Federal Debt Ceiling Negotiations Surround Fiscal Restraint and Spending Cuts

A deal is under discussion that would freeze federal discretionary spending, but not Social Security, Medicare, or other entitlements.

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has vowed not to agree to a deal that doesn't reduce government spending next year.

There is also a push to impose modest requirements that able-bodied adults work to qualify for food stamps and Medicaid, which progressives oppose.

Some have suggested that the "freeze" may be a fake and that the deal allows for accounting tricks to avoid actual spending cuts.

If the negotiations turn out to be nothing but theater, voters should throw out all the lawmakers involved.