Trump call to ‘play tough’ on debt ceiling stokes fears of chaotic Congress

New House rules package sets up showdown on federal debt limit with Republicans expected to push for deep spending cuts

Following the passage of a new House rules package on Monday and former president Donald Trump urging House Republicans to “play tough” on raising the federal debt limit, Democrats are warning of a chaotic 118th Congress that could see the government cease to function normally.

The rules package passed the House under the Republican party’s slim majority by a 220-213 vote. A single Republican, Representative Tony Gonzales of Texas, voted against the package, as did all Democrats.