This step, necessary for the House of Representatives to vote on the agreement, was achieved despite resistance from some of the more radical members of the Republican Party. They have criticized the plan, believing that it does not achieve sufficient cuts in public spending.
"I want to be very clear. No Republican should vote in favor of this agreement. We are working hard to make sure it is stopped," said conservative lawmaker Chip Roy, one of the voices speaking out against the pact, during a press conference.
The House Rules Committee agreed by a vote of seven in favor and six against to advance the legislative process.
If passed, the compromise reached over the weekend between US President Joe Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, a Republican, will raise the debt ceiling for the next two years, extending beyond the upcoming presidential elections.
In return, the White House commits to reducing spending levels and introducing some requirements for food aid programs and vulnerable families.
Congressional approval of the agreement is crucial to prevent the country from defaulting on its public debt after reaching the debt ceiling in January, the legal limit on the amount of money the US can borrow to fulfill its obligations.
Lawmakers have until June 5th to pass the measure in both chambers, which is the date the Department of the Treasury estimates the country will exhaust its reserves.
The agreement has faced criticism from some of the more radical members of the Republican Party, who have called for its rejection, as well as from some progressive members of the Democratic Party.
However, it enjoys the support of the leadership of both parties in both houses of Congress.