Statement on House Debt Ceiling Vote

 “Today’s vote on the debt ceiling agreement marks another step forward in the effort to restore fiscal responsibility in Washington.  This agreement is not ideal and doesn’t solve all of our fiscal problems. However, it does cut excessive government spending, enacts systemic changes that will allow us to control spending in the future, and helps ensure that Washington is held more accountable to the American people. As one who has sponsored a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution since my first term in Congress, I am especially pleased that the agreement requires a vote on a balanced budget amendment and I fully support sending such an amendment to the states for ratification.

Over the last seven months, the debate in Washington has clearly changed from one of new government spending to a focus on balancing our books and making government live within its means. Families across America have been forced to tighten their belts and learn to do more with less. So should Washington. I will continue my efforts to put people and good policy before politics and to help enact real solutions to the financial challenges facing America.”