Democratic leaders , however , are vehemently opposed to the idea , arguing that it would force the government into an economically destructive cycle of massive spending cuts . The Republicans fail to get the two - thirds majority required . The votes were required under the debt ceiling agreement reached in 2009 . A Republican version of the bill previously failed to pass the House .
The Republicans fail to get the two - thirds majority required . The votes were required under the debt ceiling agreement reached in 2009 . A Republican version of the bill previously failed to pass the House .