House Freedom Caucus offers deal to raise debt ceiling

The House Freedom Caucus launched its opening salvo in the upcoming fight over raising the nation's debt ceiling Friday, as members of the conservative group said they would agree to raise the debt limit for the first time in their careers if several of President Biden's legislative accomplishments are rolled back and strict limits on government spending are implemented.

"Members of the House Freedom Caucus, who have never voted for a continual debt ceiling increases, will support a solution to responsibly address the impending debt ceiling crisis," said Pennsylvania Republican Rep. Scott Perry, the group's chairman, in a press conference Friday. "Simply put, the plan is to shrink Washington and grow America."

Many in the Freedom Caucus, which numbers over 40 members, were among the detractors who sought concessions from Rep. Kevin McCarthy before agreeing to support his election as House speaker — and others ultimately voted "present" rather than support him. The Republican majority in the House is a slim one, just 9 votes. Without the Freedom Caucus' support, McCarthy risks a rebellion from his right flank. Perry and other members of the Freedom Caucus expressed confidence that McCarthy would not cut a deal with Democrats to raise the debt ceiling.