GOP: Working on debt; Schumer sez, ‘Do it clean’

Republicans are coming up with a proposal to raise the debt ceiling, they said Sunday, as Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer accused the GOP of engaging in “brinksmanship.”

Republicans plan to seek spending cuts in exchange for increasing the federal government’s self-imposed limit on borrowing funds.

“We’re gonna come forward with a plan. We’re still debating that plan. We’re having robust debate amongst our conference. And that’s what democracy is supposed to be about,” Rep. James Comer (RKy.) told ABC’s “This Week.”

“Somebody’s got to be the adult at the table, and House Republicans will hopefully be that,” he added.

The debt ceiling was reached last month. Since then, the Treasury Department has used an array of financial tricks to keep the government running.

There could be an “economic and financial catastrophe” if the debt ceiling isn’t raised, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said earlier this month.

Schumer (photo bottom), a New York Democrat, denounced the GOP’s approach and urged lawmakers to raise the debt ceiling with no strings attached.

“Do it clean. Do it without brinksmanship,” he said on “This Week.”

“Do it without this risk of hostage-taking where things could blow up because ... if we don’t renew the debt ceiling, average American families will be clobbered,” Schumer added.

During last week’s State of the Union speech, President Biden called out some Republicans for wanting to cut Social Security and Medicare. The statement drew howls from GOP pols.

Schumer voiced wariness of Republican promises that those programs are off the table.

“Where is your plan, Mr. McCarthy?” he said, referring to House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.).

“He says he wants cuts. We ask him which ones. He won’t say any. Is it Social Security and Medicare?” Schumer continued. “That would hurt the American people.”