Pearce Statement on Suspending the Debt Limit
Statement
Congressman Steve Pearce released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives voted on the amended continuing resolution and budget that also suspends the debt limit:
"Any piece of legislation that suspends the debt limit is simply an excuse for Congress and the government to spend at will, without regard for the consequences down the road. Just as businesses and families have a borrowing limit on their credit card, so does the federal government. By suspending the debt limit through the end of 2018, Congress is granting the government a blank check.
I did not support giving President George W. Bush a blank check. I did not support it under President Barack Obama. And I will not support it under President Donald Trump.
For this reason, I could not in good conscience vote for the fifth continuing resolution, which also sets a misguided budget for the next two years. Earlier this year, the House passed all 12 appropriations bills on time, the Senate has still refused to debate and vote on a single one. Instead of doing our job, Congress is acting without a thought-out plan. We must ensure our nation's military has the tools and training it needs to succeed, and we have to help our fellow man in times of great need. But, we cannot be reckless."
Background
On February 6, 2018, the U.S. House of Representatives voted and passed H.R. 1892, Furthering Extension of Continuing Appropriations Act, with Rep. Pearce's support. This bill provided a Continuing Resolution (CR) through March 23, 2018, as well as full-year appropriations for the Department of Defense. The Defense Department funding included a 2.4% pay raise for troops.
The package voted on this morning included a Continuing Resolution (CR) through March 23, 2018. It did not include full-year funding for the Department of Defense. However, this package included a budget that will add nearly $300 billion in new spending over the next two years. These increases will drive the next two years annual deficits over $1 trillion for the first time since 2012. In addition, this deal will result in the debt limit being suspended through March 1, 2019.
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