Politics & Government

Fitzpatrick Votes to Increase Debt Ceiling

The Bucks County Congressman said the plan he voted for "is not perfect" but strikes a balance between House and Senate proposals.

Bucks County Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick joined his fellow Republicans Friday in approving House Speaker John Boehner's version of a bill that would raise the country's debt ceiling.

But the bill, the Budget Control Act of 2011, passed the House by a vote of 218 - 210, and won not a single vote from a Democrat.

When it headed over to the Senate Friday night, it was quickly defeated by a vote of 59-41.

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Here is the statement Congressman Fitzpatrick issued after voting in favor of the house bill:

“Today, I joined my colleagues in the House of Representatives in voting for a plan that increases the federal debt ceiling.  This increase in the federal debt ceiling was accompanied by meaningful and substantial spending cuts that will help move our nation towards real deficit reduction without raising taxes. This is a feature of both the current Senate and House proposals.  It also locks in savings to provide predictability to the budget process in the future and requires a balanced budget amendment be submitted to the states.  Finally, the plan includes a centerpiece of Senator Reid’s proposal by establishing a bipartisan committee to recommend and enact additional cost savings.
 
“The approval of this legislation marks the second time in as many weeks that the House of Representatives has acted to increase our nation’s debt limit.  During this time, the Senate has not voted on a single plan to raise the debt ceiling or attack our long term deficits.  In fact, Senator Reid has resisted virtually every effort by the House to cut federally spending.
 
“The plan that the House passed today is not perfect, but strikes a balance between the House and Senate proposals.  It makes substantial cuts to federal spending that will begin to restore fiscal order, but additional deficit reduction measures are still required to put us on a steady trajectory towards a balanced federal budget.  I am disappointed that this plan does not make necessary changes to the federal tax code, like closing loopholes that allow some individuals and companies avoid paying their fair share.  I will continue to advocate for such reforms in the future.
 
“While this plan has obvious shortcomings, it does prevent the federal government from defaulting on its obligations while addressing the structural fiscal deficiencies that plague our nation presently and threaten our strength in the future.  Senator Reid now has the House’s preferred plan—cut, cap and balance, as well as this compromise plan before the Senate to choose from.  I will remain in Washington this weekend awaiting Senate action and I call on Senator Reid and the President to enact this legislation.”


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