Gerlach and Meehan Issue Statements on Debt Ceiling Vote

Congressmen Jim Gerlach (R-PA6) and Pat Meehan (R-PA7) both voted for a bill to raise the federal debt ceiling, the so-caled "Boehner bill", on Friday night.

Following the vote each representative issued a statement.

Statement by Congressman Jim Gerlach (R-PA6)

"This legislation incorporates the key elements that a majority of my constituents have said are important to them. The United States will continue paying its bills on time -- just like families and small businesses must do each month. And the House makes a serious commitment to eliminating $3 trillion in wasteful Washington spending. The plan accomplishes these goals without putting the additional strain of higher taxes on anyone. Raising taxes and prolonging uncertainty about whether the U.S. will meet its obligations would simply make it harder to create jobs for the 14 million Americans out of work. 

'We are granting the President's request to raise the debt ceiling, but we are not handing him a blank check. This legislation requires any increase in the debt ceiling be balanced by corresponding spending cuts greater than the borrowing limit increase. This is responsible reform that ends the cycle of limitless borrowing and reckless spending. And by guaranteeing a vote on amending the Constitution to require a balanced federal budget, this plan offers a chance for real change that would make Washington more accountable to taxpayers."

Statement by Congressman Patrick Meehan (R-PA7)

“Tonight the House has again passed legislation that would prevent a default by raising our debt limit and cut spending by $2.7 trillion. If the Budget Control Act became law, it would be the first time in history that a debt limit increase was paired with spending cuts. 

“Senate Democrats have a plan that is similar to the House-passed bill, but with some significant differences. Neither plan raises taxes on American families or job creators – that’s important. Both increase the debt limit to avoid a default, albeit for different time periods, and both trigger spending reductions totaling $2.7 trillion, although there are critical distinctions between how these savings are accomplished. One approach requires a balanced budget amendment, and the other does not. But both create a 12-member Joint Committee of the Congress to come up with long-term spending reforms that will save Social Security and Medicare, and this bipartisan committee’s legislation could not be blocked by parliamentary tricks or maneuvering. I believe there are enough similarities that Democrats and Republicans can and should be able to find common ground and get this deal done.

“The clock is ticking and the American people are watching. I again urge the partisans on all sides to put aside petty politics and instead listen to the American people who sent us here to make the tough choices and get our fiscal house in order. Americans’ jobs, savings and credit hang in the balance.”

Both the U.S. House and Senate were scheduled to go back in session Saturday afternoon.