GOP relents, House passes debt ceiling hike

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WASHINGTON (AP) — Unwilling to spook the markets and divided among themselves, House Republicans backed away from a battle about the government’s debt limit Tuesday and permitted President Barack Obama’s Democratic allies to drive quick passage of a measure extending Treasury’s borrowing authority without any concessions from the White House.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Unwilling to spook the markets and divided among themselves, House Republicans backed away from a battle about the government’s debt limit Tuesday and permitted President Barack Obama’s Democratic allies to drive quick passage of a measure extending Treasury’s borrowing authority without any concessions from the White House.

The 221-201 vote came hours after Speaker John Boehner announced his fractured party would relent.

Just 28 Republicans voted for the measure, including Boehner and his top lieutenants. But 193 Democrats more than compensated for the low support among Republicans.

Senate Democrats hoped to vote on the legislation as early as today and send it to Obama for his signature.