Biden, McCarthy meet again on debt limit with work requirements for benefits emerging as key issue

President Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy are set to meet Tuesday on raising the U.S. debt limit – as work requirements for federal benefits such as Medicaid and food stamps has emerged as a contentious negotiating point. 

"When you’re talking about work requirements, remember what we’re talking about: able-bodied people with no dependents. It’s 20 hours," the Republican House leader said ahead of the White House meeting.

Biden over the weekend signaled a willingness to negotiate on work requirements, which has since roiled the progressive wing of his Democratic Party. 

"I voted for tougher aid programs that’s in the law now," Biden said. "But for Medicaid, it’s a different story. And so, I’m waiting to hear what their exact proposal is."

Washington Democratic Rep. Pramila Jayapal, chairwoman of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, in response said that Democrats "did not elect Joe Biden of 1986. We elected Joe Biden of 2020."

Following the second debt limit meeting, earlier this month, McCarthy said there was "no new movement" toward an agreement.

Going to the White House with McCarthy, the Hill's lead negotiator on the matter, will again be House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.