Just a reminder — Nancy Pelosi has recently supported the Reid bill in its last configuration. Here's her statement from a few days ago (my emphasis):
"It is clear we must enter an era of austerity; to reduce the deficit through shared sacrifice.Which means that (1) most House Democrats will likely support the next bill; and (2) we may find out who the real progressives are.
"The President has called for a ‘grand bargain,’ which provides long-term deficit reduction based on shared values and sends a message of confidence to the markets."
(I say "may" because it's not uncommon on bills that are done-deals, for the leadership to give permission for certain members to vote "off the reservation" for cosmetic purposes. Those votes are ineffective, confusing to constituents, and negotiated — traded for something down the line.)
Joe has the full story on the Pelosi statement here.
UPDATE: Just out on Reuters:
Democrats in the House of Representatives might decide not to support a last-minute deal to raise the debt ceiling when they meet on Monday, House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi said on Sunday.All of the statements in this post are still true. Pelosi supported the Reid bill, and made serious and full-throated "age of austerity" noises.
"We all may not be able to support it, or none us may be able to support it," Pelosi told reporters.
This wrinkle may represent a change in her position, or a bow to the reality of not holding her caucus together (please, god, please), or a bow to the need to stay on the right side of appearances as the Democratic base slits its wrist (or looks for better targets). We'll see.
GP
