House votes 221-201 to raise debt limit to March 2015

After three years of threats and government closings, the House Republicans came to their senses and allowed a 'clean' vote on raising the debt limit until March 2015.

The vote – 221-201 – relied primarily on Democrats to carry the legislation, the first debt ceiling increase since 2009 that was not attached to other measures. Only 28 Republicans voted yes. But it effectively ended a three-year, Tea Party-fueled era when a series of budget showdowns raised the threat of debt defaults and government shutdowns, rattled economic confidence and brought serious scrutiny from an international community questioning Washington’s ability to govern.

The vote, brought by Speaker of the House John Boehner, angered Tea Party conservatives.

Jenny Beth Martin, co-founder of the Tea Party Patriots, said that Boehner should be replaced for his "lack of leadership."

Promoting an online petition to dismiss Boehner, Martin said, “A clean debt ceiling is a complete capitulation on the speaker’s part and demonstrates that he has lost the ability to lead the House of Representatives, let alone his own party. It is time for him to go.”

(via NYTimes)