Price: GOP 'Doubles Down' on Government by Crisis

Statement

Today, Representative David Price (NC-04) voted against a measure suspending the debt ceiling until May 19, saying the effort represents House Republicans "doubling down" on a strategy of government by crisis. Rep. Price also announced his co-sponsorship of H. Res. 12, a resolution to require that any increase of the debt ceiling receive an up-or-down vote in the House, which would restore certainty to a process the House Republican majority has exploited to impose drastic cuts to many critical domestic investments.

Rep. Price released the following statement:

"This three-month suspension of the debt ceiling is not an end to government by crisis--it is a continuation of it. By doubling down on their strategy of holding the budget hostage to short-term extensions of the debt ceiling, House Republicans are creating months of continued uncertainty for businesses and families and setting up another artificially created crisis that puts the full faith and credit of the United States at risk once again.

"Raising the debt ceiling does not authorize additional spending. It simply allows us to make good on our existing obligations. Refusing to pay our bills not only does nothing to accomplish balanced long-term deficit reduction, it also can make it more difficult to balance our budget.

"The United States is a nation that pays its bills. Congress must not continue to hold vital programs such as Social Security, Medicare, veterans care and the nation's economy hostage to a political agenda. Instead of resorting to short-term gimmicks, I call on the Republican majority to bring to the floor a clean, long-term debt ceiling increase so that we can move on to the pressing challenges facing our country: continuing the economic recovery, investing in our future and getting our fiscal house in order."

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