Danielle, "X-Date" sounds like something out of a fantasy action movie — but it's real, and it's coming up fast. That's the term people are using to describe the TBD date when the United States government won't be able to pay its bills anymore — unless Congress takes action and raises the debt ceiling. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen recently announced that the "X-Date" could come as early as June 1, which is less than three weeks away. The consequences of a debt default would be devastating. Millions of jobs lost. Our economy plunged into a recession. Countries around the world seeing the United States not live up to its word. Democrats are ready to prevent that nightmare scenario. We just need the Republicans to step up, do their jobs already, and stop trying to extort us into making devastating budget cuts. Now, I used to be a teacher, so I'm used to seeing students rush to get things done at the last minute — not that I ever called a deadline an "X-Date" on a syllabus. But there's no reason for Congress to wait — and force Americans to twiddle their thumbs and wonder if we're going to default or not. There's no reason to let any doubt linger on the world stage about our nation's ability to honor our obligations. And there's no no reason why GOP House Speaker Kevin McCarthy can't immediately pass a clean bill to avoid a debt default — like the THREE debt ceiling increases he voted for when Donald Trump was president. Add your name if you agree: Republicans must get serious and stop playing negotiation games while Americans' livelihoods hang in the balance. Now, look: I was saying last year that we needed to raise the debt ceiling before the Republican wrecking-ball crew took over the House. In fact, I suggested we should eliminate the debt ceiling altogether, because it serves no purpose — Congress already signs off on spending through an entirely separate process. But here we are. And we've got to navigate these choppy waters as best we can. Congressional Republicans are holding our economy hostage. They're trying to use the debt ceiling as negotiating leverage. And you know what they want in exchange for not tanking the economy? Slashing programs like nutrition assistance, and rental assistance, and Meals on Wheels. Threatening veterans' health care. Unwinding President Biden's student debt cancelation plan. Look: if they want to talk about budget plans, we can have that conversation when it's time to sign off on spending. But we can't negotiate over whether the United States pays its bills on spending that Congress has already approved. I might add that the GOP blew up the deficit by handing massive tax breaks to billionaires and giant corporations — so if they really want to reduce the debt, they can by rolling those back. I'm staying in the fight to prevent a debt default and stop Republicans from making devastating budget cuts. I'm asking you to add your name, raise your voice, and say you're in this fight, too. Together, let's hold the line. Thanks for being a part of this, Elizabeth | 
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