What they’re saying: Delegation responds to debt ceiling vote

0
46
The U.S. Capitol is seen, Thursday, Dec. 24, 2020, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives approved a short-term increase to the nation’s debt limit. This $480 billion increase ensures the federal government will continue to pay its bills into December. Without this approval, the government would have defaulted on the debt, a move that could decimate the economy. The measure passed by a party-line vote of 219-206.

The U.S. has never defaulted on its obligations to pay its debt. Nearly $8 trillion in debt accrued under Donald Trump.

In a press release, Mo Brooks argued against raising the debt limit, saying it is excessive.

Brooks stated, “Washington Debt Junkies can’t kick the habit. They continue to push financial insanity to new heights by adding $480 billion to America’s debt limit. America’s debt will soon blow through the $30 trillion mark. That is roughly $90,000 in debt for every man, woman, and child in America. America’s deficit exceeded $3 trillion in FY 2020 and is projected by the Congressional Budget Office to again break the $3 trillion mark in FY 2021.”

“Debt Junkie spending is excessive. It is dangerous. Yet, Debt Junkies refuse to acknowledge the error of their ways and do what is necessary to avoid a debilitating national insolvency and bankruptcy. Without corrective measures, that’s where America is headed. Debt junkies must face reality, or America’s greatness will be relegated to a shadow of its former self,” Brooks concluded.

Rep. Terri Sewell posted on Twitter that she supports raising the debt limit.

Sewell commented, “Defaulting on our credit would cause an unprecedented economic collapse, hurting every American and every Alabamian. Addressing the debt ceiling is the responsible thing to do, & I was proud to join my Democratic colleagues to protect families from catastrophe and pay our bills.”

Rep. Gary Palmer issued a press release arguing that Democrats are “oblivious” to the national debt crisis.

Palmer stated, “Democrats just raised the debt limit while also trying to pass the most expensive piece of legislation in the history of the United States. We are already at a point where U.S. debt is at 125 percent of our GDP (Gross Domestic Product). This means that our debt is now 25 percent larger than the entire U.S. economy. The debate over raising the debt limit should have been a pause point to allow Democrats and Republicans to work together to deal with our unsustainable debt.

“The reckless disregard for our debt crisis has become a national security threat, and it is undermining the security and well-being of the current and future generations. Instead of increasing the debt limit while trying to spend over $5 trillion more, Congress should be working to craft legislation focused on growing our economy, ensuring our energy security, creating jobs, and finding every reasonable way to reduce our debt, which has become a major threat to the future of all Americans.”

On Twitter, Palmer commented, “Instead of increasing the debt limit while trying to spend over $5 trillion more, Congress should be working to craft legislation focused on growing our economy and finding ways to reduce debt.”

White House Council of Economic Advisors stated in a blog, “A default would fundamentally hinder the Federal government from serving the American people. Payments from the Federal government that families rely on to make ends meet would be endangered. The basic functions of the Federal government—including maintaining national defense, national parks, and countless others—would be at risk. The public health system, which has enabled this country to react to a global pandemic, would be unable to adequately function.”