McCarthy tells GOP conference he did not fail on debt deal in private meeting, sources say

May 22, 2023

Speaker Kevin McCarthy told GOP members that he did not fail on the debt deal during a meeting behind closed doors on the debt limit agreement.

The speaker appeared upbeat in the meeting, the member added. McCarthy kicked it off by telling members: "Let's have fun tonight?”

On his way into the meeting, McCarthy was asked by CNN what his message is to GOP members voting no, to which he quipped: "Vote yes."

McCarthy received applause and a standing ovation as he entered the room. 

Rep. Chip Roy stood up during the conference meeting and slammed the Sunday conference call as a "cheerleading" meeting, another GOP member who was there told CNN. Roy said they aren't actually getting anything in terms of energy reforms and complained that it's still $4 trillion, the member said, adding that Roy railed against the bill for three minutes in front of the conference.  

Another GOP member in attendance said McCarthy also told House Republicans he didn't want the Senate to jam them with a clean debt ceiling and that he wanted the House to be the leaders.