Rep. Jim Banks: Debt limit would be "major leverage point" for House GOP majority
CBSN
Washington — Republican Rep. Jim Banks of Indiana signaled Thursday that the GOP could use the looming debt limit as a negotiation tool with President Biden early next year should the party win back the majority in the House in November's elections.
"It's a major leverage point for the House Republican majority to use to control spending," Banks said. "We've seen the national debt now surpass $31 trillion. It is a key driver of inflation."
While some Republicans view the debt limit as a means to help rein in spending, failure to raise or suspend the debt ceiling in a timely manner could cause the U.S. to default on its debt, which would have devastating consequences for the economy.

Washington — Amid Trump administration demands for Tehran to keep the free flow of commerce in the Strait of Hormuz, U.S. officials have told CBS News that there are at least a dozen underwater mines through the vital passageway, according to current American intelligence assessments. Arden Farhi, Kathryn Watson, Caroline Linton, Aimee Picchi and Layla Ferris contributed to this report.

Washington — President Trump said early Monday that he is postponing airstrikes on Iran's power plants after "very good and productive conversations" over the last two days about reopening the Strait of Hormuz. However, Iran's foreign ministry denied any such talks. Claire Day contributed to this report. In:











