Democrats' Debt Ceiling Increase Fails

Press Release

Today the House of Representatives defeated legislation advocated by President Obama and over 100 Democrats in Congress to raise the debt ceiling without significant cuts to federal spending. The legislation was defeated 318-97. Despite their rhetoric in support of such an increase, 82 Democrats joined all voting Republicans in opposition.

"I came to Congress to balance the budget and reduce the debt that is threatening our economy and future generations. Until now, Democrats have failed to participate in a constructive debate, instead ignoring the wishes of the American people and resorting to fear-mongering and gross distortions in hopes of shifting public opinion in favor of the unsustainable status quo. With tonight's vote, it is my hope Democrats will rethink their approach and join Republicans in a serious conversation about our debt crisis,"Rokita said.

Tonight's vote is the latest setback for the reckless, big spending policies of President Obama, Secretary Geithner and Democrats in Congress. Last week Obama's budget, which runs trillion dollar deficits for the next decade, failed to earn any votes in the Senate.

"Americans do not want the debt ceiling increased without permanent and structural reforms to reduce spending." Rokita said. "The fact that 82 Democrats voted against raising the debt ceiling is evidence that the collective voice of the American people is finally being heard on the other side of the aisle."

"Republicans have put forward substantive proposals for reforming the way Congress budgets and spends, including entitlement program reforms that will rescue those programs from bankruptcy. Now it is time for Democrats to join us in implementing major spending reductions."

Representative Rokita has previously outlined his position that any increase in the debt ceiling should be accompanied by large cuts in spending and reforms to how Congress spends and budgets. Reforms must be permanent and structural so future Congresses cannot easily undue them. And to ensure they exist for future generations, reforms should address programs like Medicare and Social Security, the greatest drivers of federal spending.

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