Himes Takes Responsible Vote to Protect Full Faith and Credit of the U.S. Government

Press Release

Congressman Jim Himes (CT-4) today voted in favor of a proposal that would have raised the nation's debt ceiling by a responsible amount to ensure the United States could continue to pay its bills. The legislation failed as the House GOP and many other members of Congress continued playing politics with the full faith and credit of the United States government.

"Today we saw a monumental display of irresponsible, childish behavior in the U.S. House of Representatives. It's deeply hypocritical for any member who has ever voted for a tax cut or spending increase to vote against our nation's ability to pay those bills. Today's disingenuous effort risks the impression that we will not raise the debt ceiling in time to prevent severe consequences in financial markets around the world," said Himes. "Everyone understands the necessity for hard choices on the budget. Reaching an agreement on the budget is critical, but it's deeply irresponsible to hold the full faith and credit of the United States government hostage to political posturing. The risks are too high for these political games to continue."

With the U.S. having reached its statutory debt limit on May 16, it is widely understood that an increase in the debt ceiling is inevitable. Unless Congress raises the debt limit, the government will ultimately be forced to stop paying its bondholders, and the nation's credit will collapse, with dire global consequences. Additionally, no money would be available pay soldiers, provide Social Security payments, continue food inspections, or keep FBI agents on the beat chasing criminals.

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