Rep. Barletta Statement on House Passage of Debt Ceiling Legislation

Statement

WASHINGTON -- Congressman Lou Barletta, PA-11, today issued the following statement regarding the House passage of legislation to suspend the debt ceiling through March 15, 2015.

"With our national debt now well over $17 trillion dollars, I could not in good conscience vote for a bill that would extend our borrowing limit without reductions elsewhere.

"Historically, debt limit legislation has been paired with other budgetary bills intended to reduce deficits. In 2010, the House demanded a dollar-for-dollar match in deficit reduction for increasing the debt limit, and they accomplished it.

"Last year, I sided with the American people and voted to reopen the government because I truly believed we could achieve spending reductions during the debt ceiling debate. Regrettably, we get no meaningful savings in this bill to suspend the debt limit.

"I have four daughters, and if one of them came to me and asked for help making payments on her credit card, I would help her out. What I wouldn't do is help her raise that credit card limit.

"At some point, we need to draw a line in the sand and take the credit card back from the federal government.

"The American taxpayers deserve the certainty that comes with a balanced budget and commonsense spending reductions. Thanks to Washington's unsustainable spending problem, each American citizen currently owns $54,367.72 of our nation's debt. They shouldn't have to endure this burden weighing on their shoulders."

Source