Senate Republicans don't have the votes to overcome filibuster of the debt ceiling: report

Not enough Senate Republicans are willing to join with Democrats to increase the debt ceiling, according to congressional reporters. Sen. John Thune (R-SD), the whip for the Senate GOP, said Thursday that he believes that his party does not have enough votes yet to overcome a filibuster of the debt ceiling bill.

Ten Republicans need to join with the 50 Senate Democrats to end the filibuster.

Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) told Democrats on Wednesday, via press release, that they could choose one, increase the debt ceiling or pass the Build Back Better plan, but he wouldn't allow both to move through the Senate. To ensure the U.S. didn't default on its loans and crash the economy, Democrats opted for the debt ceiling.

The news doesn't appear to have yet reached President Joe Biden, who was asked by reporters how he feels about the negotiations. He flashed crossed fingers to the press as he got into the motorcade.