WASHINGTON U.S. House Democrats will file a so-called discharge petition on Wednesday as a means to raise the nation's debt limit in case it comes necessary, U.S. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said.

A discharge petition is a way to circumvent regular House procedures in a relatively quick manner to force a vote. Jeffries said in a statement he is hopeful a bipartisan agreement can still be reached, as congressional leaders continue talks with the White House.

(Reporting by Richard Cowan and Susan Heavey; Editing by Doina Chiacu)