Whitehouse Statement on Vote to Reduce Deficit and Avoid Default

Statement

U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) released the following statement today after voting in favor of the compromise legislation to raise our nation's debt ceiling, reduce federal deficits, and avoid a default on our financial obligations:

"This is a difficult and unpleasant vote, but the House Republicans threat to put the country into default must be avoided. The President's plan is far from perfect, but we must avoid default.

"Throughout this debate, I've heard from seniors asking me to fight against cuts to Social Security and Medicare benefits. I was proud to lead that fight in the Senate, and the good news is that this plan doesn't make any cuts to benefits for our seniors.

"I also heard from many people in Rhode Island who are frustrated that this does nothing to close one single tax giveaway to special interests and billionaires. All I can say is that we didn't win today but I'll continue fighting with all my heart to end these sweetheart deals for the special interests and close the loopholes for companies that ship jobs overseas.

"Most important, with the threat of government default removed, it is time for Congress to take on the most important issue facing Rhode Island: growing our economy and creating jobs."

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