As negotiations over the debt ceiling continue, a CNN poll appears to show a majority of Americans support Congressional Republicans’ position on the matter.
But during a Thursday appearance on CNN, Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) attempted to put a different spin on the results.
The network’s Poppy Harlow noted the poll found 60% of respondents said Congress should raise the debt ceiling “only” if spending cuts were included. Meanwhile, 24% said the debt ceiling should be raised “no matter what,” which is in line with President Joe Biden and the Democrats’ position.
“Is your position out of step now, congresswoman, with the majority of the American people?” Harlow asked.
Jayapal responded, “I’m so glad you raised that poll. Because I think it’s really important to look at what that poll says. If you just say, ‘Should we cut spending?’ They will probably say yes.”
She continued:
“If you say, ‘Would you rather cut spending and reduce the deficit by cutting the tax breaks to the wealthiest corporations and wealthiest individuals, or would you like to cut your own healthcare, education, care for veterans, etc.?’ I guarantee you that you would have even higher numbers that say, ‘Let’s make sure that we’re making the wealthy pay their fair share.”
Watch the video below:
CNN fact checks far-left Democrat Rep. Pramila Jaypal's attempt to dismiss polling which shows a majority of Americans want spending cuts pic.twitter.com/HkIVXIqnvn
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) May 25, 2023
However, Harlow interjected, “That’s not what the poll says.”
“This is the exact question that was asked of voters: What should Congress do on the debt ceiling?” she continued.
Harlow then repeated the responses to the poll.
Still, Jayapal insisted, “You can’t take tax cuts out of spending.”
The exchange comes as White House and Republican negotiators are seeking to reach a deal to raise the debt ceiling — the limit of how much the U.S. can borrow to pay its bills — and avoid a default on the nation’s debt.
Republicans are pushing for cutting spending in 2024 to less than the 2023 level, and a cap on spending over the next decade. However, Biden and the Democrats have suggested keeping spending levels at the 2023 amount.
Republicans have also proposed new work requirements for people who receive federal aid such as food stamps, which Biden has not ruled out.
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has warned it is “almost certain” the U.S. will default on its debt by early June if the debt ceiling is not raised.