Takai returns to vote for bipartisan budget deal

Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a two-year bipartisan budget deal H.R. 1314 266-167. The vote came ahead of the November 3 deadline for lifting our country's debt ceiling and the December 11 deadline to continue funding our government. Takai voted in favor of the bill.

"I am pleased to see a deal that offers relief from harmful budget cuts and that Congress can enact spending laws that invest in this nation's future. I have consistently voiced the need for a solution that raises the caps on both defense and non-defense spending. Not only is there a solution for our spending woes, but this bill averts deep reductions in Social Security Disability Insurance benefits and reverses an imminent spike in Medicare Part B premiums -- both of which would negatively affect our kupuna," Takai said.

Through the budget, Congress lifts our nation's debt ceiling and increases our defense and non-defense spending equally for two years. America avoids a first-ever default on its debt. Our government can now more effectively and strategically plan it's expenditures over years, instead of months. The deal now heads to the Senate, where it is expected to pass, and then to the President, who is expected to sign it.

"I agree with many of my colleagues that we must reduce our nation's growing debt, but we need to make sure that it is not at the expense of our country's future and our ability to compete in a changing global economy. We, as Congress, need to come together to find long-term, bipartisan, common sense solutions, rather than play politics with our national security, economy, and the wellbeing of its people. I hope today's vote marks a shift in how our nation's highest legislative body conducts its business," Takai concluded.

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