Even the Freedom Caucus Isn’t Completely Crazy

The House Freedom Caucus is calling for “no further discussion” on legislation to raise the debt ceiling until the Senate passes the bill House Republicans approved last month. https://t.co/6CnsCv9TsU

— The Hill (@thehill) May 19, 2023

However, House Freedom Caucus Chairman Scott Perry (R-Pa.) softened the position in an interview with CBS.

“We’re not saying you can’t continue to talk, but until they’re willing to tell us what they’re willing to do, it’s hard to come to an agreement,” Perry said. 

“We should probably compromise on something — but there’s nothing to compromise with. They haven’t asked anything,” he added.

Which is not to say all the members of the caucus are not stone-cold crazy: 

‘What’s next, rainbow uniforms?’: Republican suggests defunding US Army over Pride celebrations https://t.co/jiGkFWSk6o

— Raw Story (@RawStory) May 19, 2023

U.S. Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) is demanding the Dept. of Defense rescind a memo authorizing LGBTQ Pride celebrations on military installations, and says Congress should defund America’s Armed Forces if it refuses.

Because: sure he is. 

important to keep in mind that Republicans have leverage in the debt ceiling standoff because they are willing (if not eager) to blow up the US economy to hurt Biden

— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) May 18, 2023

Yeah, but it seems even the Freedom Caucus doesn't want that to happen.  Republicans in the Senate like Josh Hawley certainly don't want to see a default happen. As AOC pointed out, it would only take 5 House Republicans to pass a debt ceiling increase that would avoid catastrophe. Despite the example of Nancy Mace, I'm pretty sure they exist.

I mean, we've been down this road once or twice before.  One of those five might even end up being Speaker McCarthy.  He doesn't want to be remembered as the Speaker who presided over economic catastrophe that didn't have to happen.