Senate Democratic leaders have sent a letter to President Obama pledging their support if he raises the nation's $16.4 trillion debt ceiling unilaterally in the face of Republican resistance.

Support has been growing among Democrats in Congress for Obama to invoke the 14th Amendment or another legal justification for expanding the nation’s borrowing authority without congressional approval.

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“In the event that Republicans make good on their threat by failing to act, or by moving unilaterally to pass a debt limit extension only as part of unbalanced or unreasonable legislation, we believe you must be willing to take any lawful steps to ensure that America does not break its promises and trigger a global economic crisis — without Congressional approval, if necessary,” Senate Majority Leader(D-Nev.) and other Democratic leaders wrote in a letter dated Jan. 11.

Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin Richard (Dick) Joseph DurbinGOP ramps up attacks on Democrats over talk of nixing filibuster Catholic group launches .7M campaign against Biden targeting swing-state voters Overnight Defense: Dems divided on length of stopgap spending measure | Afghan envoy agrees to testify before House panel | Trump leans into foreign policy in campaign's final stretch MORE (Ill.), Senate Democratic Policy Committee Chairman Charles Schumer Chuck SchumerOvernight Health Care: Schumer calls for Azar to resign over 'chaos' in coronavirus response CNBC's Cramer calls Pelosi 'crazy Nancy' in live interview Schumer calls for Azar to resign over 'chaos' in coronavirus response MORE (N.Y.) and Democratic Conference Secretary Patty Murray Patricia (Patty) Lynn MurraySchumer calls for Azar to resign over 'chaos' in coronavirus response Overnight Health Care: Top HHS official accuses scientists of plotting against Trump | House Democrats launch investigation of political interference in CDC science publications | Trump administration seeks to extend Mexico City policy on abortion Democrats reveal Medicaid chief's spending on high-paid consultants MORE (Wash.) signed the letter.

“It is hard to imagine that the Speaker and Leader McConnell would really follow through on their threat to let our nation default on its debts. They are responsible leaders who know better,” they wrote in reference to Speaker John Boehner John Andrew BoehnerLongtime House parliamentarian to step down Five things we learned from this year's primaries Bad blood between Pelosi, Meadows complicates coronavirus talks MORE (R-Ohio) and Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell Addison (Mitch) Mitchell McConnellGOP ramps up attacks on Democrats over talk of nixing filibuster MLB owner: It's 'very necessary' to vote for Trump Delta: Early departures saved flight attendants' jobs MORE (Ky.).

“Sadly, some of their Republican colleagues do not. Therefore, we believe that you must make clear that you will never allow our nation’s economy and reputation to be held hostage,” they wrote in a reference to Tea Party-affiliated conservatives in the House who have vocally opposed more borrowing.

Michael Steel, Boehner John Andrew BoehnerLongtime House parliamentarian to step down Five things we learned from this year's primaries Bad blood between Pelosi, Meadows complicates coronavirus talks MORE’s spokesman, said Democrats must face GOP demands to slash spending and reform entitlement programs and predicted a backlash if Obama increased borrowing authority without cuts.

“Senate Democrats cannot ignore their responsibilities for political convenience — and the American people will not tolerate an increase in the debt limit without spending cuts and reforms,” Steel said. “Out-of-control Washington spending is costing jobs now, and condemning future generations of Americans to a lower standard of living. Washington Democrats must stop spending money we don’t have.”

House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (Calif.) said last week she would invoke the 14th Amendment if given the choice.

“I've made my view very clear on that subject: I would do it in a second,” Pelosi told reporters Jan. 4. “But I'm not the president of the United States.”

Reid has changed his mind on the issue over the past 18 months. In the summer of 2011, he said Obama should not use the 14th Amendment to circumvent Congress.

"We should play by the rules," Reid told reporters at a press conference in July 2011.

Obama rejected the prospect of raising the debt ceiling on the basis of the 14th Amendment when some Democrats suggested it at the time.

“I have talked to my lawyers,” Obama said in the summer of 2011. “They are not persuaded that that is a winning argument.”

A Republican aide suggested Reid has shifted his position because he knows Democrats cannot prevail upon Republicans to pass a debt-limit increase without deep spending cuts attached.

“It sounds like Senate Democrats are running scared because they know they can’t pass the ‘clean’ debt limit the White House is demanding,” the aide said.

— Published at 3:36 p.m. and updated at 8:26 p.m.