Bill to raise debt ceiling and avoid US default passes House

A bill to raise the debt ceiling and avoid the first-ever United States default passed the House on Wednesday.

The deal would suspend the debt limit until 2025, cap some federal spending, take back some money from the IRS, tighten eligibility for food stamp programs, and loosen some environmental rules.

It now heads to the Senate where leaders hope to move quickly despite a group of mostly Republican opponents.

There were 10 Washington representatives. Seattle Democrat Pramila Jayapal is the only one to vote no. All nine other Washington representatives voted to pass the bill.

Congresswoman and democrat Suzan DelBene, representing Washington’s 1st District, was one of them.

“This deal is far from perfect. Compromise means that no one gets everything they want. The Senate must immediately take up this legislation and get it to the president’s desk,” said DelBene.

Congressman Rick Larsen, representing Washington’s Second District, also backed the bipartisan budget agreement.

“Passing the BBA is a critical step forward to protect Northwest Washington. I urge the Senate to pass the BBA and send the bill to the President’s desk for his signature,” said Larsen.

KIRO 7 will continue to track this and update you as the bill heads to the Senate.

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