Carney: White House supports short-term debt ceiling deal

GlobalPost

President Barack Obama would support the GOP's short-term debt ceiling deal if it reached his desk, White House Press Secretary Jay Carney said Tuesday.

The legislation would allow the US government to pay its bills through May 19. Obama would prefer a longer delay, however, than the three-month extension proposed by House Republicans last week.

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But in Tuesday's White House briefing, Carney said the president wouldn't block the legislation if it passes, according to The Huffington Post.

The House is expected to vote on the bill Wednesday.

More from GlobalPost: Debt ceiling debate could be win for Obama

Also Tuesday, the conservative Club for Growth said it would not "punish" any Republicans who voted for the short-term extension, boosting the bill's prospects significantly.

Obama's support is also likely to solidify backing from Democrats in both the House and Senate.

There are no spending cuts attached to the bill, but House Republicans hope to force a budget deal by mandating that lawmakers not be paid if no budget is passed by April 15, according to the Washington Post.

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