Kevin McCarthy’s Gigantic Week

Punchbowl News: “The House is set to vote this week on a $4.5 trillion GOP bill — the Limit, Save, Grow Act — that raises the debt limit into 2024 while slashing federal spending by tens of billions of dollars. In addition, we expect to hear from the Treasury Department on when the United States government could default on its $31.4 trillion debt.”

“The House GOP whip operation worked throughout the weekend to shore up support for the package. As of late Sunday night, party leaders felt as if undecided Republicans were breaking their way.”

“Democrats have no idea what McCarthy is up to. They don’t have much insight into him or how the House GOP leadership operates at this point. But the mystery is overrated. McCarthy simply wants to get to the negotiating table with President Joe Biden and top Democrats. To do that, it’s imperative that House Republicans pass this bill. Otherwise, the House could be forced to move a clean debt limit increase this summer. That’s exactly what Biden wants, but it would be devastating for McCarthy.”

Playbook: “Since the House doesn’t return till tomorrow, the earliest this vote could happen would be Wednesday. But if McCarthy still needs time to whip, the roll call could be pushed to the end of the week — or beyond. People close to the whip tally tell Playbook they’re not there, but they’re in a good position.”

“Indeed, if House Republicans succeed, the focus will immediately turn to Biden and Democratic leaders, who are still insisting on a clean debt ceiling hike sans concessions. That position is already looking untenable, with even some Hill Democrats arguing that it’s time for both sides to sit down.”