Skip to content
RollCall logo

Podcasts

Spending caps struggle

CQ Budget, Episode No. 280

Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., says negotiators must reach a deal this week to raise the debt limit.
Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., says negotiators must reach a deal this week to raise the debt limit. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call file photo)
By David Lerman and Aidan Quigley
Posted May 22, 2023 at 3:16pm

A bipartisan deal on a debt limit increase hinges mostly on resolving a fight over how to scale back discretionary spending. CQ Roll Call’s David Lerman and Aidan Quigley explain what the fight is about and what it means for this year’s appropriations process.

Show Notes:

Recent Stories

President Donald Trump speaks to the Republican Midterm Convention at the American Airlines Center in Dallas on Sept. 9.

Trump pivots to foreign policy amid political, legal battles at home

Maine Democratic Rep. Jared Golden, seen in the Capitol on July 17, 2025, is backing New York Republican Rep. Mike Lawler for reelection. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)

Golden breaks Democratic ranks to support Lawler’s reelection bid

Rep. French Hill, R-Ark., who founded a community bank before being elected to Congress, is chairman of the House Financial Services Committee. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call file photo)

Arkansas duo goes to bat for small investment brokers

Senate Commerce Chairman Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and ranking member Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., conduct a news conference on Sept. 14 with student-athletes and coaches on a bill to address name, image and likeness in college sports. The Senate is aiming to pass the bill this week. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)

This week: Senate still at work on college sports bill

President Donald Trump shakes hands with China's President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on May 14, 2026.

Trump-Xi summit underscores risk of outright data center bans

An aerial view, a Flock camera is seen on Monday in Burbank, Calif.

Flock cameras controversy set for Senate hearing