AP Photo Boehner looking to move debt-ceiling bill soon The departing speaker wants to resolve the thorny issue for his successor.

House Speaker John Boehner is looking to move a bill to lift the debt ceiling before he leaves Congress, a tactic aimed at helping his successor, according to multiple sources with knowledge of internal party planning.

Timing has not been decided, but the Treasury Department says the nation's borrowing limit needs to be raised by Nov. 5, and Boehner (R-Ohio) would like to resolve the issue before a new speaker is sworn in. Boehner expects to step down Oct. 30. His office declined to comment for this story.


Boehner is in discussions with Senate leadership and the White House over a budget package that would include raising the debt ceiling, but House GOP aides do not expect the talks to produce an agreement. GOP leadership aides have discussed passing a standalone debt limit bill should the talks break down. Many senior Republican aides and lawmakers see a "clean" debt limit bill as the only real option.

Plans have not been finalized, according to GOP sources.

Raising the debt cap is among the thorniest issues for House Republicans. In 2011, Boehner set the standard that any time Congress raises the debt ceiling, the increase should be accompanied by corresponding spending reductions. Since then, congressional Democrats and Republicans have consistently sparred over lifting the nation's borrowing limit.

The date of Boehner's exit from Congress is unclear. House Republicans still have not scheduled party elections to choose their nominee to replace Boehner. Ways and Means Chairman Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) is considering a bid for speaker, but is unlikely to decide until Congress returns next week.