From the Lion's Den.

If Reid's version can't pass either, Boehner's plan would still be a tough--if not impossible--sell to the Senate and the White House. All 53 Senate Democrats signed a letter this week vowing to vote against Boehner's plan.

"A short-term extension like the one in your bill would put America at risk, along with every family and business in it," the letter read. "We now have only five days left to act. The entire world is watching Congress. We need to do the right thing to solve this problem. We must work together to avoid a default the responsible way—not in a way that will do America more harm than good."

The Senate could, however, amend the House bill and send it back to the House, which would likely include a reduction in spending and provide enough to raise the debt ceiling for more than a year.

Reid's plan to raise the debt ceiling would cut billions more than Boehner's proposal, and free up enough money for the government to continue paying its debts until after the elections in November 2012. That, too, would require House approval.

Earlier this week, President Obama stopped short of promising to veto Boehner's bill if it survives the Senate, but sent a message to Congress Tuesday promising that, "senior advisers would recommend that he veto this bill."

The White House ramped up its rhetorical offensive on Friday when President Obama said that Boehner's plan "has no chance of becoming law."