Takai supports paying our troops before China

Statement

Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 692, or the "Pay China First Act" 235-194, which allows the U.S. Treasury to continue to borrow once the debt limit is reached only for payments on our debt -- mostly held by foreign governments--leaving almost all other obligations the United States has behind. Takai voted against the measure, and joined all House Democrats as well as several Republicans in doing so.

"While I agree with many of my colleagues that we must double down on our nation's growing debt, this is just another diversionary tactic. We, as a Congress, need to come together to find long-term, bipartisan, common sense solutions, rather than playing politics with our nation's security, economy, and the wellbeing of its people," Takai said.

This bill prioritizes paying off debt obligations to foreign governments over many other domestic programs. These include pay for active-duty military, veterans' benefits, Medicare and Medicaid payments, and payments to small businesses.

"The way we spend our money reflects our priorities as a nation. What does it mean if we pay China before we pay the brave men and women who serve our country? It is time for us to focus on what matters, and to put people over politics," Takai, who is a member of the House Armed Services, concluded.

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