Conn. Rep. Larson to hold debt ceiling forum

EAST HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Connecticut U.S. Rep. John Larson is hosting a public forum on the federal debt ceiling.

The 1st District Democrat is expected to discuss how Congress is dealing with the limits on borrowing, automatic budget cuts and how the process could have a lasting impact on national and local economies.

The forum will be held Thursday at the East Hartford Cultural Center Auditorium and will run from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Republicans on Wednesday passed legislation in the House of Representatives to suspend a requirement for Congress, for nearly four months, to approve a higher limit on America's borrowing.

The 285-144 vote showed the GOP was backing away from an immediate battle with second-term President Barack Obama and a possible first-ever default on the country's obligations.