Jul 26, 2024
Local Issues
Spanberger Votes to Prevent Default on America’s Debt, Protect Virginia’s Economy
Jun 01, 2023
Economy & Jobs
Fiscal Responsibility & National Debt
Good Governance
Press
Social Security, Medicare, & Retirement
Congresswoman: “My Chief Responsibility in This Moment is Protecting America’s Full Faith And Credit, Avoiding a Recession, and Defending Our Commonwealth’s Economy”
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger today released the following statement after voting with a bipartisan majority of the U.S. House to pass the Fiscal Responsibility Act — legislation that would raise the federal debt limit and avoid a default.
“Over the past few months, I’ve heard directly from Virginians who are deeply concerned about the impacts of a potential default. These Virginians are seniors, families, business owners, Veterans, federal employees, and more. Like me, they believe that we should pay our nation’s bills and stop our economy from tanking.
“In response, I have been very clear — my chief responsibility in this moment is protecting America’s full faith and credit, avoiding a recession, and defending our Commonwealth’s economy. While I do not agree with every provision in this package, I can’t argue with the package’s end result: preventing an economic catastrophe for the Virginians I serve. Such is the nature of compromise in an era of divided government.
“As I’ve long said, we can pay our bills while also having separate conversations about the investments we make in America’s people, communities, economy, and national security. I look forward to the U.S. Senate moving quickly to send this legislation to the President’s desk.”
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BACKGROUND
Spanberger has long warned about the negative effects of a default and the hyper-partisanship surrounding this process. In February 2023, she joined Prince William County business leaders to sound the alarm on how a potential default would be devastating for Virginia’s economy and workforce.
Additionally, Spanberger has made clear that Members of Congress must be focused on protecting America’s economy and preventing a catastrophic default. Earlier this month, she introduced a bipartisan bill that would block Members of Congress from receiving their pay during any default or government shutdown.
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