Gerlach Votes for Debt Ceiling 'Compromise Bill'

Minutes after the U.S. House voted to approve a measure to raise the federal debt ceiling by more than two trillion dollars, Representative Jim Gerlach (R-PA 6) issued a statement explaining why he voted in favor of the bill.

In the emailed statement Gerlach said:

"Prolonged uncertainty and higher taxes are the last things that people looking for work and those concerned about holding onto their jobs need right now. This legislation ends weeks of uncertainty about whether the United States would default for the first time in our history. No one wanted to risk sending interest rates soaring and making it even harder to create jobs and help businesses grow. Equally important is the fact that Congress will not raise taxes on Pennsylvania families and employers. 

And unlike past votes to raise the debt ceiling, Congress is not handing the President a blank check because spending will be cut by a greater amount than the borrowing limit increases. This legislation creates an opportunity for real reforms, including clearing the way for a vote on amending the Constitution to require a balanced federal budget. Finally, it is important to remember that the work of House Republicans to eliminate wasteful Washington spending did not begin with this debt limit debate. Clearly, our job of making Washington live within its means is far from finished with this vote.”

Congressman Pat Meehan (R-PA6) issued a a few hours before the House vote Monday explaining why he was also supporting the bill.

The 269-161 vote Monday night in the House follows weeks of bitter partisan wrangling. The 'Obama Boehner Reid' bill now goes to the Senate where it is expected to be voted on Tuesday.