Yesterday, Reuters curiously reported that the House Republicans' bill to raise the debt ceiling would not include a specific dollar amount, and now we know why.
The House plans to vote Wednesday on a measure that would leave the $16.4 trillion debt limit intact but declare that it “shall not apply” from the date the measure passes until mid-May.
This approach -- novel in modern times -- would let Republicans avoid a potentially disastrous fight over the debt limit without actually voting to let the Treasury borrow more money.
House Republicans aren't raising the debt ceiling, they're temporarily suspending it.
The obvious question is -- if they're willing to suspend it for nearly four months, why not suspend it permanently?
And the answer is just as obvious -- they aren't willing to part ways with their ability to take a hostage in an emergency situation. An emergency such as having to actually govern or formally vote against progressive legislation supported by a majority of Americans. That would be too bad.
Little do they know moves like this prove, almost conclusively, that they're all talk.
They aren't willing to default, they aren't willing to be seen voting to raise the debt ceiling, and they aren't willing to let go of their hostages without recourse. Because, shockingly, the "strength of their ideas" just isn't enough.