by Sens. Tina Smith (D-MN), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Bernie Sanders (I-VT) released a new letter to President Biden calling on him to prepare to cancel the debt ceiling by invoking the 14th amendment.

The increased adoption of an idea that could roil markets is a reflection of growing Democratic anxieties that the White House could be preparing for deep compromise as ongoing direct negotiations with representatives of Speaker Kevin McCarthy continue.

[Alvin Diogenes]

entropy12: This section seems to forbid reparations, doesn't it?

ro_dreaming: Correct. To allow federal reparations, the 14th Amendment would have to be repealed or modified.

Not just federal reparations -- state reparations are also prohibited:

"But neither the United States nor any State shall assume or pay... any claim for the loss or emancipation of any slave; but all such debts, obligations and claims shall be held illegal and void."

I'm not a lawyer, but I would guess that this applies to cities and counties as well (since they don't have any semblance of separate sovereignty under our system, unlike the states and the Federal government).

[ro_dreaming]

That’s my guess as well, and while I’m not a lawyer either, I did once stay at a Holiday Inn Express.

[Hipshot 6]

Stop Raising It! I don’t get to raise mine, you don’t get to raise yours, the states don’t get to raise theirs. Why is it everyone has to live within their means but the federal government? Just say NO!

[markman46]

everyone knows how long a senator is in office for.. I am wondering just why these 3 commiedems feel they have that right is all

[entropy12]

They feel more secure to speak their mind after getting elected for 6 years. McConnell never said anything bad about Trump until he got re-elected for 6 more years.

[entropy12]

Because federal govt is the only one with money printing machine. If states could print money, I have no doubt they would spend like drunken sailors.

[Eleutheria5]

I am so happy. Now I can afford a week's groceries. Thank you, Democrats! Thank you!

[Eleutheria5]

“the public debt of the United States, authorized by law...shall not be questioned.”

This would be a public debt NOT authorized by law, so it can not be allowed.

[markman46]

Ok I get where you are going.