Debt-limit hike fails in House in symbolic vote

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The House of Representatives on Tuesday defeated a bill to raise the debt limit in a vote staged by Republicans to strengthen their push for deep spending cuts in negotiations with the White House.

By a vote of 318-97, the Republican-controlled chamber overwhelmingly rejected President Barack Obama's call to increase the $14.3 trillion debt limit without conditions. Some Democrats who support Obama's position voted against it.

(Reporting by Andy Sullivan; editing by Mohammad Zargham)