Hoyer Statement on Republican Debt Prioritization Bill
WASHINGTON, DC - House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement after Republicans held a mark up of H.R. 807:
“I am disappointed that Republicans have chosen to move forward with their so-called debt prioritization bill. This partisan bill would mandate paying what we owe to China and other holders of our debt first. By prioritizing debt payments, Republicans are creating more uncertainty for every other legal obligation of the federal government, including paying our troops in the field, disabled veterans, and seniors’ health care. This approach is not a serious solution, and economists and prominent Republicans are arguing that it’s not feasible. Make no mistake: by advancing this bill, Republicans are placing America at risk of default.
“Our country must get its debt under control, and Congress has a responsibility to achieve a big, balanced, and bipartisan solution to deficits toward that end while not playing games with the creditworthiness of the United States. It is past time for Democrats and Republicans to work together to set America back on a sound fiscal path.”
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