Congressman Supports Bi-partisan Plan on Debt Ceiling

Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick (R-8th) issued the following statement after the United States House of Representatives passed the Budget Control Act of 2011: 

“Today, along with a strong bi-partisan majority of my colleagues, I supported this compromise legislation because it contained certain core criteria that makes progress towards addressing our federal deficit head-on while make necessary reforms to restore our nation’s long-term fiscal health.

 “The recent protracted debate over our nation’s debt ceiling has been the result of out of control federal spending that has gone on for too long.  The Budget Control Act implements fundamental changes to address our nation’s fiscal health.  First, this legislation cuts federal spending by more than the amount of the debt ceiling increase.  Second, the Budget Control Act institutes spending caps that will prevent future debt ceiling brinksmanship, a hallmark of all that is wrong with Washington.  Finally, today’s vote advances the cause of a balanced budget amendment, something already contained in the constitutions of 49 of the 50 states.

 “While today’s vote is a first step towards fiscal sanity, it is an important one.  Congress and the President must continue to work together to prevent our deficits from overwhelming our economy and our nation.”

The legislation passed the House by a vote of 269-161.  The Senate is expected to consider the legislation shortly.